WATCH: Justin Osborne talks SMU spring practice
SMU offensive lineman Justin Osborne spoke with reporters to kick off spring practices and shared more on his journey to center in spring ball. Catch his full interview at the top of our page.
SMU offensive line coach Garin Justice has Osborne in a new spot as he gets a look at some of his new teammates as well.
“Coming out here first day was great,” Osborne told reporters last week. “We had great energy coming out on offense and defensive side, getting to see some of the new guys work. They’re very good, very talented guys coming in. We look forward to seeing everybody just keep improving.”
Getting those reps at center has been different for the veteran offensive lineman. Osborne started games at right guard and right tackle for the Mustangs in 2023. In his final year, it looks like he’ll be manning the middle for SMU.
“It’s definitely different. Being at guard and tackle, the guys are a little bit off the ball from you,” Osborne said. “The guys being up closer to you, you’ve got to be a little faster in footwork. It’s like being the quarterback of the offensive line. Got to make all the right calls and whatever call you make, everybody’s got to follow. So you got to make sure you speak up and be bold about your decision making.”
With the move to the ACC and a lot of returning talent, Osborne said it feels a little different this spring.
“It definitely feels a little different. For me, I haven’t done spring ball very much the past couple of years due to injury. Coming out here, being my first spring ball in about two, three years,” Osborne said. “We had great energy, like I said. Everybody’s just leveling up their game so much to where you start off where you left off, and that’s great, because we’re gonna become a great team doing that.
