SWeberCat02
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"Fifth of an eight-part series featuring the best Football Championship Subdivision players at various positions.
By Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - J.C. Oram used to think he would follow his older brother Shawn, a fellow offensive lineman, to Idaho State. The last place he thought he would wind up was at the Bengals' Big Sky Conference rival, Weber State.
"Back in the day, I used to hate Weber State," J.C. recalls. "Now it's kind of funny that I'm here."
Weber State opponents aren't laughing when they have to go up against the Wildcats' star. Oram has been pancaking defensive linemen ever since he arrived in Ogden, Utah.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound right guard didn't start his first college game in 2008, but he has in all 36 games since then, and has become one of the FCS' top 10 offensive linemen. His goal for his senior season, though, is to be considered the best offensive lineman in the nation.
"Dedication. You have to be dedicated whatever you do," Oram said of his goal. "Right now we're in the offseason, I'm lifting five days a week, trying to get stronger. I have to work on my footwork. It's all preparation right now."
This season will be a particularly good one for offensive linemen in the Big Sky. Oram is coming off a season in which he was a second-team selection on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team.
He has been part of an offensive line that has blocked for All-Americas at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. This season, though, the Wildcats' offensive strength is up front, where their veteran line features the left side of Oram and tackle Caleb Turner, who also was a All-Big Sky first-team selection last season.
"I believe I'm better in pass blocking right now, but I'm working on my run to get better," said Oram, who made the All-Big Sky second team in both 2008 and '09. "I'm better at pulling. I like to pull, I like to get out there and get a full head of steam and hit somebody. That's what our base play is - power.
"I love pass blocking, I love being one-on-one with somebody and just stopping him on every move that he can do to me. It's just a great feeling."
Oram's physical style is built off sound technique, from his push off the line of scrimmage to taking the right steps to using his hands to knock defensive linemen back. With aspirations of a pro career, however, he believes he has to get stronger physically.
It's a good sign for his future that Oram thought his best games last season were against Weber State's two FBS opponents, Boston College and Texas Tech.
"I see the guy in front of me and I know that I'm better than him," Oram said. "I get down and I look at his technique. I've become really good at noticing stances and tips that will help me know what he's doing. If he's in a right- handed stance, he's probably going to go to the right. I pick up these things from watching film and I notice them. I look at that first and know what they're doing. Then once they're doing that, I just come off the ball as hard as I can and keep moving my feet until he's on the ground, and keep him on the ground."
Idaho State offered a scholarship to Oram in his senior year of high school, but the resident of Slaterville, Utah, clearly picked the right school. Weber State has enjoyed three straight winning seasons, with two playoff appearances and a 23-14 record. Idaho State is coming off three straight one-win seasons.
"When you hear about the Big Sky, you think of Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington. We're all good teams," Oram said. "Every game is so competitive and every game matters. If you lose one game, you might not have a shot to make it to the playoffs."
