Lineman bolsters offense

IU fans tend to remember the exploits of the two members of the 2001 all-Big Ten team that graduated last season. After all, Antwaan Randle El and Levron Williams combined to form a nightmare for any defensive coordinator or scoreboard operator, with Williams leading the conference in scoring and Randle El taking the Silver Football for Conference Player of the Year honors.\nWhat fans might forget is that there was one more Hoosier that was on last year's all-Big Ten roster. One that got down and dirty opening holes for Williams and giving Randle El a little extra time to create his magic. That player is senior offensive lineman Enoch DeMar.\nFor DeMar, the possibility of being overlooked doesn't bother him.\n"I'm an offensive lineman," DeMar said. "It's a part of the job."\nDeMar has been as steadfast as they come, having started 39 consecutive games. As one of the seasoned veterans on a young IU roster, he seemed a natural fit to fill in the role of offensive captain.\n"He's been a good team guy, a good team leader," coach Gerry DiNardo said.\nOffensive line coach Phil Adazzio credits DeMar's approachability as an asset for younger players to look up to.\n"Enoch's the kind of guy that likes to lead by example. Everyone has a different style -- some are up in your face," Adazzio said. "He wants to go out and do his best, and hope that people follow him by doing their best."\nDeMar's path to IU began in his high school days, where he was named all-state at Arsenal Tech in Indianapolis. Though he didn't start playing football until his sophomore year in high school, DeMar was offered scholarships by both IU and Illinois.\nAfter sitting out his freshman year as a redshirt, DeMar has not missed a start.\n"It's my job. If I can be out there, I'll be out there," DeMar said of his streak.\nDespite his experience, the 2002 off-season was a time of constant change for DeMar. He adjusted to a new coaching staff, a new quarterback and a new position on the offensive line.\nThen again, playing a new position on the offensive line is nothing new for DeMar; he has played every spot on the line. This year, he protects senior quarterback Gibran Hamdan's blindside as a left tackle. He played left guard his freshman year, right tackle his sophomore year and right guard last season. He also spent time at center in training camp this year.\n"He's a smart guy, and because he's got experience he kind of knows every position," Adazzio said. "If (an injury) situation occurred, we could plug gaps no problem."\nPlaying in the Big Ten, DeMar has seen his fair share of highly touted defensive lineman. But he still said that the player that challenges him the most is the one who wears the same helmet, senior Kris Dielman.\n"He makes sure your technique is perfect," DeMar said. "If not, you're not gonna block him."\nDeMar's success has not been limited to the playing field, though. With a GPA of 3.03 in telecommunications, he has been named all-academic Big Ten the past two seasons.\nDeMar bristles at the stigma associated with the long-time cliché "big, dumb lineman."\n"We're the brightest guys out there," DeMar said. "We're always at the point of attack. We have a thousand things going on in our head before the play. It's hard."\nOn the playing field, he said one of his favorite memory is last year's 13-7 victory over Purdue to reclaim the Old Oaken Bucket. But it is the camaraderie with teammates that will give DeMar his favorite memories of IU.\n"The fellowship, and the bond…those are the things that you really can't recreate," DeMar said.\nIdeally, DeMar would like to see his IU career end in a bowl game. And though he will have a resume ready for the real world, DeMar said he hopes that his career in football doesn't stop at that point, but carries into the NFL. \nBut he doesn't like to look that far ahead.\n"I think I've got a good chance of making it," DeMar said. "But I've got to focus on 'the now."