Added Notre Dame right tackle Aamil Wagner, "I think the biggest mental hurdle is you're knowing you're going against elite athletes where the slightest mistake can get you beat. The guys that you play against, they can run 4.4s, 4.5s, they can get off the ball fast, they can do whatever they can, they would leap in, and so like it's almost a sense to be perfect every rep."
For reference, five edge rush prospects at this weekend's NFL Combine ran a 4.5 or lower, with Ohio State Arvell Reese clocking in with the fastest time at the position (4.46).
Others deal with the stress by not thinking of it all once on the field. Preparation, technique, and instinct take over.
"I mean, it's just another position on the offensive line. You really can't focus on that too much," explained Proctor. "You just got to focus on the task at hand, and it comes to preparation. I feel really comfortable going out there through the preparation that I have throughout the week, and that's what gets me ready for the game."
"Honestly, I kind of try not to think about it," laughed Pounds. "But that is an important position because of the quarterback's blind side, so it's just like, they got a lot of trust in you that they can throw you out there at left tackle, so you better not mess up."