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Word association. It is that thing that doctors do to examine people’s inner thoughts. For example, if one were to say Falcon offense, what immediately comes to mind?

Omar Jacobs and his record breaking 41 touchdown four interception season. The Heisman Trophy candidate that is turning into a media darling. Perhaps, one would think of an amazing group of Falcon receivers led by seniors Charles Sharon and Steve Sanders. Or perhaps even their younger counterparts Corey Partridge and Marques Parks.

Of course, therre is the one-two punch in the running game, P.J. Pope and B.J. Lane.

What no one ever can seem to recall, is that the Falcons have an offensive line.

It is something that starting left tackle Rob Warren, senior, is used to. “We’re like the unsung heroes,” Warren said.

“We don’t necessarily get all the publicity in the world, but you know, we’re used to that…we just pride ourselves on being as perfect as we can.”

While Warren may not be perfect, he had an excellent season in 2004 and looks to build on that going into 2005. He is an imposing presence at 6-feet-6 and 292 pounds. But, inside that massive frame is a respectful man that is mild mannered, polite and extremely intelligent.

“I just try to stay grounded,” Warren said after the last scrimmage of fall camp. “I’m just going to try and go out there like every other season and try to play as best as I can.”

He has played 26 games over the last two seasons and was named First-Team All-MAC after the 2004 campaign. He was also one of 54 Division IA players named to the Rotary Lombardi Trophy Preseason Watch List; a list for the nation’#39;s best down linemen.

With the departure of former Falcon center Scott Murkowski to the NFL, Warren realizes he needs to be the leader of the Falcon offensive line.

“I feel like I’m the oldest guy in the group now,” he said. “I feel like I have to pick up where Scottie left off, you know and just start leading these guys.”

While he is tenacious on the field and relaxed off it, Warren wants the guys to follow him on the field and set the best possible example for all the young guys.

“I’m not a real vocal guy. I’ll get after somebody if need be, but for the most part I try and do the right thing every time I step out on the field,” Warren said. “I try and get people to follow me and follow my lead.”

That example will be vital for an offensive line that has lost three- fifths of its starters from a season ago. It was a big question mark as the Falcons headed into training camp. But with promising young men on the line things are looking up for the O-line. “Coming in we were all like, ‘#39;I don’t know how this is going to work out,”#34; Warren recalls.

And now?

“I think that we probably will have one of the strongest offensive lines since I’ve been here.” And even though he’d never admit to it. A large part of that has to do with the leader on the offensive line, Rob Warren.

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