University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: UNC Athletic Communications
GoHeels Exclusive: Montilus Continues To Make Strides This Fall
August 9, 2019 | Football, Featured Writers
By Pat James, GoHeels.com
Looking back on last season, during which he redshirted without playing a single snap, Ed Montilus admits it wasn't always easy watching from the sidelines.
But armed with the lessons he learned by observing his older teammates, the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder emerged as North Carolina's potential starter at left guard during spring practice. And he's continued impressing the coaching staff throughout training camp.
"I just gave it all I have," said Montilus after UNC's sixth training camp practice on Thursday. "Coach preaches effort all the time. So, I just always give a lot of effort. The technique just comes along once you practice it every day."
Montilus said he's made strides in pass protection. He's also benefitted from the arrival of new head strength and conditioning coach Brian Hess, who the offensive lineman said is continuing to assist him in improving his lateral quickness.
Just as important to Montilus, though, has been playing between fifth-year senior left tackle Charlie Heck and fifth-year senior center/guard Nick Polino, who have combined for 36 career starts.
"I'm always listening to Nick Polino, whether it's in the meeting room or on the field, because he always knows adjustments and what to do," Montilus said. "So, I just watch him, even when I'm not in. And when I'm in with him, I ask him questions. He always helps out. …
"They've been really big. When times are tough and we're out there in the hot sun and all the young guys are feeling down – sometimes I have that problem – I see them working. Even last year, when I redshirted, I always saw how they reacted to tough times. They lead by example and they're becoming more vocal."
Montilus said he needs to become more vocal, too. Surely, the more he plays, the more comfortable he'll feel speaking up. But the coaching staff hopes that's not all that happens as Montilus gains experience.
"Ed Montilus was outstanding," said Stacy Searels at the end of spring ball. "The thing he's got to do is play more consistent. He just doesn't have the experience. For an offensive lineman to play well, I think you've got to get confident. The only way you get confident is from being on that field and having good things happen.Â
"There were certain days he was as good as anybody in practice. He used his hands well, he played physical and he moved his feet well. And then there would be days where he'd lapse a little bit. So if we're going to be a really good football team, and compete to win the Coastal championship and the ACC Championship, we've got to have guys consistent every day."
Montilus' inconsistency in the spring could've also been attributed to his unfamiliarity with the rapid pace of Phil Longo's Air Raid offense. But he said Thursday he feels acclimated to it now.
He's also grown used to the idea that he could open the season as a starter.
"It was a little surprising," said Montilus of his progression. "I just told myself I have to work hard. When I redshirted, it was a little hard on me. But I got used to it, because it's not all about you; you've got to get your team better. So, whatever role I had, I had to fill in that role.Â
"Now, I'm glad to actually be playing. That's my new role. And I just (need to) keep going from there."
Looking back on last season, during which he redshirted without playing a single snap, Ed Montilus admits it wasn't always easy watching from the sidelines.
But armed with the lessons he learned by observing his older teammates, the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder emerged as North Carolina's potential starter at left guard during spring practice. And he's continued impressing the coaching staff throughout training camp.
"I just gave it all I have," said Montilus after UNC's sixth training camp practice on Thursday. "Coach preaches effort all the time. So, I just always give a lot of effort. The technique just comes along once you practice it every day."
Montilus said he's made strides in pass protection. He's also benefitted from the arrival of new head strength and conditioning coach Brian Hess, who the offensive lineman said is continuing to assist him in improving his lateral quickness.
Just as important to Montilus, though, has been playing between fifth-year senior left tackle Charlie Heck and fifth-year senior center/guard Nick Polino, who have combined for 36 career starts.
"I'm always listening to Nick Polino, whether it's in the meeting room or on the field, because he always knows adjustments and what to do," Montilus said. "So, I just watch him, even when I'm not in. And when I'm in with him, I ask him questions. He always helps out. …
"They've been really big. When times are tough and we're out there in the hot sun and all the young guys are feeling down – sometimes I have that problem – I see them working. Even last year, when I redshirted, I always saw how they reacted to tough times. They lead by example and they're becoming more vocal."
Montilus said he needs to become more vocal, too. Surely, the more he plays, the more comfortable he'll feel speaking up. But the coaching staff hopes that's not all that happens as Montilus gains experience.
"Ed Montilus was outstanding," said Stacy Searels at the end of spring ball. "The thing he's got to do is play more consistent. He just doesn't have the experience. For an offensive lineman to play well, I think you've got to get confident. The only way you get confident is from being on that field and having good things happen.Â
"There were certain days he was as good as anybody in practice. He used his hands well, he played physical and he moved his feet well. And then there would be days where he'd lapse a little bit. So if we're going to be a really good football team, and compete to win the Coastal championship and the ACC Championship, we've got to have guys consistent every day."
Montilus' inconsistency in the spring could've also been attributed to his unfamiliarity with the rapid pace of Phil Longo's Air Raid offense. But he said Thursday he feels acclimated to it now.
He's also grown used to the idea that he could open the season as a starter.
"It was a little surprising," said Montilus of his progression. "I just told myself I have to work hard. When I redshirted, it was a little hard on me. But I got used to it, because it's not all about you; you've got to get your team better. So, whatever role I had, I had to fill in that role.Â
"Now, I'm glad to actually be playing. That's my new role. And I just (need to) keep going from there."
Players Mentioned
Offensive Line
/ Football
Offensive Line
/ Football
Offensive Line
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