The Unbreakable Wall The Legacy of Fordham's Seven Blocks of Granite
In the annals of college football history, few nicknames evoke such a sense of power and resilience as the "Seven Blocks of Granite." This moniker belonged to the legendary offensive line of the 1936 Fordham Rams, a unit that remains synonymous with dominance and paved the way for a near-perfect season.
The nickname wasn't a coincidence. Composed of seven exceptional linemen – Leo Paquin, Johnny Druze, Alex Wojciechowicz, Ed Franco, Al Babartsky, Mike Kochel, and Harry Jacunski – this group embodied toughness and technical brilliance. They weren't just big; they were disciplined, coordinated, and possessed a fierce competitive spirit instilled by head coach Jim Crowley and line coach Frank Leahy, both NFL coaching legends themselves.
The "Seven Blocks of Granite" revolutionized the way the offensive line operated in the single-platoon era of college football. They played both offense and defense, a testament to their incredible stamina and versatility. Their primary function was to clear running lanes for the Fordham backfield, a task they accomplished with brutal efficiency. The backs enjoyed the luxury of running behind an impenetrable wall, allowing them to rack up points at will.
The 1936 season was a masterclass in offensive dominance. The "Seven Blocks of Granite" shut down opposing pass rushes and paved the way for a relentless rushing attack. Fordham averaged over 128 points per game, a staggering number in that era. They shut out three opponents and outscored their adversaries by a margin of 128-33, a testament to their offensive and defensive prowess.
While the Rams finished the season undefeated and ranked number one, a heartbreaking loss to NYU in the final game dashed their Rose Bowl dreams. However, the legacy of the "Seven Blocks of Granite" transcended wins and losses. Their dominance redefined the role of the offensive line, showcasing its importance in establishing a dominant running game.
The "Seven Blocks of Granite" story extends beyond statistics and on-field achievements. They produced two College Football Hall of Famers and two Pro Football Hall of Famers, including the legendary Vince Lombardi, whose own coaching philosophy was undeniably influenced by his experiences playing behind this dominant line.
The nickname wasn't a coincidence. Composed of seven exceptional linemen – Leo Paquin, Johnny Druze, Alex Wojciechowicz, Ed Franco, Al Babartsky, Mike Kochel, and Harry Jacunski – this group embodied toughness and technical brilliance. They weren't just big; they were disciplined, coordinated, and possessed a fierce competitive spirit instilled by head coach Jim Crowley and line coach Frank Leahy, both NFL coaching legends themselves.
The "Seven Blocks of Granite" revolutionized the way the offensive line operated in the single-platoon era of college football. They played both offense and defense, a testament to their incredible stamina and versatility. Their primary function was to clear running lanes for the Fordham backfield, a task they accomplished with brutal efficiency. The backs enjoyed the luxury of running behind an impenetrable wall, allowing them to rack up points at will.
The 1936 season was a masterclass in offensive dominance. The "Seven Blocks of Granite" shut down opposing pass rushes and paved the way for a relentless rushing attack. Fordham averaged over 128 points per game, a staggering number in that era. They shut out three opponents and outscored their adversaries by a margin of 128-33, a testament to their offensive and defensive prowess.
While the Rams finished the season undefeated and ranked number one, a heartbreaking loss to NYU in the final game dashed their Rose Bowl dreams. However, the legacy of the "Seven Blocks of Granite" transcended wins and losses. Their dominance redefined the role of the offensive line, showcasing its importance in establishing a dominant running game.
The "Seven Blocks of Granite" story extends beyond statistics and on-field achievements. They produced two College Football Hall of Famers and two Pro Football Hall of Famers, including the legendary Vince Lombardi, whose own coaching philosophy was undeniably influenced by his experiences playing behind this dominant line.
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author:Randy Snow
