There’s one unit in football that you could argue has to be closer than the rest.

They have to share one mind.

Communicate on every snap.

And trust that they are all working in sync.

They are, of course, the offensive line.

For veteran left tackle Derek Dennis, success on the field starts with the bonds off it.

“We all get along with each other,” said the 2018 Grey Cup champion. “I think the biggest thing with our group is everybody has their own unique personality and quirks to them, and it all meshes.

“Whenever we’re on the road, we go out to eat together, we’ll hang out together all week. Even though there are age discrepancies and all that type of stuff, everybody seems to just really get along.

“We all trust each other, believe in each other, and it shows in our play.”

You can think of the offensive line the same way you think about batteries.

In a battery, a metal oxidizes and sends electrons to be regained by another substance to be reduced. This cycle creates a flow of electrons and gives power to whatever is linked between it, such as a lightbulb.

The offensive line is the battery that charges the offence.

The flow of communication between the O-line snaps the ball to the quarterback then works diligently to protect him (sending power to the lightbulb) who then lights the offence.

“O-line is that one position group that has to have five guys thinking the same and being on the same page,” said Dennis. “(We) have to be able to see things with the same vision. So, camaraderie is very huge for our group.

“Most of the o-lines I’ve been on in my career, the best ones have always had the tightest-knit group. Guys who hang out with each other not just at practice but off the field, talking about things in life, talking about trending topics and just having fun with each other.

“That’s always been my thing whenever I’m part of an o-line group; I always want to make sure we’re meshing well as a unit. Not just on the field, but off the field as well. I feel like when guys trust and believe in each other and you love each other off the field, it’s going to show when you play on the field.”

The sixth-year left tackle regards this season’s group as one of the best of which he’s been a part.

“They’re up there,” he said. “It’s probably the youngest group I’ve been part of in my career so far. I’ve played with a lot of great o-linemen, but I’ll definitely put this group up there with some of the best groups I’ve been around.”

Dennis has established himself as a confidant amongst his teammates.

“I’m like Big Bro,“ he said. “I hang out with everybody, and I try to get to know everybody. I’ll always make myself open to answer any questions regardless of whether it’s football or life.

“I feel like I’ve been through enough scenarios and situations that I can teach them and give them useful (advice). I always want someone who’s encountered me to have left with something that they can take with them in life.”

The 2022 squad has had to face some adversity with starters Sean McEwen and Julian Good-Jones missing time due to injury. However, second-year players Bryce Bell and Joshua Coker as well as National Football League veteran Hugh Thornton were able to step into their respective roles quite seamlessly when their numbers were called.

“I think (Coach) Pat (DelMonaco) is a big part of that,” said Dennis. “He coaches everybody the same. He holds everybody to that standard. Regardless of whether you’re playing or not, he’s always trying to keep everyone engaged and keep guys locked in to the game plan.

“Football is one of those games where anyone can get hurt, it could be a day before a game and a guy shows up sick; you don’t know what you’re going to deal with.

“So, it’s always smart to have everybody prepared and I think Pat always does a great job of making sure everybody is preparing like they are a starter whether they know they are or not.”

In addition to DelMonaco’s guidance, the offensive unit has taken it upon themselves to be as game ready as possible as well.

“Also as a group, we have our own O-line meetings without the coaches,” said Dennis. “We’re always around each other and making sure everybody in the group knows what the game plan is, what the rules are, and what we need to do.

“Whenever someone needs to be ready to play, that’s how you have to be to make sure they’re prepared.”