The word has followed Stacy Andrews around as if it were his middle name: Stacy "Project" Andrews.  From the time the Bengals drafted the offensive lineman in the fourth round of the 2004 draft until now, the project label has been his constant companion.  The label fit because Andrews didn't grow up playing football. He was a track-and-field thrower, and a good one. He earned All-American honors at Mississippi in the sport. But he didn't play football until his senior year and played as a reserve in only five games that season.The Bengals were intrigued by his size (6 feet 7, 342 pounds) and remarkable agility. They figured they could teach him the game, and eventually he might blossom into a player.

Eventually has arrived. Barring an unexpected change, Andrews will start at left guard this season. He'll replace Eric Steinbach, who signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent.  The Bengals feel as confident as any team could in a player with three career starts.  "He's doing terrific," offensive line coach Paul Alexander said. "We're really happy with him playing left guard. He's really a world-class athlete because of all the hammer and stuff he did (in track). He's as talented a guy as you could have, and he's been easy to coach."

When Steinbach left, Andrew Whitworth seemed his likely replacement. But when left tackle Levi Jones' left knee was slow to heal, the Bengals shifted Whitworth to that spot, which is his natural position. Though Jones is practicing, the Bengals appear intent on sticking with Andrews at left guard.  "Competition would have been great," Andrews said. "It's always good to compete. It makes you be more on your game."

In past years, Andrews has practiced at every position on the line except for center, but left guard feels like home. "I'm a fast learner, so all it took was repetition," he said.  So far, Andrews has received raves from his teammates.  "He's going to be one of the most dominant left guards in the game," right guard Bobbie Williams said.

Quarterback Carson Palmer said Andrews has made strides every season but has "drastically" improved this year.  "He's so versatile and such an amazing athlete for the size he is," Palmer said. "It's exciting seeing him pick things up and be more comfortable. He can be as dominating as anybody we have on the offensive line."  Such compliments are easy to dispense in August. The true test will come when the regular season starts.  Andrews said he's ready.  "I feel like I'm there," he said. "It's my time now. I'm not the so-called project anymore."

Columbus Disptach

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