There is a certain stereotype that envelops the image of offensive linemen.

They are said to be men of brute strength who use sheer force to combat opponents of similar epic proportions.

But the strides made by the ASU offensive line this seasons suggest the muscle inside the skulls of the walking giants is just as important as the ones being used to wreak havoc in the trenches.

Sun Devil senior center Thomas Altieri has endured the criticism dropped on the unit — one that was near the bottom of the national rankings in sacks allowed the past two seasons — throughout his time in Tempe.

Now, the big boys up front are making improvements that show up in the stat sheets, and Altieri said a focus on the mental approach to blocking has been the biggest reason for the turnaround.

“The coaching staff has really taken the time to show us how to pay attention to detail,” Altieri said. “They help with recognizing the defense and showing us what our preparation needs to be on a weekly basis.”

While ASU’s national ranking in the run department may not seem like anything to throw a party for (71st out of 119 FBS teams), it is a far cry from a season ago, when the Sun Devils were the sixth-worst rushing team in the nation.

The quarterback protection has improved dramatically as well.

A season ago, the line yielded 34 quarterback sacks, which was actually a huge improvement from a 2007 season that saw ASU quarterbacks hit the turf 55 times.

Near the midway point of the 2009 campaign, opponents have gotten to the quarterback only eight times.

Senior quarterback Danny Sullivan said the continuity the line has been able to develop during the past couple of seasons is a big reason he has been able to keep his uniform relatively clean this season.

“All of those guys have played in a couple games now and they’re ready to go,” Sullivan said. “[Senior tackle] Shawn Lauvao, [senior guard] Jon Hargis and Thomas Altieri are all veterans. Having the guys up there that know what’s going on is helping out a lot.”

The man in the middle of the line, the 301-pound center from Vista, Calif., has been perhaps the most impressive of those veterans this season.

Altieri started all 12 games at center last season after replacing ASU great Mike Pollak — a second-round draft choice of the Indianapolis Colts — but was not a lock reprise the role heading into fall camp.

In fact, as the Sun Devils headed into their first game of the season, sophomore Gerhart was poised to become the one chosen to deliver the snaps to Sullivan.

But a toe injury sidelined Gerhart, and Altieri stepped back into his spot. He has taken advantage of the opportunity.

“My preparation has been to play as if every play could be my last play,” said Altieri, who appreciates that he has to fight for his spot every week. “Garth’s a great player and we competed our butts off in the summer, even back to spring ball, and it’s always been a head-to-head battle. I just came out with the attitude that nothing’s given and I’ve got to lay it all out there every day.”

ASU coach Dennis Erickson has been pleased with the way the senior has reasserted himself in his role as leader of the offensive line.

“He’s very valuable in a lot of ways,” Erickson said. “He’s a good athlete, but he’s really smart … It’s a real plus to have a guy that’s been around as long as him.”

Altieri agrees with his quarterback that developing camaraderie along the front has been key to its improvement.

While the ASU coaching staff has tinkered somewhat with the positioning at right guard and right tackle, Altieri, Hargis and Lauvao have started all five games.

“I think we’ve matured a lot,” Altieri said. “It has helped us with our communication, which has minimized our errors.

“Playing with the same guys week in and week out, you get a feel for who can do what. We’re getting to that stage where everyone is comfortable with one another.”

Reach the reporter at nkosmide@asu.edu.