TOWSON, Md. - As the Tigers held their second practice of the Spring, Offensive Line Coach John Donatelli was doing what he does best. He was teaching his offensive linemen.
It's a far cry from the 2009 season when the Tigers had to use converted defensive linemen and tight end to play the tackle positions.
Although there is only one senior in the group of offensive linemen, the Tigers have an impressive amount of experience on the offensive line.
With the graduation of Henry Glackin, the team's starting right tackle, there is only one open spot on the starting offensive line.
But, Coach Rob Ambrose points out, "Nothing is set in bedrock. We've always talked about our depth chart being fluid. With the depth we have on the line, it is less fluid than before."
Junior Eric Pike (6-5, 280) is the leader of the offensive line. A starter at left tackle the last two seasons, he was a co-captain as a sophomore in 2011. Pike earned third team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors last season.
Juniors Anthony Davis (6-3, 300), Randall Harris (6-4, 270) and Charles Johnson (6-2, 290) all started at the guard positions last year and they all return. Davis also saw some playing time at center.
Another junior, Doug Shaw (6-1, 250), is the Tigers' returning starter at offensive center. He serves as the signal-caller on the offensive line. Shaw missed the Tigers' NCAA FCS playoff game with a back injury but he has returned to good health.
In addition to all these returning starters, the Tigers have four "red shirt" freshmen who are pushing for playing time, creating tremendous competition.
Guards Alex Dembinski (6-5, 290), Jay Kenney (6-5, 300) and Spencer Sutton (6-5, 300) are trying to impress the Tiger coaching staff while tackles Derek Pittman (6-5, 300) and Jake Schunke (6-5, 270) bring additional size to the offensive line.
Junior tackle Jake McDowell (6-5, 290), a transfer from Golden West Junior College, will also be part of the mix. Sophomore Drew Bellamy (6-5, 295) and senior Cory Kirby (6-6, 270) should also contribute.
Kirby is the Tigers' utility player. He sees action at tight end and offensive tackle while serving as the long snapper for the Tigers' special teams.
On Friday morning, the Tigers will practice in pads for the first time.
