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By Brian Nowicki 
Toledo's offensive line has always been a strength. Right now two former offensive lineman are playing in the NFL, center Andy McCullum and offensive tackle Nick Kaczur. Last year Toledo led the MAC in rushing (216.8 rush yards per game) and averaged 447.1 yards per game in total offense. The offensive line was a key reason for those stats.The bad news is that starting right guard Chris Wakeman has graduated. The good news is that everyone else on last year's offensive line is back. I'm not just talking about starters or even 2nd teamers. Every offensive lineman on the entire roster, except for Chris Wakeman. That's a very good thing. Not only is the line very experienced, but they also have a new offensive line coach to guide them. Stan Clayton has come to Toledo after coaching the offensive line at Princeton for the last five seasons. 
Anchoring the offensive line is junior left tackle John Greco. Greco (6-5, 318) was named UT's freshman of the year in 2004, starting all 12 games at right tackle. In 2005, he replaced Nick Kaczur at left tackle. Greco was First-Team All-MAC in 2005. He was named to the 2006 Lombardi Award "watch list" and is expected to have another great season for the Rockets.Senior Jerry Aguwa, 6-4 and 295 pounds, is back at the right tackle position for Toledo. Aguwa became a starter in 2005 after serving as a backup in 2003 and 2004. He appeared in four games in 2003 and five games in 2004. Returning at starting left guard is junior David Perkins, 6-2 and 308 pounds. Perkins played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2004, starting 11 of them. Last year he entered his second season as a starter, solidifying the left side of the line along with left tackle John Greco. Also returning at center is senior Hassan Adebesin, 6-0 and 300 pounds. He played in a backup role in just four games as a freshman in 2003, and then 11 games in 2004. In 2005 he took over the starting center position and played very well. The right guard position will see a new starter. Chris Wakeman has graduated and left the position open, but there is a lot of talent that will battle for the starting spot. Senior Jesse Anderson, 6-0 and 300 pounds, seems to have the edge right now. He is listed #1 on the spring depth chart and he has a lot of experience. He played in five games in a backup role in 2004. He did not start any games in 2005, but he saw considerable playing time in every game. There are several players that will add depth to the offensive line. Senior left guard Chad Diggs, 6-4 and 313 pounds, played in four games in 2004 and nearly every game last season, all in a backup role. Senior Greg Luna adds depth at right tackle. The 6-8 and 330 pounder came to Toledo in 2004 as a junior college transfer. He redshirted in 2004 and then played in a handful of games last season. Sophomore Sean Zabinski, 6-6 and 302 pounds, is listed #2 at left tackle and redshirt freshman Sam Azner, 6-5 and 281 pounds, is listed #3. Sophomore Matt Tramba, 6-2 and 291 pounds, is listed behind Perkins and Diggs at left guard. Redshirt freshman Jim Wesolowski, 6-3 and 310 pounds, is listed 4th on the depth chart. 
Sophomore Patrick Dawson, 6-3 and 280 pounds, is listed as Hassan Adebesin's backup at center. He was a backup at offensive guard last year. Third on the depth chart at center is redshirt freshman Buster Garrett, 6-3 and 272 pounds.Redshirt freshman Kevin Kilgo, 6-5 and 273 pounds, has impressed coaches and he is currently listed as Jesse Anderson's backup at right guard. Redshirt freshman Chris Dyko, 6-2 and 304 pounds, and junior Tyree Pollard, 6-3 and 312 pounds, round out the depth chart at right guard. Tyree Pollard was a defensive tackle in 2004 and 2005 for the Rockets. This spring he has been converted to offensive line. "I think he really has the opportunity to be an outstanding, All-MAC type of performer on offense, so I am going to take a look at him on offense in the Spring and see if he can be that dominate type of player on the offensive side of the ball," said head coach Tom Amstutz. Redshirt freshman Kevin Hobbins, 6-7 and 323 pounds, is listed behind Jerry Aguwa and Greg Luna at right tackle. Redshirt freshman Shawn Glaser, 6-8 and 298 pounds, is 4th on the depth chart at right tackle. On top of those 18 offensive lineman, the Rockets recruited some very good lineman in the offseason. Jared Dewalt, 6-5 and 292 pounds, was the MVP of his high school team last year. He received offers from Toledo, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Akron, Bowling Green, and Miami University. Levi George, 6-2 and 295 pounds, is from Warren Harding High School. George bench presses 475 pounds and had offers from Toledo, Cincinnati, and Marshall. He is expected to play center for the Rockets. Jan Gewont, 6-5 and 280 pounds, is from Palos Heights, IL. He was an all-state player and received offers from Toledo, Kansas, UCONN, Iowa State, Marshall, Western Michigan, and Wyoming. Finally is Chris Meenan, a 6-7 and 323 pounder from Wooster, OH. Meenan bench presses 360 pounds and had offers from Toledo and Minnesota. With these four incoming freshman, Toledo will have 22 offensive lineman on the roster. There is no doubt that there is a lot of depth and talent on the line. "We have a lot of depth", said offensive line coach Stan Clayton. "I think they are a great bunch of guys to work with and I think they are hard working," he added. "I'm impressed with all of them. I want them to play with passion, be physical, and dominate at all times," Coach Clayton concluded. Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |