While the Towson University football team needs to have healthy starters at running back and wide receiver this year, the key to the Tigers? success in the Atlantic 10 Conference will be its offensive line.
Towson coach Gordy Combs replaced three starters on the offensive line during camp, but the new unit did not show any holes in Saturday?s 30-2 win over Morgan State.
The line features just one senior, left tackle Jermon Bushrod, while junior Jeff Tyler is the other returning starter at right guard. The three newcomers include junior center Nick Bradway, sophomore left guard Austin Weibley and freshman right tackle Dan Bridges.
Even the main backups are young, including two freshmen and a sophomore.
“They?re young,” said tailback Nick Williams, who is currently out with a hamstring injury. “Every day, they?re getting better, and that?s all we can ask for.”
Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley mentioned Towson?s screen passes and quick passing situations as keys to not putting the unit out on a limb.
“They did a great job, especially an inexperienced group,” Hill-Eley said. “They came on and they did a pretty good job, and the offensive coordinator [Phil Albert] did a great job of putting them in positions where they could be successful.”
Towson had just 105 yards rushing, but the offense was without Williams, its backfield leader. Filling in was a tandem of Rasheed McClaude and Kerry Miles. Crediting the offensive line, McClaude caught two screen passes for a team-best 101 yards receiving.
Perhaps more importantly, the line gave sophomore quarterback Sean Schaefer enough time and space to operate in the pocket.
“I thought they played very well,” Combs said. “The first three quarters, I don?t think [Morgan?s defense] got close to [Schaefer]. Anytime you have three new faces, it?s always a concern. I think [assistant coach] John Donatelli has done a great job with our offensive line.”
Schaefer threw for 262 yards on 13-of-22 passing. He passed for a touchdown and also ran for a score. He was sacked just twice.
“I don?t really think [the line is] a question; they?re just younger,” Schaefer said. “I think they?re molding really well. They?ve been doing great.”
EARNING THEIR TIGER STRIPES
» Sr. LT Jermon Bushrod, 6-foot-5, 325 pounds (King George, Va.)
» So. LG Austin Weibley, 6-2, 290 (Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.)
» Jr. C Nick Bradway, 6-0, 285 (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
» Jr. RG Jeff Tyler, 6-6, 290 (Deptford, N.J.)
» Fr. RT Dan Bridges, 6-5, 300 (Francis Scott Key H.S.)
