With the beginning of spring football practice just a few weeks away, ODUSports.com will preview each position before the first day of practice. Today's preview we take a look at the offensive line.
Offensive Line
Old Dominion returns four-of-five starters up front, but loses First-Team All-Conference USA center, Josh Mann to graduation. The group was hit hard by injuries early in the season as Tyler Fisher, Troy Butler and Ely Anderson all missed games. Despite the injuries, a wealth of experience was gained as Tyler Compton, Tyler Burns and Darius Garcia filled in at various roles and the offense did not miss a beat.
The Returners
ODU returns four starters from the offensive line, including Connor Mewbourne, Tyler Fisher, Tyler Burns and Darius Garcia. Compton started the first nine games before Burns took over while Garcia started the final nine games at right tackle. Mewbourne started 10 games at left tackle after missing the season opener. Fisher started in 11 games but missed the Eastern Michigan contest with an injury. He earned Conference USA honorable mention honors. Troy Butler started the first three games of the season but missed the rest of the year with an ankle injury. He received a redshirt year and will be a redshirt junior in 2015.
The Newcomers
Old Dominion brought in Tony Barnett, a 6-4, 280 pounder from Fork Union. He joins Garcia as offensive linemen from Fork Union.
By The Numbers
1: Number of offensive linemen to start every game in 2014; Josh Mann
1: Former Monarchs in the NFL; D.J. Morrell spent the 2014 season on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.
7: Returning offensive linemen that saw action for ODU in 2014: Tyler Burns, Troy Butler, Tyler Compton, Tyler Fisher, Darius Garcia, Eli Kessner and Connor Mewbourne.