Veteran Line Keys the Toledo's Offense
8/18/2014 12:51:00 PM | Football
TOLEDO, OH - Greg Mancz still isn't sure what position he is going to play this season. But he knows for sure who will be lined up next to him.
Mancz, one of five seniors on Toledo's offensive line, has mostly played guard the past three seasons, earning All-MAC honors the past two years. But with the departure of All-MAC center Zac Kerin last season, head coach Matt Campbell is considering having Mancz line up in front of the quarterback.
"It doesn't really matter where I play," Mancz said. "Whoever plays center will have the same players lining up next to them anyway, so it shouldn't be that much of an adjustment."
Mancz, a 6-5, 300-pounder, is considered by many to be the best Rocket offensive lineman since John Greco (2004-07), currently a starter with the Cleveland Browns.
"Greg is the best offensive lineman we've had since I've been here," said Campbell. "I don't know what (former Rocket and New England Patriot) Nick Kaczur and John Greco were like when they were here, but I think he's that caliber of a lineman."
Mancz is one of four returning senior starters from last year's line, along with Jeff Myers (6-3, 290, 2013 All-MAC), Josh Hendershot (6-4, 295) and Chase Nelson (6-8, 315). Another senior, Rob Lisowski (6-4, 292), saw considerable playing time. In addition, Campbell feels his squad is loaded with capable backups.
"We've got a lot of depth and flexibility on the offensive line," said Campbell. "We could be playing as many as 10 or 11 guys."
Fighting for spots in the regular rotation are junior Collin Perchinske, sophomores Paul Perschon, Storm Norton and James Henry, along with redshirt freshman Nate Jeppesen. redshirt freshman Elijah Nkansah
