2019 Rocket Football Preview: The Offensive Line

Key returners: Senior Cameron Bell (12 starts in 2018), senior Yazeed Atariwa, Sophomore Mitchel Berg, junior Brandon Heidecker.

Last season, the Toledo offense led the MAC in scoring (40.4) and ranked second in total offense (443.8) and rushing (215.9). Luckily for the Rockets, several experienced players return from an offensive line that helped pave the way for 2018's exceptional offense.

Seniors Cameron Bell and Yazeed Atariwa return as the elder statesmen along the offensive line. The duo has combined for 25 career starts, with Bell serving as the Rockets' starting left tackle in 2018.

Others returning with significant playing experience are juniors Brandon Heidecker and Luke Doerger and sophomore Mitchell Berg. Heidecker started four games at guard last year before suffering a season-ending injury, while Berg appeared in all 13 games as a reserve tackle.

Among the reserves, sophomore Kelvin Ateman, redshirt freshmen Nick Rosi and Lavel Dumont, and freshman Parker Bisek were all players offensive line coach Mike Hallett singled out as having productive training camps.

Unfortunately, 2018 All-MAC center Bryce Harris will miss the entire 2019 season after suffering an injury during training camp. It is expected that Doerger will take his place at the position.


"There's been a lot of growth and progress," Mike Hallett said about his group. "The guys are working well together. I think the communication between them has come together, which is critical for them as a unit."

The training camp mantra for the Rockets, along the line and for the team as a whole, has been "just get better". Hallett feels his players have abided by that, and is impressed at the progress they've shown.

"We weren't going to win any games on the first day of camp," Hallett said. "It's a matter of improving a little bit each day. So, by the end of camp, we have a good knowledge base of what we're trying to do and what we're good at. That way we can focus on the things we're good at to help the running game and passing game succeed."

Hallett singled out the group's intelligence as a strength, praising the line's work ethic and football IQ.

"These guys have done a great job of studying and working hard to perfect their craft."

With a good mix of experienced starters and promising youngsters looking to get expanded playing time, the Rockets' offensive line has the chance to, once again, lead a high-scoring offensive attack in 2019.

"We feel like we've done a good job of building depth along the line, which has been a hallmark here at Toledo." 

Toledo opens up its 2019 season at Kentucky on Aug. 31 before hosting Murray State in the home opener on Sept. 14. For season tickets or single-game tickets, go online or call 419-530-GOLD (4653).