Millersville, Pa. - It all starts up front. The only way Millersville’s offense will play up to its abilities is if the offensive line can prove serviceable and the tight ends continue to improve production. The Marauder coaching staff believes
Greg Frantz is one of the top tight ends in the PSAC, but the offensive line is searching for new starters among newcomers and even on the other side of the ball.
Quarterback
Bill Shirk was sacked 36 times a year ago and his efficiency suffered. Some of the struggles were because of the rash of injuries, but line coach
Derrick Roche wouldn't use it as an excuse. Three starters, including solid center Nick Kyper, are no longer with the program, leaves a mishmash of youth and unproven veterans. Roche, in his third season as the line coach, will have his work cut out for him.
Junior Mike DeHaven has flashed ability during his two seasons. He started five games in 2008 and the last nine of 2009 at right tackle. At 6-6 and 275 pounds, he has the reach and size to be effective as a pass protector and run blocker. Flanking DeHaven at right guard is
Chris Gailey. Coaches expect a big season from junior. The massive 320-pounder started nine games and played in all 11 in 2009. He is the type of road grader the Marauders need to be the kind of team head coach
Greg Colby envisions. In his final seven starts, the team averaged over 129 yards rushing per game.
The 295-pound junior
Don Houck is also experienced, having played 12 games with seven starts in his first two seasons. Most of his play came at tackle, but he started at center in place of an injured Kyper in 2009. He'll likely stay in the starting lineup, but he'll most likely move to left guard.
Third-year sophomore
Mike Unick was expected to contribute but he's been slowed by injuries during camp. Unick made the switch from defensive line in the 2009 preseason and totaled five starts. He will be challenged by sophomore
Chase Godfrey, who was a key reserve as a freshman.
Offensive line was a major focus in recruiting for the Marauders, and the coaches delivered 11 incoming recruits including four scholarship players.
Josh Hunter, a transfer from Hudson Valley Community College, was the prize recruit for Roche. Hunter was an all-conference second team performer at tackle for Hudson Valley. Freshmen
Andrew Boal of Souderton and
Kevin Bohl of Phoenixville could be in the mix as well.
Kyper left the Marauders without a true veteran center and the incoming freshman may be too green to step in right away. Coaches looked to the defensive line and sophomore
Doug Henninger volunteered to make the switch. Despite never playing the position, Henninger has the strength needed to hold up against the run and the long arms to keep pass rushers at bay. Through one week, the experiment has worked well.
The offensive line will certainly be helped by the play of junior tight end
Greg Frantz. He enters his third year as a starter and although he hasn’t piled up gaudy numbers, he is one of the most valuable members of the team. He contributes as a pass catcher, blocker and special teams tackler.
Frantz made just 14 catches last year and two in 2008, but expect that to change.
“I think he’s one of the best around,” said Colby. “We are going to throw the ball to him more. I think it should be more of a focus to get him the ball. He’s more experienced, and as long as Bill can be protected and get through his progressions, Greg will be more of a factor.”
Sophomore
Nate Hinkle made the switch from defensive line to tight end part way through the 2009 season and showed a natural affinity for the position. He played in each of the final seven games, and he will certainly see the field extensively in two-tight end packages.
Adding depth is senior
Joshua Spiroff, who is a fixture on special teams. Colby also believes that Thaddeus Stevens transfer
Jeff Poku-Adjei could see playing time. Incoming freshman
Trenton Petrovich of nearby Central Dauphin High School will start at tight end but could easily add bulk and become an offensive lineman.