Ask --.qwr-- -4w,-- -4W- w w -. w w Offensive line strength lies in players' unity V- Returning starters in bold 20 Deollo Anderson 35 Chuck Winters 31 Earnest Sanders 17 Clarence Thompson 24 Brent Blackwell 21 Steve King 37 Jarrett Irons 36 Steve Morrison 44 Rob Swett 95 Bobby Powers 71 Jeff Springer 52 George Howell 91 Matt Dyson* 79 Tony Henderson 8 Trevor Pryce 59 Kerwin Waldroup 94 Jason Horn 53 Ben Huff 5 Mike Elston 96 Will Carr 89 Sean Parini 28 Deon Johnson , 94 Jason Horn 76 Trent Zenkewicz 22 Ty Law ,4 yoe ol 4Jean-Agnus 42 Tyrone Noble -9 Damon Denson 92 Steve Evans Charles' 25 Mike Hynes 81 Glen Steeley 19 Bryan Williams 69 Jon Runyan 52 Rod Payne 61 Mike Sullivan 18 Amani Toomer 72 John Partchenko 65 Eric Wendt 77 Trezetle Jenkins 86 Seth Smith 70 Mike Bolach.54 Joe Ries 83 Todd Richards 9 Mercury Hayes 43 Chad Petterson 16 Jay Riemersma 84 Rod Vanderleest 10 Todd Collins 88 Pierre Cooper 13 Jason Carr 15 Scott Loeffler 7T oinas Guynese73 Joe Marinaro* 56 Harold Goodwin 62 Ante Skorput 74 Josh Cockreli.C.st 68 Zach Adami ..w 40 Jon Ritchie 39 Jared Lancer 46 Kraig Baker g Tyrone Wheatley* 38 Erik Lovell 39 Nate Delong 26 Ed Davis 19 Remy Hamilton 21 Tim Biakabutuka * indicates injured player When sophomore center Rod Payne points out that the current start- ing offensive line has the potential to be together for the next two seasons, he means business. A lack of cohesiveness plagued last year's line throughout the season but against Boston College, Michi- gan started three juniors (Trezelle Jenkins, Jay Riemersma and Mike Sullivan) and three sophomores (Payne, Jon Runyan and Thomas Guynes). "Last year there were a few guys we didn't feel close to (on the offensive line)," Payne admits. "Now we feel accountable. It's our team this year." The line received invaluable expe- rience late last season, as younger play- ers were called upon in tight situations. When All-Big Ten second team center Marc Milia was forced from the lineup, Payne had to perform. He should see the majority of snaps this season. Moeller has said that Payne gets just a bit too excited at times. During Saturday's games against Boston Col- lege, the sophomore snapped the ball quickly to quarterback Todd Collins. Jenkins was caught flatfooted, held his man and the resulting penalty gave the Eagles a safety. Payne surely needs some seasoning. Runyan (6'8", 299 lbs.), a second- team All-Big Ten selection last year, is a guargantuan run blocker at left guard. Jenkins fills the all-important left tackle spot, while Sullivan (tackle) and Guynes (guard) occupy the right side. Senior right guard Joe Marinaro, last year's most solid line performer, blew out his knee in spring practice and is projected to return against Colorado. The line may have missed Marinaro more than thought as it struggled in the early going against Boston College before wearing the smaller Eagles down. Tight end Riemersma switched over from quarterback in the spring. He has solid hands and size (6-6, 252), but needs work on fulfilling his blocking assignments. Sophomore Pierre Cooper will be counted on to give Riemersma a breather. "It's to the point now where you can count on both of us to make some plays," Riemersma says. By the end of last year, the offen- sive line was punishing the opposi- tion. If it can carry over that together- ness and intensity into this season, it may be a long year for Big Ten defen- sive lines. "Being around guys the same age helps," Runyan says. "You don't feel inferior to anybody, and you don't feel superior to anybody. It makes it a lot more comfortable out there." - Brett Forrest s U U r " VOTED #1 SPORTING GOODS STORE BY MICHIGAN STUDENTS FOR TWO STRAIGHT YEARS! D sTF~eeTr rPO'T'S S,.Rollerblade. 330 S. State Street * Ann Arbor (313) 761-7615