Offensive Line Returns A Great Deal Of Experience

EDITOR'S NOTE: Today's segment is the third in a short series that will preview the 2014 West Chester University Golden Rams football team. Today's segment will include the offensive line. This is the final preview that focuses on the offense. A look at the defense will begin on Wednesday with the defensive line.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Four of the five spots along the front are filled. Zwaan and his long-time offensive line coach, Nick Sama, are just looking to solidify that fifth spot in the preseason. Though the Golden Rams graduated three quality offensive linemen, the coaching staff feels like their replacements have gained enough experience that they could easily be considered starters returners. That bodes well for McCartney and the gifted runners in the backfield. Offensively, this is the group that Zwaan is most concerned about. But, he likes his options and feels everything will fall into place by the time the team heads to New Haven for its first game of the season.
 
Anchoring the offensive line is senior Derek Schatz. He was a second-team All-America pick by Lindy's Sports in its preview edition and will serve as a team co-captain this year for the Golden Rams. Schatz will be flanked by a pair of returning veterans in James Colivas and Antoine Bland. Sophomore Doug Gilbert will be in charge of protecting McCartney's blind side at left tackle. These are the four that Zwaan feels are solid guys to have up front. Schatz, Colivas and Bland are all returning starters with plenty of playing experience. Gilbert saw considerable action during his red-shirt freshman year last fall and impressed the coaching staff in the spring.
 
Fighting for that fifth and final spot will be a pair of red-shirt freshmen in Michael Unger and Vince Lostracco. Both sat out last fall, but dressed for each of the 15 games just in case their services were needed. Zwaan believes they are the most ready of the next group and will give them every opportunity to win the spot at right tackle. Another red-shirt freshman, Tyler Drob, may also work his way into the mix at tackle. That gives Zwaan three guards and three tackles along the offensive line.
 
Red-shirt freshman Devan LeBau filled in at center for Schatz during spring drills when the senior was injured. The coaching staff likes his progress and expects him to push Schatz for playing time. Alex Host is a red-shirt freshman, who has one year in the system and will compete for playing time. Sophomore transfer from Albright College, Zac Hill, is another option.