JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the sixth in an eight-part series that will break down what Carson-Newman football brings to the table for the 2014 season position by position. Today's preview features the Eagles' offensive line with offensive coordinator Mike Turner.
The Eagles have plenty of experience up front on the offensive line in spite of losing an All-American at right tackle in Alex Taylor and three-time all-conference pick in left guard in Lucas Mathis.
"The togetherness and work ethic of this group is very good," Turner said. "It takes some talent, and they've got some talent. But they will work hard as group to accomplish the goals that we need to accomplish to be successful."
The leader of the line is All-Region performer Robby Ignagni, who stands poised to be the Eagles' next All-American up front. He's tasked with continuing a trend where C-N has been in the top 5 nationally in rushing in each of the last 10 years.
"He's got tremendous explosion with unbelievable upper and lower body strength," Turner said. "He has a knack for being able to move his feet. Plus, he's got a mean streak that will make you fear him as an offensive lineman."
Ignagni was third on the team last year in overall grade behind Taylor and Mathis, but led the team in knockdowns with 26.
He had a four-knockdown game against Shorter. Ignagni earned all-region honors in his junior year. Joining Ignagni up front is 13-game starter Derek Evans at center. He was fourth on the team in grade and knockdowns last year.
"There's a group of kids who has to be faithful and be a servant by being an offensive lineman," Turner said. "They don't get a lot of recognition. But they take a great deal of pride in doing what they do very well. They work well like a good racehorse, when they work up a lather and get going."
Dan Gallman and Tyler Scott split time at left tackle a year ago. In Scott's junior year and Gallman's sophomore, the duo figures to separate with Gallman taking snaps at left tackle and Scott manning the right side of the line. Austin Lewis also looks to factor in prominently up front.
"Yes you lose two guys who were four-year starters from day one," Turner said. "But Dan was a starter last year, Tyler has started. Austin Lewis and Patrick Priest have good amounts of experience. We feel like we reloaded in that matter."
Turner touted Patrick Priest, Beradino Salas, Ben Clark, Hunter Priest, Mike Caragher and Kooper Davis as players who could factor prominently into the front five this season.
Carson-Newman football's position previews resume Saturday with C-N's defensive line and Dan Redding.
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