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JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the first part in an eight-part series chronicling Carson-Newman football's positions for the 2022 season. This feature breaks down the Eagle offensive front with the assistance of offensive line coach Joe Ray.

In 2021, Carson-Newman's offensive line didn't feature a starting configuration that repeated from one game to another until the final two weeks of the year.

While Carson-Newman only averaged 150.3 rushing yards per game last season, the struggles of youth and inexperience led to positives. 

"Between the offseason and the start of camp, we've had a lot of growth," Ray said. "We had so many young guys who got experience last year. The pain of last year was a lot of guys playing out of their typical position. We will reap the benefits of that because they have a broader understanding of things now. Once you get into multiple spots, you become a bit more cerebral understanding the bigger picture, you can come off the ball a little more fluid with a little more fire."

Ethan Marshall has the most experience of anyone in and Eagle jersey up front.  He was one of two linemen last year to start every game (although neither did so at the same position), moving back and forth between right guard, left guard and right tackle.

"We had to bounce Ethan around last fall," Ray said. "He doesn't care.  He's thrilled to play any position and understands that we need to have our best five out there. Ethan did a good job of that last season and he'd be ready to do that right now if need be."

While Marshall stuck in the trenches every game, the Eagles were without two presumptive cogs last season. Christian Jones, who started as a freshman in 2019, returns after sorting out academic issues. More inspirationally, Colt Sinor is back in the mix after recovering from stage four testicular cancer. 

"Having those guys back brings a lot of energy to our room," Ray said. "We want to be the position group that comes out every day and sets the tone. We want our fundamentals carry us from drill to practice to game. They help set the tone with each other whether its on campus or on the field."

The Eagles also get a health Christian Bass and Tyrell Ragland back in the mix.  Bass missed two games last year to injuries while Ragland was held out the final four weeks of the season. 

Those five returners will mesh with three transfers, all of whom have starting experience at other schools. 

Brian Do has made an impact at center after coming to Carson-Newman from Saint Anselm. Mike Peppin started 20 games and won a spring championship at Tusculum in 2020, while Claude Vangelus saw significant playing time as a freshman at Millersville. 

"There's different nuances to it," Ray said. "Guys like Brian Do, Mike Peppin and Claude Vangelus have picked up on the veer concept stuff that they may not be familiar with and are providing strong leadership. From our freshmen, I love Fletcher Gibson, he's been doing a great job, as has Xavier Shoemaker. They've been doing well and have had a good fall camp early in."

Carson-Newman's position previews continue Friday with a glimpse of the quarterbacks with help from Brock Pursley.