Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with offensive line coach Bob Solderitch.

Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's offensive line is available below.

Fans can continue to follow the team as it prepares for the season opener at Virginia Tech on Aug. 30 by visiting the preseason camp headquarters page.

Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Long-time offensive line coach Bob Solderitch will have a young but talented group to work with this season, as the projected starters include one junior, two sophomores and two redshirt freshmen. Despite the youth, three of the linemen earned significant starting experience last season and should provide a strong foundation upon which the offense can develop.

Anchoring the line will be junior center Andrew Jones, who garnered a spot on the preseason all-conference team this summer. The Naples, Fla., native was a CAA Academic All-Conference Team selection in 2013 and is a smart, tough, aggressive player. Although he is somewhat undersized at 6-1, 280, he plays with good technique and balance and has excellent lateral quickness.

The right side of the line will feature a pair of sophomores, as Jerry Ugokwe (right tackle) and Domenic Martinelli (right guard) both return with starting experience. After earning seven starts at left tackle last season, Ugokwe will occupy the top spot at right tackle this fall. Standing 6-8, 305, he has impressive size and length but also has good flexibility. If he continues to build strength and consistently plays with a physical style, the Bowie, Md., native has the ability to develop into a dominant tackle in the CAA. Martinelli (6-4, 295) also transitioned to a new position during the spring and will move to right guard after starting nine games at right tackle last season. Despite only being a sophomore, the Pittsburgh, Pa., native plays with exceptional poise and possesses good balance and strength. As he gains more experience, the staff is counting on him to play even faster and with a more physical style, which should help him establish himself among the league's top guards.

The left side of the line will feature two redshirt freshmen, as Chris Durant (left tackle) and Connor Hilland (left guard) are both listed as starters entering fall camp. Durant (6-4, 300) is a tough player with good feet and plays with an aggressive style. Rated as the No. 56 best player in the state of Virginia by the Roanoke Times coming out of Oakton High School, he is one of the team's most talented young players and could develop into an elite lineman. Hilland (6-4, 287) also plays with an aggressive, tough style and has displayed the ability to earn a starting role. Although he is still honing his technique and learning how to play fast while under control, he has a tremendous upside and should be a fixture on the offensive line for the foreseeable future.

Although the Tribe's starting unit is relatively young, the group is filled out with a compliment of veteran players who will add quality depth. Senior Baron Goodman (6-4, 295) has earned playing time in 18 games during the past two seasons and will provide depth at both the guard and center positions. A hard worker who is physically tough, he plays with an aggressive style and is an outstanding leader. Juniors Nick Easter (6-4, 300) and Zach Mahfood (6-3, 290) are also versatile linemen who can play either the guard or tackle spots. Easter appeared in eight games last season and is a very strong, intelligent player who has an excellent understanding of the offense. While he showed improvement during the spring, he will need to continue to improve his foot speed and play at a faster level to vie for a starting spot. Mahfood has seen limited playing time during his first few seasons, but he should compete for reps this fall. A smart, physically tough player, he spent the offseason working on improving his pad level, footwork and technique. After earning three starts at right tackle last season, junior Jared Templeton (6-4, 295) will continue to work at that spot this fall. The former defensive tackle has all the physical and mental tools necessary to excel, but he will need to continue becoming more aggressive as he pushes for increased playing time. Sophomore Kevin Jennings (6-2, 280) is another versatile player who can help the unit at both center and guard and is coming off a redshirt freshman campaign in which he appeared in eight games. The Richmond, Va., native is tough, aggressive and plays fast. While his strength is in pass protection, he has worked hard during the offseason at improving his strength and playing with more awareness.