WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 12, 2015)—William & Mary head football coach Jimmye Laycock recently sat down with TribeAthletics.com and discussed the team's offensive line in the video feature available above or by clicking here.
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 Lafayette on Sept. 5 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
Although injuries decimated the Tribe's offensive line late last season and forced four starters to miss the spring, W&M returns one of the program's deepest and most talented units in position coach Bob Solderitch's 20-year tenure at the College. In addition to returning all five starters – many of whom have all-conference potential – the group boasts quality depth at multiple spots. With a healthy return expected for the entire group, the line will anchor a productive offense that should continue its ascent among the CAA's best.
Leading the unit will be senior all-conference standout center Andrew Jones. Selected as a team captain during the spring, Jones garnered first-team All-CAA distinction last fall and enters his third season as a starter. Although he is a bit undersized at 6-1, 280, the Naples, Fla., native is quick, tough and aggressive. Additionally, Jones possesses good feet and lateral quickness, while he plays with excellent technique and balance.
Sophomore Chris Durant and junior Jerry Ugokwe enter preseason atop the depth chart at the tackle positions, but both will be challenged a pair of talented seniors – Jared Templeton and Nick Easter – who will compete for a starting role. Durant occupies the left tackle position and earned starts in all seven games in which he was healthy last season. In addition to his impressive size (6-4, 300) and athleticism, the Oak Hill, Va., native is a tough, aggressive player who has good feet. Although he has just one year of starting experience, he has displayed tremendous potential and could develop into an all-conference standout.
Having earned 18 starts at both tackle positions during the past two seasons, Ugokwe will look to retain his starting spot at right tackle this fall. One of the team's most imposing players at 6-8, 305, he plays with good mobility, flexibility and length. As his strength continues to improve, he will become an even more effective player and could emerge into an all-conference caliber performer.
One of the team's most experienced linemen, Templeton (6-4, 295) has appeared in 21 games and earned eight starts during the past two seasons. The Tyrone, Pa., native is one of the position group's most physically gifted players and is among the strongest as well. The former defensive tackle has good feet and has worked hard to improve his consistency.
Also challenging for a starting spot at tackle will be Easter (6-4, 300), who provides the team with another veteran presence with significant experience. After earning eight starts at multiple spots last season (right guard – four; left guard – three; right tackle – one), the versatile lineman posted an impressive spring and demonstrated why he can be counted on to perform at a high level. A very consistent player, the Stafford, Va., native boasts good strength as well as a high football IQ.
After missing the entire spring following season-ending injuries late last fall, junior Domenic Martinelli (right guard) and sophomore Connor Hilland (left guard) expect healthy returns as starters during the 2015 campaign. An all-conference candidate, Martinelli (6-4, 295) has earned 16 starts during the past two seasons (right guard – seven; right tackle – nine) and is one of the unit's leaders. In addition to being smart and poised, the Pittsburgh, Pa., native plays with good balance and strength.
Hilland (6-4, 287) will also vie for postseason honors after earning a starting role as a redshirt freshman last fall. The unit's strongest lineman, Hilland plays with toughness and a physical style. Additionally, he consistently displays great effort and has the skill set to develop into one of the program's best linemen in recent years.
Providing depth at guard will be junior Kevin Jennings and sophomore Zach Rhodes. Jennings (6-2, 280), who earned his first career start in the season finale versus Richmond last year, is a versatile player who can line up at center, guard or tight end and enters preseason camp as the backup left guard. A tough, aggressive, physical lineman, the Richmond, Va., native plays fast and possesses good quickness. Rhodes was the unit's most improved player during the spring, which enabled him to secure the backup spot at right guard heading into the preseason. A member of the travel squad for five games last fall, the Chesterfield, Va., native has good size (6-6, 300) and is physically tough. Additionally, he consistently works hard and plays with tremendous effort.
Junior Brady Wilhide (6-2, 290) is listed as the backup center after a solid spring. In addition to being a versatile lineman who can lineup at center or guard, he is a smart, tough player who consistently works hard to improve. The Woodbridge, Va., native emphasized improving strength and quickness during the offseason.
