Status of UMass 2010--- Offensive linemen

I went through the stats for all eleven games in 2009 to check on offensive linemen.

In 2010 we lose:

• Vladimir Ducasse 11 starts at LT. All-American, NFL Draft pick
• Jarad Chivers 10 starts at C, 1 start at RG
• Bryan Fisher 0 starts
• Rob Getek 0 starts (injured)
  

Returning in 2010 are:

• Josh Samuda RS Jr-11 starts at LG
• Quinton Sales RS Soph -0 starts
• John Ihne RS Sr- 2 starts at C, 1 start at RG
• Brandon Flanagan RS Sr- 2 starts at RG
• Nicholas Gottshall RS Soph- 0 starts
• Ryan McMakin RS Fr- redshirt
  
• Brian Ostaszewski RS Jr-11 starts at RT
• Michael Binkowski RS Jr- 0 starts
• Stephane Milhim RS Soph - 6 Starts at RG
• John Moran RS Soph- 0 starts
• Justin Sawicki RS Jr - 0 starts, made traveling squad
  
• Sean O'Connor RS Soph- 0 starts
• Vincent Westcarr RS FR - Red Shirt

In addition, we will add:

• Greg Niland 6-5 305 - Transfer from Northeastern, Started at LT for the Huskies
  
• Anthony Dima- 6-7 271 Transfer from Hofstra-Red Shirt
  

NOTES: The UMass offensive line led the CAA in sacks against with only 17-130 yards 1.55/game AVE. We had seven different players start, including four at RG. Senior math major Jarad Chivers came out of nowhere to start eleven games for the Minutemen. Before the season started, I thought the UMass running game would dominate. I felt we under achieved somewhat in the run aspect of the offense. We did have an injury to Tony Nelson. We also got behind early in a number of games and that forced a reduction in carries. The Minutemen ended up 5th in the CAA with 148.8 yards/game.

In 2010, we lose two starters. Niland and Milhim would seem to be top two contenders--- except neither are centers. Samuda has played center before and that would allow Milhim to stay at RG. Ostaszewski has played some guard, so he could possibly move to LG if Samuda moved to center. That would free up LT for Niland.