CAMP SPOTLIGHT: Offensive Line

8/5/2019 9:20:00 AM | Football

The offensive line has been a strength of the UB football program since head coach Lance Leipold's arrival and, with four of five starters returning, it looks like it will continue to be a strength in 2019. The balanced offensive line excelled at blocking for both the run and the pass in 2018. Not only did the line block for an offense that ran for a school-record 2,648 yards in 2018, but it also allowed only 15 sacks, a program low since moving to the FBS level in 1999.

Senior Evin Ksiezarczyk returns as the Bulls starting left tackle following the best season of his career. The 6-6, 315-pounder started all 14 games a season ago en route to earning All-MAC Second Team honors. 2019 will be Ksiezarczyk's third season as a starter after starting all 12 games in 2017 as well.

The Bulls will also return their starter at right tackle in Kayode Awosika. The junior started all 14 games in 2018 and was a key reserve in 2017.

Paul Nosworthy had a strong campaign in his first season starting at left guard. He started 13 games in 2018 and the senior will likely return to his starting role in 2019.

The Bulls have two solid options at right guard in senior Tomas Jack-Kurdyla and sophomore Jacob Gall. Jack-Kurdyla has started 29 games at right guard over his career, more than any other player on the offensive line. Gall started the final five games at right guard last season.

The Bulls will need to replace All-MAC center James O'Hagan who started every game over the last four years and was a three-time All-MAC selection. Redshirt-freshman Mike Novitsky has been working with the first team in camp and looks to be in line for the starting role. Michael Kenefick, a senior from Canisius High School, has also been getting reps at center.

Trey Derouen, a graduate transfer from South Carolina in his second year with the program, saw action in five games last season and made one start at left guard.

Jake Fuzak, who was originally recruited as a defensive tackle, seems to have found a home at offensive tackle. The local product from Williamsville South is entering his second season as an offensive lineman.

Gabe Wallace, who redshirted last season as a freshman, has also shown promise at tackle.

Other veterans returning to the offensive line include junior Jack Klenk, senior Austin Kunick, sophomore Dan Kubik and redshirt-freshman Trevor Cahill.

Newcomers to the offensive line include Anthony Laudicina (enrolled in January), Dan Clifford (graduate transfer from Wagner), Bence Polgar, Alain Schaerer, Caelan Shepard, Dom Polizzi and Nick Zikuski.

The 2019 season kicks off on August 29 against Robert Morris at UB Stadium. For tickets contact the UB ticket office at 1-877-UB-THERE or click here.