Offensive Line Preview- 2013

The Forester Football team will be looking to replace many of their offensive skill position players in 2013, it is on the offensive line, where experience will be at a surplus. The Foresters return four starters from last seasons team, as well as two other individuals who started multiple games for the Black and Red in 2012.

Leading the pace for the Foresters will be 2012 Honorable Mention ALL-MWC selection, Center Tommy Mitchell. Mitchell, who was selected by his peers as a team captain last off-season has started the past 28 games for the Foresters. Mitchell, who makes a number of the offensive line blocking calls, has been a stabilizing force for the offensive line.

Former Marist High School Teammates 75- Tommy Mitchell
and #63 Bryan Feltman return in 2013 after starting
10 games each in 2012. 

Also returning to start for the Foresters is Mitchell's former high school teammate, Bryan Feltman. Feltman started all 10 games for the Foresters in 2012. The pair combined to help lead Marist High School to the 8A state championship game in high school, and have now helped lead the Foresters to a MWC Championship. Lining up next to Feltman in 2013 will be fellow junior Philip Rindom. Rindom started eight games for the Foresters in 2012.

"I am extremely confident with the left side of our offensive line. I know that Tommy will out us in the right position to be successful on the field. He is a fiery competitor, however, he is a calming influence in the huddle. Bryan is, quite possibly, the best all-around offensive lineman that we have on our team. He is strong, technically sound, and fights with great tenacity on every given play. We are a much different offensive line unit depending on how Bryan is playing emotionally. Our guys truly feed off of him. Phil was one of the most improved players last season, and is the epitome of a 'gamer.' He worked tirelessly this offseason, including spending the summer in Lake Forest, in order to continue to improve his craft. I am excited about the gains that he made in the weight room, and am confident that it will make him an even better football player moving forward," said Head Football Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Junior Philip Rindom returns after starting
8 games at tackle for the Foresters in 2012. 

Senior Paul Daizovi looks to claim one of the starting
 positions on the right side of the offensive line in 2013. 

The right side of the offensive line saw several returning players make significant contributions during the season. Junior Bob Pennell started seven games at right guard for the Foresters, while Senior Paul Daizovi started three. Sophomore Bryan Donahue started the first two games of the season for the Foresters before an injury kept him out of action for several weeks in 2012.

Junior Bob Pennell driving his legs on a
 run block vs. Illinois College in 2012. 

"The best part about the right side personnel is their versatility. I see three individuals that can play tackle or guard for us this season. They have the ability to create a competitive atmosphere with each other. I feel that this will be a great benefit to our program. We will have the opportunity to go with the 'hot hand' in a give week to give us our best opportunity. Paul is coming back for his senior year, I know that he wants to take over one of the spots permanently. He had a tough off-season coming off of multiple surgeries. I fully expect him to be rewarded for his hard work and dedication. Bob, is the guy who has truly shown me a few surprises thus far. Bob has been able to be a starter for us without 'working' to his full capabilities. I think he took the challenge to own the position, instead of compete for it, to heart. He has come back in better shape, is stronger, and is showing great effort so far. I am excited about the fact that Bob could command the tackle position after starting at guard in 2012. Bryan has great versatility. Though he started at tackle for a few games in 2012, he really shined this spring at guard. I think that he will have the ability to win one of the two spots if he puts his mind to it. This side of the line has great size, each guys is over 6'3 and over 265lbs. I am excited to watch them compete this fall," noted Catanzaro.

Sophomore Bryan Donahue started two games in his injury
plagued freshman year for the Foresters. 

Sophomore Cole Gilham is the only other returner for the Foresters. Cole was a transfer in 2012, and had off-season knee surgery, that he is completely recovered from.

"Cole is vital as our back up center to help our program move forward. I wish he would have had spring ball to become more comfortable in our system, but it was important for him to have his surgery early so that he could fully recover for the season," noted Catanzaro.

The Foresters welcome eight first-year offensive lineman to the program.

"We have a LARGE class this year. We have two tackles that are as big as anyone in the league. Having a 6'7 340lb and a 6'4 330lb freshman gives us a lot to work with. We added several players from winning programs and several players who earned all-conference honors their senior year. I am very excited about these guys," explained Catanzaro.

The incoming offensive lineman are:
Offensive Tackles:
Jordon McCue (6'4 330) from St. Thomas Aquinas, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Steven O'Neal (6'7 340) from South Broward High School, Hollywood, FL
William Danner (6'2 285) from Wauconda High School, Wauconda, IL
Martin Shine (6'1 245) from Taft High School, Chicago, IL

Guards:
Josh Jones (6' 265) from Zion Benton High School, Zion, IL
Mike Caulfield (6'1 265) from Brother Rice High School, Chicago, IL
Connor O'Brien (5'9 210) from Notre Dame Prep, Scottsdale, AZ

Center:
Nick Behrens (6'3 270) from Woodstock High School, Woodstock, IL