And the line's stability was one of the keys that allowed freshman Matt LoVecchio to settle into the starting quarterback position five games into the season. But neither will it be impossible. Senior Sean Mahan has the left guard position sewed up, Davie said. Several players were expected to compete at right guard, but both John Teasdale, who had off-season surgery on his left shoulder, and Ryan Scarola, who sprained his knee during spring drills, have been unable to take the job. Black is convinced the two newcomers will slide smoothly into their spots on the line.
Competition has a little bit to do with it but also just maturing.
A lot of the guys here right now were second team guys behind the group in '98. We've had time to grow. Though he hasn't been a starter, Mahan saw playing time in all 12 games last season backing up Jones. Milligan, on the other hand, is the most inexperienced of the bunch. His position is far from secure, with Teasdale and Scarola expected to give him competition when practice resumes in August.