Meet the Leathernecks offensive/defensive linemen

By: Joe Lanane

Posted: 8/30/04

Entering the 2004 football season, Western Illinois University had an array of concerns regarding many key positions on the field. One set of positions coach Don Patterson and company had little to worry about was the linemen.

"You know exactly what you're going to get with these guys," Patterson said.

Both offensively and defensively, the Leatherneck blockers and stoppers return a cast of starters and role players from a season ago who will be expected to lead the Western interior.

Offensive co-captain and senior lineman Fred Layne will lead a cast that features three returning starters. Layne recently had his name added to that list of highly touted linemen, having I-AA.org and The Sports Network announce him as one of their choices as a Preseason All-American.

Layne will take on left guard duties while sophomore offensive lineman Chad Walker will assume the left tackle position. Patterson said Walker has made a smooth transition to the left side after starting nine games at right tackle last season.

With Layne and Walker combining as arguably one of the strongest left sides in the conference, senior Perry Cox solidifies the middle as the starting center, despite starting at both guard and tackle last year.

To Cox's right, senior Rino Sangro and sophomore Frank Valle are expected to battle for the guard spot. Sangro holds the advantage in experience as he recently transferred to Western from the University of Illinois.

There has been similar competition at the right tackle position between red-shirt freshman Ryan Spears and sophomore Brett Tobin. Tobin experienced limited action last season while Spears is expected to make an impact immediately in his first season on the field.

"Barring injury, I think the five starters will certainly come from those seven players," Patterson said.

While there is only one official returning starter on the defensive line, Patterson said there is still plenty of talent from a season ago.

Bret Rocchietti will continue his role as the starting nose tackle for Western, while a variety of familiar faces are expected to mold around the junior.

The other defensive tackle position features two seniors in Pat Ryan and Alfred Conley. Ryan has been recently named a defensive co-captain of the team and his leadership is expected to be evident both on and off the field.

Projected by many as a candidate for postseason honors, defensive lineman coach Parker Wildeman said he expects Conley to complement Ryan very well.

"These guys are two very unselfish people, I plan on trying to use them both equally," Wildeman said.

Senior David Williams will continue defensive end duties after making the transition from tight end in mid season. Williams transferred from the University of Miami last year and has become an ideal fit on the defensive line.

"We had exceptional tight ends already, and we just thought (Williams) could give us a spark on defense and as the year went on he played a more major role on our defensive line," Patterson said.

On the other end of the line will be junior defensive end Johnny Lormile. The Florida native has no starting experience but has been projected to mesh well with his fellow defensive lineman.

"I feel good about the guys we've got, but we still have a few pieces that need to be filled," Wildeman said.