CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel returns one of the most experienced offensive lines in the FCS. The Bulldogs return four starters from last year's team that once again ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing.
 
The group is coached by veteran offensive line coach Ron Boyd, who is in his sixth season with the Bulldogs. Boyd handles the centers and the guards, while first-year assistant Bobby Ruff works with the tackles and tight ends.
 
The interior of the offensive line remains the same as Haden Haas returns for his second year as the starting center, while Drew McEntyre, Prince Howard-Whitaker and Jon Barrett Lewis are each in their third year starting along the offensive front.
 
The quartet helped the Bulldogs rush for 283.6 yards per game, ranking ninth in the FCS. The numbers were even better down the stretch as The Citadel rushed for 317.3 yards over the final four games. That included rushing for 275 yards at Alabama, the most allowed by the Crimson Tide since the 2015 Sugar Bowl.
 
The lone position battle along the offensive front is at right tackle. Junior Denzel Wright and redshirt sophomore Thomas Crawford are fighting for the spot. Wright has been working himself back after missing the spring with an injury.
 
The Bulldogs are developing their depth with some young players. True freshman Tereis Drayton is working as the number two center, while fellow true freshman Stephon Stokes is getting reps with the second team at guard. The backup at the other guard spot is redshirt freshman Johnathan Toole.
 
Mark Weakland is the veteran of the backups. The junior is currently serving as the backup at left tackle.
 
For more information on The Citadel Football, please visit CitadelSports.com or follow @CitadelFootball on Twitter.
 
CITADEL FOOTBALL TICKETS: Tickets for the 2019 football season are currently on sale through The Citadel Ticket Office. Fans can call the ticket office at 843-953-DOGS (3647) or visit citadelsports.com/tickets for more information. The ticket office is located in the lobby of McAlister Field House and is open from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
Membership in The Citadel Brigadier Foundation is open to alumni and friends of The Citadel who are interested in supporting Bulldog athletics. By joining, you provide annual charitable contributions that fund scholarships for cadet-student-athletes.  Supporters interested in joining TCBF or for more information, please click here.