This is the fourth in a series of articles previewing the 2015 football season at Missouri S&T.  The daily stories will feature one position, or a set of positions, each weekday through August 6.  The stories will be available at 11 a.m., each day, with the exception of July 31 when it will be available following the release of the GLVC pre-season poll.

Today's story features the Miner offensive line.

ROLLA, Mo. -- One of the concerns for Missouri S&T heading into the 2014 season was the relative inexperience of its offensive line, which at times had as many as three freshmen on the field at the same time.

But that experience gained last fall is something that can pay off in a big way for the Miners in the upcoming season, as S&T will have three starters back up front to guide the offensive unit.

The interior of the offensive line is led by sophomore Adam Echele (Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette), who started in every game at center.  He will likely be flanked at the guard spots by fellow sophomore Aaron Fritts (Butler, Mo./Butler) and junior Marcellus Corbin (Independence, Mo./Truman).  Returners Vince Fricke (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North), Alex Steinlage (Centralia, Kan./Centralia) and Drake Randall (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills) will also compete for roles on the line.

"Adam gained a ton of experience last season," Fenwick said.  "There was so much for him to learn as far as understanding fronts and how to block things, making calls and on top of that, just getting the snap made.  He was a bit erratic last year with the snaps, but this spring, he was much more accurate from that standpoint.

"Aaron started a few games last year and is a very physical player that the other offensive linemen look up to because of his work ethic," Fenwick said.  "Marcellus is one of the strongest players on our team and even though he hasn't had as much playing time, he made a great deal of improvement and will factor in at the guard position along with Steinlage."

S&T will have to replace both of its starting tackles – including three-time All-GLVC performer Forrestal Hickman (Holton, Kan./Holton HS), who is currently in training camp with the NFL's San Diego Chargers.  One of the top candidates to do so is Nick Wunderli (St. Louis, Mo./DeSmet Jesuit), a versatile lineman who saw time at guard last fall, while redshirt freshman Austin Holmes (Eagle Point, Ore./Eagle Point) will also be in contention for a starting role at tackle.

"Austin may be the most athletic offensive lineman that I've ever coached," Fenwick said.  "He runs like a tight end, but he has great feet and really good technique.  He has all the physical tools and athletic ability as well as the competitive element, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do on the field."

Joe Mersinger (Troy, Ill./Triad) will also contend for a starting role at tackle, while the Miners have a number of offensive linemen in their off-season recruiting class that will also look for roles.  That group is headed by Kejuan King (Dallas, Texas/DeSoto), Josh Elam (Aledo, Texas/Aledo) and Josh Thornton (Katy, Texas/Katy) from the state of Texas, Brandon Gonzalez (Mission, Kan./Bishop Miege) from the Kansas City metropolitan area and Brandon Tajkarimi (Creve Coeur, Mo./Priory), who will also compete for the long snapping duties.

2015 MISSOURI S&T FOOTBALL PREVIEW SERIES
July 27 – Quarterbacks
July 28 – Running Backs
July 29 – Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
July 30 – Offensive Line
July 31 – GLVC Media Day/Pre-Season Poll
August 3 – Defensive Line
August 4 – Linebackers
August 5 – Defensive Backs
August 6 – Special Teams