2006 Outlook: Offensive Line

Aug. 2, 2006

This is the third in an eight-part series, previewing the University of Cincinnati football team as it prepares to open the 2006 season on Sept. 2 vs. Eastern Kentucky. In this installment, the Bearcats' 2006 offensive line is previewed.

Though three starters were lost on the offensive line, the unit returns with a greater aggregate of experience than it had at the start of the 2005 campaign.

Digger Bujnoch is the Bearcats' top returning lineman. The 6-5, 290-pound junior will move to left tackle this year after starting in 2005 at right tackle. Sophomore Trevor Canfield, one of three who alternated as the starter at right guard last fall, took hold of the position with a good performance during spring drills.

Junior J.P. Simon and sophomore Khalil El-Amin, who both saw considerable action with the No. 1 offense during spring practice, will continue the battle for starting jobs, Simon at right tackle and El-Amin at left guard. Mario Duenas' quick adaptation to the offense following his arrival from junior college may help him earn the first nod at the vacant center position over junior Chris Flores and senior Jeff Reinstatler.

Redshirt freshman Jeffrey Linkenbach, II and junior Jeremy Bolton bolstered their stock as tackles with impressive performances during spring drills. Reinstatler and Jon Tobin have experience as starters and will continue to battle with incoming junior college transfer Ken Rodriguez for the left guard post. "Many of our lineman gained valuable experience last year," stated UC head coach Dantonio. "It is a matter of solidifying who are the best five to get on the field. We need to execute our assignments with proficiency. It is imperative that we protect the quarterback and have the ability to run the football."

Left Tackle
2005 Starter:
Steve Eastlake graduated
Returning Vet:
Digger Bujnoch 6-5, 290 Jr.
Returning Redshirt:
Jeffrey Linkenbach, II 6-6, 290 Fr.

Left Guard
2005 Starter:
Ryan Brown graduated
Returning Vets:
Khalil El-Amin 6-5, 305 So.
Frank Straub 6-6, 310 Sr.
Newcomer:
Ken Rodriguez 6-3, 305 Jr.

Center
2005 Starter:
Matt Webster graduated
Returning Vet:
Chris Flores 6-2, 280, Jr.
Returning Redshirt:
Chris Jurek 6-2, 260 Fr.
Newcomer:
Mario Duenas 6-3, 280 Jr.

Right Guard
2005 Starter:
Jeff Reinstatler 6-2, 287 Sr.
Returning Vets:
Trevor Canfield 6-5, 300 So.
Jon Tobin 6-2, 280, Jr.
Returning Redshirt:
Steve Gawronski 6-3, 285 Fr.

Right Tackle
2005 Starter:
Digger Bujnoch moved to LT
Returning Vets:
Jeremy Bolton 6-5, 310 Jr.
J.P. Simon 6-6, 310 Jr.
Returning Redshirt:
Rodney Pompey 6-9, 360 So.
Newcomers:
Toby Boeckman 6-7, 250 Fr.
C.J. Cobb 6-4, 310 Fr.