DETROIT -- With the start of the 2018 season just 10 days away, this segment will feature the offensive line under the direction of 10th-year coach Scott Wooster.

A year ago at this time the prevailing thought was the 2017 Warrior offensive line was going to be anchored by senior left guard Tommy Richardson (32 starts).  However a pre-season injury caused Richardson to miss the entire year. 

Coming off a 2016 campaign which saw WSU rush for 3,007 yards and 36 touchdowns, expectations had to be tempered last year with an inexperienced offensive line.  The Warriors rushed for 2,122 yards and 16 touchdowns, while surrendering 15 sacks in 2017.

Richardson (Troy, Mich.) is a two-time First Team All-GLIAC selection as well as a three-time GLIAC All-Academic Team honoree.  He has played in all 33 games, starting 32 times (24 at left guard, six at right guard, and two at center) in his Wayne State career.

Joining Richardson at the other guard spot is sophomore Lane Potter (Hudsonville, Mich.), who was voted WSU's Offensive Rookie of the Year a season ago after starting all 11 games at right tackle.

Providing depth at the guard spots will be redshirt senior Adam McJunkin (Allen Park, Mich.), redshirt freshmen Chris Carter (Lancaster, Ohio / Columbus Bishop Watterson) and Will Butler (Novi, Mich. / Detroit Catholic Central), and true freshmen Josh Mayberry (Detroit, Mich. / Martin Luther King) and Dalton Thorner (Emmett, Mich. / Yale).  Freshman Noah Nicklin (Davisburg, Mich. / Clarkston) will miss the 2018 campaign due to an injury.

Senior left tackle Israel Helms (Southfield, Mich. / Orchard Lake St. Mary's) is coming off an Honorable Mention All-GLIAC season in 2017.  Junior Justin Tockstein (Warren, Mich. / Mott) was slated to start at right tackle a year ago before the injury to Richardson, but has returned there for 2018.  Tockstein has played in 18 games, making 11 starts on the offensive line.

Battling for a spot on the travel roster as a back-up tackle will be redshirt freshmen Cooper Kukal (Fremont, Mich.) and Joe Ziedas (Dearborn, Mich. / University of Detroit Jesuit)

Both newcomers will most likely redshirt in 2018, but could be pressed into duty.  They are Kevin Skonning (La Grange, Ill. / Lyons) and Keontae Watson (Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores).

Ian Sharp (Salem, Ohio / West Branch) will miss the season due to an injury, while Davenport transfer Landin Mitchell (Goodrich, Mich.) has to sit out due to GLIAC transfer regulations.

Junior Charlie Younger (Eagle, Wis. / Mukwonago) started all 11 games at center a season ago.  He will be backed-up by redshirt freshman Reid Thompson (Fenton, Mich. and true freshman Chuckie Anthony (Muskegon, Mich. / Mona Shores).


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