The finale in a series highlighting each position for the 2018 Morehead State Football program. - Quarterbacks - Receivers - Running Backs - Defensive Line - Tight Ends - Defensive Backs - Special Teams - Linebackers

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- The men in the trenches sometimes get overlooked, but they are as vital a part of a college football team's offense as any position. The offensive linemen pave the way for all the yards gained and all the touchdowns.

Morehead State has six offensive linemen in 2018 who have been in the program at least four years, so experience should be a plus for the boys up front this year.

"We've got an experienced core of offensive lineman in terms of both game experience and seniority," said offensive line coach Brett Rude.

The Eagles return four regular starters from 2017, a season in which Morehead State led the Pioneer League in passing for the third consecutive season.

Senior left tackle Josh Hall (Hampton, Va.), redshirt junior left guard Josh Poe (Salyersville, Ky.), redshirt junior center Cameron Bailey (Nicholasvillle, Ky.) and senior right guard Kris Jones (Shelbyville, Ky.) are all returning after making a majority of the starts and the reps in 2017.

Redshirt junior Ben Price (Louisville, Ky.) will cement the right tackle spot after being a regular in the rotation last year. Redshirt junior Jed Clay (Taylorsville, Ky.) was also in on a handful of plays in 2017 and can play both guard and center.

"Our mindset opening fall camp was a heavy emphasis on running the football and tightening up our pass protection," said Rude. "Refining our techniques and schematics in both phases of the game was our primary focus. As we prepare for our upcoming opponents, we do our best to study their techniques, and work on ways to take advantage of their weaknesses."

Others who are expected to make impacts in 2018 are redshirt junior Alex Meador (Scottsville, Ky.), redshirt freshman Matthew Blank (California, Ky.) and freshman Cam Marriott (Redlands, Calif.).

Michael Davis (Beavercreek, Ohio), Tanner Duncan (Grayson, Ky.), Gannon Starnes (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) and Logan Floyd (Georgetown, Ky.) all gained valuable learning experience in their first full collegiate season last year, and true freshmen Rob Snyder (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Jared Rogers (Louisville, Ky.) round out the O-line roster.

"Since the spring, we have become a more physically and mentally mature unit," concluded Rude. "We have shuffled some of the positions of the first unit, but I think the flexibility we have allows us to get the best players on the field at all times."

The Eagles open the 2018 season Thursday at Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET.