CEDAR CITY, Utah -- With a strong group of returners and a number of guys pushing for positions, the Thunderbird offensive line is shaping up to be one of the premier units for the team all season long.

The T-Bird line is centered around Zach Larsen. The junior center has picked up a number of Preseason All-American accolades, and has been the T-Bird starter at center for the past two seasons. Going into his third season Larsen had his eyes on getting better at one aspect of his game, becoming more of a leader.  

"He's become much more vocal, and I think that's part of him just getting comfortable and having a couple seasons under his belt," SUU offensive line coach Aaron Fernandez said. "It's easy to lead by example when you work the way he works. He's the first one in and the last one out, and he's become much more of a vocal leader which I think will be huge for our group."

Last season T-Bird tackle Marquez Tucker was named to the All-Big Sky Second Team following an impressive campaign, and was just named to Phil Steele's 2018 Preseason All-American Third Team.  

"Marquez is a physical specimen, but it's through a lot of hard work," Fernandez said. "He played last season at 260 pounds, and he's walking around at 285 right now so he really put in the work. He's one of the strongest guys on the team so he's a physical presence, and he plays with a chip on the shoulder which is huge for us."

PJ Nu'usa, who was named to the All-Big Sky Third Team Offense following the conclusion of last season, has also had a big impact to this point of his career.

Back on the field for SUU with plenty of experience is Austin Mikkelson, Josh McMillin, along with Josh Anderson. Braxton Jones and Josh Madsen are both players who have made a lot of strides and are pushing for playing time, with Jacob Painter also having a big impact during Fall Camp.

With all the returning talent, there has been a lot of speculation that the T-Birds might have one of the best o-line units in the FCS. While Fernandez said it's not something they're emphasizing it's certainly something they've pushed for and are proud of.

"We embrace it a little bit, we've worked hard and really busted our butts to be in this position, but we have a saying in the room that's 'don't sip the Kool-Aid' so we keep throwing that term around which really means to leave all the outside noise alone and get our job done come game time," he said.

Single game tickets for the 2018 season can be purchased online at www.tbirdtickets.com or at the America First Event Center Ticket Office.

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