Elon, N.C. - Throughout spring practice, we will break down each position for the 2022 Elon football program. Today, we look at the offensive line.
 

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SPRING OVERVIEW SERIES
Quarterbacks
Defensive Backs
Offensive Line
Defensive Line

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Elon returns every linebacker who started a game in 2021 as well as depth and experience at the position.
 
"The linebackers are a veteran unit," Inside Linebackers Coach Casey Vance said. "They come prepared and eager to get better. For the younger players, our goal is for them to understand our scheme and build their confidence through practice. This will help us build depth. The linebackers are usually the quarterbacks of the defense and the older linebackers need to embrace the challenge of putting in the extra work, take ownership of the entire defense, and be leaders."
 
Senior Devonte Chandler started all 11 games at linebacker, finishing second on the team with 70 tackles and adding team highs with 10.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also had a team-best eight quarterback hurries.
 
At the other linebacker position, sophomore Nick Veloz and senior Jamir Malone split the starting role. Malone finished the year with 54 tackles, 5.0 for loss, while Veloz ended with 37 tackles, 3.0 for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
 
While those three headline the unit, there is plenty of depth and competition behind them.
 
Redshirt sophomore Bryce Graves and sophomore CJ Ford each played in at least 10 games a year ago.
 
Redshirt freshman TJ Young all had limited game action but earned valuable experience to climb the depth chart. Another redshirt freshman, Caden Martinez, spent the fall preparing to impact Elon into the future. True freshman Brandon Tyson is an early enrollee and will participate in spring ball.
 
Another true freshman, Marco Patierno, will begin his Elon career in the fall.

 

ELON SPRING LINEBACKERS
No.	Name	Yr.	Ht / Wt	Hometown (High School)
10	Nick Veloz	So.	6-0 / 226	Los Angeles, Calif. (Cathedral)
12	Devonte Chandler	Sr.	6-0 / 230	Chester, Va. (Thomas Dale)
13	Jamir Malone	Sr.	5-11 / 228	North Ridgeville, Ohio (North Ridgeville)
42	Brandon Tyson	Fr.	6-0 / 213	Whiteville, N.C. (Whiteville)
51	Bryce Graves	RSo.	6-0 / 225	Clayton, N.C. (Clayton)
52	CJ Ford	So.	6-1 / 224	Atlanta, Ga. (Denmark)
53	TJ Young	RFr.	6-2 / 221	Dacula, Ga. (Dacula)
59	Caden Martinez	RFr.	5-11 / 220	Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Saint Thomas Aquinas)
FALL INCOMING LINEBACKERS
	Marco Patierno	Fr.	6-0 / 220	Wake Forest, N.C. (Heritage)