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MITCHELL — As the Spring camp season heads into its final week for Dakota Wesleyan University, we take a look today at the offensive line for DWU and some of the potential shuffles forthcoming for the 2022 fall season.

One change we know of is at the center position – left vacant by last year’s departed starter Bryan Smith.

The Tigers have been sliding a few guy in at the position, including redshirt sophomore Parker Grotjohn, who started at Right Guard last year.

Head coach Ross Cimpl talks about the move

“I think it’s less about Parker playing center and more about fitting our best five (lineman) into that first group,” Cimpl said.

Grotjohn has no prior experience as a center, but he said he’s gotten some pointers on the position from his line coach Trevor Joiner and right tackle Trent Suckt, who filled in some at the center position last year.

“Coach Joiner helped me out, and Trent definitely did give me a couple of pointers,” Grotjohn said. “So did Ethan Rogich because he’s played center throughout all of high school and college.”

Grotjohn talks a little bit about the difference in sliding over a spot to the left on the O-line.

“You’ve kind of got to know where everyone is at,” Grotjohn said. “I had a grasp of where everyone was going in regards to Xs and Os by just playing guard — but playing center, you’ve got to dial it in more, I’d say.”

The Tigers offensive line as a whole does bring back some experience. Andrew Kortemeyer returns at left guard, Grotjohn figures to be in the mix again as a returner – in whatever position he is playing – and Trent Suckit returns at tackle.

Also back for this coming season in his extra granted year of eligibility is left tackle T.J. Benton – who was profiled earlier this week in our coverage (You can find that story at MitchellNOW.com) and is a player coming back who Grotjohn describes as having an impact beyond his own ability

“He’s like the glue,” he said about Benton. “That’s the best way to define T.J. for sure.”

The Tigers will host a “Junior Day” event on Saturday for potential DWU recruits as they continue spring ball. It concludes on Wednesday, April 12, with the Spring Game at Joe Quintal Field at 6:30 p.m.