The Harvard offensive line has undergone a series of changes over the past couple of years.

It dominated in 1997, led by now-Minnesota Viking tackle Matt Birk '98 with juniors and a senior to join him. Last year, those juniors became seniors and battled in the trenches, providing solid protection for a shaky quarterback and an oft-injured backfield.

Now all the Crimson has left is Mike Clare and a bunch of rather large nobodies. The junior right tackle, a year ago the baby on the line, boasts the only real game experience for any Crimson lineman. Harvard will introduce four brand-new starters this year, two of whom spent last season playing junior varsity football.

Ultimately, this may become a solid unit, but Harvard's success will depend upon how fast it matures.

"The offensive line is very inexperienced and youthful," Harvard Coach Tim Murphy said. "In terms of size and ability, it is arguably the best potential we've had, but they have to realize it."

If anything, this unit certainly has size. The weight of the group averages 282 pounds with both Clare and junior center John Kadzielski tipping the scales at 290 pounds.

Clare and Kadzielski will be joined tomorrow by sophomore left guard Dan Kistler. Senior Ryan Kauppila will start at right guard and share time with junior Spencer Knibbe, and sophomore Steve Collins will play left tackle along with sophomore Justin Stark.

Murphy assembled the unit during spring practice and left it up to the players to elevate their game and prove they belonged on the offensive. Through spring, summer workouts and preseason the guys have begun to gel and form a cohesive unit.

"The bonding started in spring ball," Clare said. "That was a great time for us. It seemed natural for everyone to take their role."