Minor-league football attracts players from all walks of life. This season, the Southern Michigan Timberwolves have a colorful cast competing to protect the T-Wolves signal callers. Offensive Line Coach, Dan Russell, has formed his group with an eye on them playing multiple positions. This Monroe native relies on the flexibility of his players to compensate for the brutal season of competition in the Mid-Continental Football League. " When you play at a high level and in 90 degree heat, you have to have a variety of players who can do different things for the team. We have to have diversity." Ironically, just as each member of the o-line can play multiple positions, they all come from different walks of life. Russell added, " I really feel that these guys are well rounded adults and that really adds to the complexity of our core group."

  Ed Somerville ( tackle/guard) is an Executive Buyer for ACO Hardware. He commented, "It is tough finding the time to

  New to the T-Wolves, Dan Swetz has been around sports his whole life. " I played offensive line at both Adrian College and Northen Michigan. My wife is also a high school trainer. The family is basically around sports all the time. I got the opportunity to continue to compete here and I really like the makeup of our team. He added, "Yeah it is tough working 16 hours and then getting to practice. However, like anything in life, you get what you put in. I really think we are going to surprise some people. There is a lot of talent on this roster."

John Patterson also had some positive things to say. " It is not easy cramming a pro-style offense into 2 days of practice. But Coach Pi and Coach Russell are working very hard to teach us. We work much of what we do step by step. The concepts are similar to ones we have seen in the past. We are just working on new terminology and really gelling together as a unit."

  Local product, Matt Smith. is the youngest member of the T-Wolves line. "I just listen to my coaches a try to make an impact when I can. Almost all of these guys have played college football. I like to hang out and listen to their advice and stories. We work out together away from practice. Even Coach Russell. It really has helped us work together. These guys are my friends. I don't want to let them down. I have to be ready."

  Head Coach, Joe Devault had a few things to add to the conversation. " I played in the trenches in this league for 13 years. It is an absolute war in there. Without the hard work and dedication from these players, our team would not do anything. It all starts up front. I am very lucky to have these guys on our team. They are not just quality players at this level, they are quality individuals off the field. That is also very important to The Southern Michigan Timberwolves Organization. We are also adding more depth to our line with interest from several other prospects. We have 3 quality quarterbacks. Each adds a different wrinkle. It is the job of the line to protect our quarterbacks. We average at least 300 lbs. across the board. Physically, we can compete. Even in the NFL, the heart of any sound franchise is the "hogs" who are getting down and dirty on the front lines. We are in position to do some positive things in this league."