Mountaineers Hurtin' At Left Tackle

Freshman forced to start at left tackle on Saturday.

Appalachian State's starting lineup for Saturday's season-opener against N.C. State will include one freshman - offensive lineman Mario Acitelli of Charlotte.

Acitelli (6-2, 255) will start at left tackle in place of injured Kyle Knox, a senior.

Knox (6-3, 270) had surgery last Thursday to repair ligament damage to his left ankle. Knox said he could return as early as the Mountaineers' second game, Sept. 9 against James Madison.

Only 6-2, 255? Among the players currently listed as starters on NC State's defensive line, Ray Brooks is the lightest, and he checks in at 285 pounds. Fortunately for Acitelli, he has four returning starters around him.