The starting offensive line will feature one new starter this Saturday when Rutgers opens its season against Washington. However, the right tackle spot will not be debuting a new face as fifth-year senior J.J. Denman has claimed that job for the second straight season.

But it was not without a good amount of effort as Denman began training camp behind redshirt sophomore Zack Heeman.

That competition would eventually swing in Denman’s favor as he has been named the opening day starting right tackle.

“I had to come out and compete, I still have to do it,” Denman said following Tuesday’s practice. “I had a good training camp, a lot of development went on and I just have to keep the pedal down.”

That competition is still ongoing as Denman’s advantage over Heeman was not overwhelming.

Offensive line coach AJ Blazek mentioned why Denman earned the starting nod.

“J.J. probably on experience right now. That’s the biggest difference. You are going to see both of them play and we are going to find out from there because I think games really tell you the most.”

The competition between Heeman and Denman may also prove beneficial when game day rolls around.

“It made everybody better. Competition is there every day, all the time,” Denman said. “It definitely made me better.”

Denman started all 12 games last season at right tackle, but this start will be in a new system as Rutgers will debut its power spread offense on Saturday against Washington.

“Offensive line is offensive line. The only thing different is the tempo,” Denman said. “We have handled that and we have been working on it for a long time.”

Throughout training camp, Denman also shed some weight and will go into Saturday’s opener tipping the scales at 315 pounds.

“I was a little heavier coming into camp, but I took care of that. We work on that every day.”

For more on the offensive line, check out today's Scarlet Slant inside The Round Table.