Columbia, Mo. ? Big things are expected from Missouri quarterback Brad Smith this season, and that means the focus is on the players protecting him.

Heading into the opener against Illinois Aug. 30 at St. Louis, the offensive line figures to be a good one with six returning starters, including two — tackle Rob Droege and center A.J. Ricker — who are preseason All-Big 12 Conference selections.

“It makes it a lot easier when you’re coming into the year together,” said Droege, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound senior. “Everybody knows what the other person is doing. You can go out there and work on advanced techniques, pick up blitzes easier, communicate better. It just makes the game easier.”

Droege is considered a potential NFL-caliber tackle. Starting at the other tackle is junior Scott Paffrath, the lightest of the front five at 6-5 and 285 pounds. He started all 12 games for the Tigers last season and brings quickness to defend against speedy defensive ends.

Last season’s shuffling at the guard position has created a position battle for this year, but the linemen believe that simply means the team will have more depth.

“We’re a good unit, we actually have depth this year,” Ricker, a senior, said. “Since I’ve been here we haven’t had two deep this solid and that’s what we need to do to get better.”

Sophomore Tony Palmer, the Tiger’s interior lineman of the year last season, took over weak-side duties three games into the season. Cliff Young shifted to strong side and bumped Joe Gianino out of the starting role after five games.

Gianino used the offseason to gain 15 pounds, giving him a better chance of taking back the starting job from Young. Both players weigh about 300 pounds.

“The great thing about that battle is the two that play the best will end up starting that next game,” coach Gary Pinkel said. “That competition is very healthy. I don’t know how it’s going to sort out, but it will be interesting to see what happens.”

Missouri quarterback Brad Smith sets up in the pocket during practice. Smith will be protected by a talented offensive line in 2003. The Tigers worked out Saturday in Columbia, Mo.