Without any qualifiers, John Luckhardt said: "Tim McCutcheon is the best center in the country."

Maybe the head football coach at California University of Pennsylvania is a bit prejudiced, but he's been around a lot of good players in a long, storied career.

Of course, it's high praise for somebody who has only played that position for one year.

"We have four or five players on this team who have a legitimate shot of being drafted [by the National Football League]," Luckhardt said. "Tim is clearly one of them. It's not easy to keep changing positions and continue to improve, but that's what Tim has done."

McCutcheon, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound senior from Quaker Valley, began his career at California as a freshman tackle, and was voted first-team All-PSAC West Division. The following season, McCutcheon moved to guard and was voted to the PSAC West first team again. He also received national recognition as a third-team selection on Football Gazette's NCAA Division II All-America team.

Then came last year's change to center, as McCutcheon completed the trifecta by being named to the first team for the third time. He also was named to the first team of the American Football Coaches Association All-American team, and to the second team of the Associated Press Little All-American team.

"There can't be many players in the history of the PSAC who were named to the first team at three different positions," said Luckhardt. "That clearly shows his versatility."

McCutcheon was familiar with that position, but hadn't played there until last year.

"I played center a little when I was at Villanova," said McCutcheon, who transferred to California when he realized Villanova wasn't for him. "The transition was very easy. Now I love the position. It's great to be in the middle of the action."

McCutcheon realizes he may have a future in the NFL, but is trying not to think about it.

"I haven't bothered with that," he said. "It makes me nervous thinking about it. I'm just trying to focus on what I'm doing now. This is my team now, and I'm worried about them. If the opportunity comes -- and I hope it does -- then I'll deal with it."

McCutcheon was voted tri-captain last year and returns in that role, but he has a little more pressure this year.

"Tim is the only returning starter on the offensive line, but we do have a lot of talent to fill those holes," said Luckhardt. "We had a real good spring, and all but one line position has been determined."

Trinity High School graduate John Testa will take over at right guard, while Aliquippa grad Cha'Mar Jones has claimed the left tackle position.

"Both John and Cha'Mar came to us as defensive linemen," said Luckhardt. "We moved them to the offensive line last year and both saw some playing time. Both are junior eligible."

Testa will be joined on the right side by tackle Nate Nurse, a transfer from Rutgers. The left guard position is up for grabs. The three players fighting for that spot are: Aliquippa graduate Devin Kirkland, Brian Melcher and Central Michigan transfer Bo Stanger.

McCutcheon is one of four starters back on offense. The other three are the Vulcans' three biggest threats, quarterback Joe Ruggerio (178 of 272 for 2,118 yards and 15 touchdowns), running back Brandon Lombardy (1,595 yards and 19 touchdowns) and wide receiver Nate Forse (50 receptions).

Despite its lack of returning starters on offense, California has been tabbed as the favorite in the West Division, as all 11 starters return on defense.

"I like being the team to beat," said McCutcheon. "It's a great motivator."