DeKALB | Both Phil Horvath and Dan Nicholson were lucky last year.

As they dropped back in the pocket to look for a sprinting Britt Davis or Marcus Perez, seldom did they have to worry about being blindsided by a charging defensive lineman.

That’s because they had 6-foot-6, 324-pound monster Doug Free anchoring the left tackle position. But with Free gone and hopefully celebrating his new NFL contract next weekend, the Huskies have the daunting task of filling the vacancy Free’s departure will undoubtedly create.

As it stands, the competition is between the lone senior on the offensive line, Chris Acevedo, and redshirt sophomore Tony Holmes. And who doesn’t like a little competition to stir things up?

“Right now, I’d say Chris is No. 1,” head coach Joe Novak said. “Tony is really getting better, though, and I think there will be some competition in the fall to see who will start.”

After being recruited as a tackle out of Curie High School, Acevedo converted to guard last season and played next to Free while Holmes was in the backup role at left tackle. Getting a unique perspective on the future NFL draft pick has allowed each player to learn in different ways.

Sharing a spot on the line with Free last year enabled Acevedo to learn the leadership skills he will need as the only senior on the line.

“He was one of the leaders out there,” said the 6-foot-5, 304-pound Acevedo of Free. “Being the only senior this year, I need to improve on my leadership skills and lead by example just by being aggressive.”

Aggressive is something the left tackle position requires.

Having knowledge of both the guard and tackle position has given Acevedo a clear understanding of what the demands of each present. Novak and his staff have prided themselves in making sure players on the line can play dual positions, and for good reason. After telling Acevedo of the impeding switch after last season, he was able to work on foot speed, the main ingredient to protecting next year’s starting quarterback, Dan Nicholson, from blitzes on the outside.

In Holmes’ case, he seems like the little brother determined to please his mentor.

“I’m just out here trying to make it look like Doug’s not gone,” said the 6-foot-6, 330-pound Holmes. “He pretty much taught me everything he knew and I’m just trying to make it look good.”

Novak and new offensive line coach Harold Etheridge seem almost giddy when describing what the potential Holmes brings to the table. What is most impressive is the Woodbury, Minn., native’s work ethic, foot speed and ability to learn.

“He wants to do good,” Etheridge said. “When you’ve got a guy that wants to do what it takes to succeed, it’s easy to take him to the next level.”

With Acevedo and Holmes expecting to see time at their new position during Saturday’s spring game, Nicholson will get his first chance to direct an offensive line without the protection of “The Freak.”

Will the first year starting quarterback be constantly looking over his shoulder, or will he feel “Free”? Novak is hoping for the latter.

Brandon Mangia is a sports reporter for the