Heading into this year’s training camp there was an open competition for starting center between eight year veteran Austin Corbett and 2022 6th round pick Cade Mays.
That competition is now over, with head coach Dave Canales naming Corbett the official starter.
“Austin Corbett’s going to be our starting center,” Canales said after Monday’s practice.
“We decided to make that decision knowing that this week, going to Houston with the joint practice and then having the game, we felt like those reps just kind of solidifying who’s the starter going to be withĀ Bryce Young, it’s a good time to kind of transition to where he’s getting more of those reps versus split.”
In 2024 Corbett was the team’s starting center for the first five games before a torn bicep ended his season. Mays did a formidable job filling in – starting in eight of the remaining twelve games.
Canales said the competition was close, but Corbett’s leadership is what set him apart.
“It was a really close competition. I think Corbett just kind of brings a level of leadership that just kind of edged him out, in my opinion. Competition brings out the best in both guys and I was really proud of the way that they competed.”
The versatile Mays will be backup center and provide depth at guard.
