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For now, it appears as if the chase for the starting center position is a three-man race and, not surprisingly, Tim Lelito is firmly entrenched as the frontrunner.

Lelito, who made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent as a guard last season, has slid over to the center position this year and was running with the starters during Thursday's organized team activities.

"It feels good," Lelito said. "I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and get used to everyone being out there - Ben, Jahri and getting used to (quarterback) Drew (Brees)'s cadence and stuff."

Ben and Jahri are Saints Pro Bowl guards Ben Grubbs and Jahri Evans and were who Lelito was backup up last season.

But when the team opted to let center Brian de la Puente pursue other options, the starting center position became Lelito's to lose.

There's been some chatter about bringing a veteran into training camp, possibly former Saints center Jonathan Goodwin, but only undrafted rookie free agent Matthew Armstrong, who like Lelito played collegiately at Grand Valley State, and second-year pro Mike Golic Jr. have been brought in as competition so far.

Lelito still isn't resting on his laurels saying "it hasn't told me anything" that the team hasn't brought anyone else in, noting that there are still guys out there that the team could bring in.

Lelito had two starts last season for the Saints at right guard and says that playing experience has made him feel more comfortable running with the starters during OTAs.

"I think it does (help) a little bit," Lelito said. "Being out there and knowing game situations, being in a game before helps me out a bit, gives me a little bit of an advantage over someone like Matt who hasn't been in an NFL game before."

Read more: Tim Lelito fully embracing New Orleans Saints starting center position in OTAs | NOLA.com

New Orleans Saints center Tim Lelito talks about taking reps with the starters | Video - Video | NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II

It really must feel nice to play between two pro bowlers.

SloMotion

It's gotta' be like being wrapped up snug in a warm blanket, ... Saints are gonna' raise this boy right & wind up with a darn good O/C on their hands, bet.

Cruize

WHO DAT!

Crusader

It sure can't hurt the young gun to have that support.


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QBREES9

Tim DAT !

jeanpierre

Grubbs hasn't been what I'd expect for what we pay for him; Evans is getting older and has been injured...

Still, am glad to see an undrafted free agent guy maximize opportunity and all the while, we're getting younger on that line...