University of Toledo offensive lineman Mitch Berg used his redshirt season last year to soak up as much as he could from standout tackles Elijah Nkansah and Brant Weiss while putting more muscle on his frame in the weight room.

So far that is paying off as Berg, a St. John’s Jesuit grad, has made two starts at left tackle this season.

“It helped tremendously,” Berg said of his redshirt season. “I came in not being the strongest individual. It helped me gain steps on the right path, whether that helped with the weight room or just watching and learning behind Brant Weiss and Elijah Nkansah. That was just the biggest help.”

Berg made the opening game start against Virginia Military Institute when Cam Bell was unable to play because of injury. Berg then started the third game of the season against Nevada.

Toledo’s 2018 football schedule

“So far it has been great,” Berg said. “It’s been everything that I anticipated. With Cam Bell going down, he helped get me ready. Everyone on the offensive line has been such a big help, especially the older guys like Bryce Harris, Brandon Heidecker, and Brock Ruble. They’ve all gone out of their way to help me out. [Offensive line coach Mike] Hallett and coach [Josh] Hendershot, they’ve always been there anytime I need extra film work or extra reps after practice.

“They put me in a good position and it’s been extremely fun playing this year.”

As a senior at St. John’s, Berg was a first-team All-Ohioan and was a three-star recruit according to 247Sports.com and ESPN. He said the workmanlike approach he has had since a young age has helped him prepare for his opportunity this season.

“During camp and offseason work, I knew I just had to put my head down and go,” Berg said. “That’s what I talked to coach Hallett about, and he said, ‘If I need somebody you’re our guy.’ It’s the mentality that I had growing up and that my parents instilled in me. Just put your head down and go, and that is what coach [Jason] Candle and everyone harps on here.”

Berg said he is working in practice this season on his pass sets and finishing off blocks as well as mastering the offensive playbook.

At left tackle, Berg has a lot of responsibility with protecting junior quarterback Mitch Guadagni and opening up running lanes for the Rockets running backs.

After a year off the field, Berg is just enjoying being out there with his teammates.

“Last year was very fun traveling with the team and everything like that, but it was not fun sitting and watching,” Berg said. “This year playing a pivotal role here, especially with an offensive line with such a high standard, has been nothing but great times and I’ve developed great friendships with the guys I’m here playing with. I can’t wait for what the future holds, whether that is this year or the years to come.”

Contact Brian Buckey at: bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.

First Published September 29, 2018, 7:45 p.m.