TOWSON, Md. - On the seventh day of their pre-season camp, the Tigers hardly rested. In fact, they held their first double practice of the year with a morning session and an afternoon session.

Although the morning practice session was shortened due to a torrential thunderstorm, the Tigers went through a three-hour practice in the late afternoon.

Tackles Henry Glackin and Eric Pike were among those leading the Tigers through their long day. Not surprisingly, they are two of the Tiger team captains.

"They are our bookend tackles and they are exceptional team leaders," says John Donatelli, the Tigers' long-time Offensive Line Coach. "This is the first time I can recall having both of our tackles serving as team captains. In the past, we've had two linemen serve as captains but not two tackles."

Although the two tackles are team captains, they couldn't be much different. Glackin is a 6-4, 280-pound senior from New Providence, Pa. while Pike is a 6-5, 295-pound sophomore from Landover, Md.

"Henry is a quiet guy who leads by example," says Donatelli. "Meanwhile, Eric is a vocal leader who is a very passionate player. He wears his heart on his sleeve. But, he is a great leader who never criticizes his teammates."

Ironically, the Tigers' offensive line coach has noticed a change during the pre-season. Glackin has gotten more vocal and Pike has become quieter.

A fourth-year starter, Glackin (right)  is ready to have a big senior season, according to Donatelli. "Henry is really coming his own, both physically and mentally," he says. "He has developed such a professional demeanor and never gets rattled. He never waivers in his technique and I'm excited for him. He is going to have a big season."

Donatelli added, "We just finished a pretty intense day. We practiced twice today and it was the first time. Everyone was tired and the line was experiencing some adversity. Both Henry and Eric really stepped up and calmed everyone down. I was impressed at the way they took control."

While Glackin is a fourth-year starter, Pike is a rarity - a sophomore team captain.

Pike started all 11 games as a "red shirt" freshman and showed plenty of leadership. His teammates took notice and elected him as a team captain in his sophomore year. He is only the fourth sophomore in school history to serve as a team captain and he is the first since quarterback Dan Dullea in 1974.

"It speaks volumes about the respect he has earned from his teammates that Eric was elected as a team captain," says Donatelli. "He has made such strides and it's been great watching him grow and mature. He has done a great job changing his body and he has become a mature competitor.

"There is one thing about Eric that really excites me," says Donatelli. "That is the fact that we'll have him here two or three more years."

The Tigers return to pre-season practice on Monday afternoon.