Nonetheless, the OTA snaps have given Amano an opportunity to get into the flow of a familiar position he expects to play in 2010. In his most extensive playing time of his career, all 16 of Amano's starts came at left guard.

''It's been a while since I played center because I've been focusing on left guard for the last two years,'' Amano said. ''I'm just mentally preparing knowing that I'll be running the show if they put me at center.''

The seven-year veteran served as a back up at the center position throughout his first four seasons under offensive line coach Mike Munchak. He saw action at all three interior line spots during his rookie season of 2004 and started at center for the injured Mawae during a 2007 game against the New York Jets.

''I'm excited for it,'' Amano said. ''I think I'm a great fit at center and Leroy's a great fit at guard. Our line won't miss a beat at all.''

Amano earned his first full-time starting role in 2008, a year where the offensive line allowed an NFL-low 12 sacks. Amano said the blocking aspect of switching spots would not be difficult, however the switch to being the lineman making the calls and adjustments at the line of scrimmage was something he focused on in preparation for the voluntary practices leading into training camp.

''[The toughest aspect will be] just knowing the situations and the looks that we're going to see with the defensive fronts,'' Amano said. ''When you're playing center you've got to direct the guys and make all the calls, so that's the only thing I've got to get used to.''

''But it's nothing new. I've been playing center [at various times] and I've always kept in the back of my mind that at some point I could move back there. It shouldn't be a surprise for me.''