There are just nine days until the Los Angeles Rams kick off their regular season schedule against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s been eight months since they played a meaningful football game, so anticipation is understandably high.

To get you ready for the start of the new campaign, we’re counting down the days by ranking the team’s 10 most important players. At No. 9, it’s center John Sullivan, who’s in his first year with the Rams.

C John Sullivan

2016 stats (13 games): 0.5 sacks allowed

Sullivan is entering his first season with the Rams after spending 2016 with the Redskins. He’ll step in as the starting center, shoring up the interior of Los Angeles’ offensive line. That should lead to a boost in production for Todd Gurley, who struggled mightily last season – but you already knew that.

Center’s aren’t often talked about as being very valuable or important, but look at the way Travis Frederick has played for the Cowboys. He’s completely changed that offensive line and provided a spark to the running game. If Sullivan can open up running lanes for Gurley and keep pressure out of Jared Goff’s face, the Rams are going to be much more productive offensively.

The drop-off from him to backup Austin Blythe is fairly significant, which is why Sullivan has to stay healthy. He’s played well thus far in the preseason and in practice, so he just needs to carry that over into the regular season.