Tim Lelito, former standout at Grand Valley, in position to start with New Orleans Saints

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Tim Lelito signs autographs during training camp last year with the New Orleans Saints.

(AP file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In just over a year, Tim Lelito has gone from undrafted free agent to current frontrunner to be the starting center for the New Orleans Saints.

The former All-American from Grand Valley State is currently the only center on the Saints roster following the departure of incumbent Brian de la Puente, who signed in early April with the Chicago Bears.

After he made the team last season, Lelito played guard – along with special teams - and had two starts at right guard. He did take snaps at center last summer during training camp.

RECENT: Former GVSU standout Tim Lelito gets eye-opener in first season with Saints

He told reporters Wednesday that he takes nothing for granted.

"I just show up to work every day ... and do what I've got to do to get better," he said in a story from Nola.com on Wednesday. "Whether that's being a starting center or whether it's backup guard again, backup center, it doesn't matter. Whatever I can do to help the team this year."

The Saints on Monday began two weeks of voluntary offseason workouts.

"Now's the time where you've just got to know the plays," Lelito said. "Last year, I had to know the plays, but this year, I have to know the ins and outs of every single play. I have to know what everyone is doing on the line because we're all together. ... It's kind of on me now. So I have to pay a little bit more attention."

The Saints still could sign a free agent or draft a center to compete with Lelito. But coach Sean Payton, speaking earlier in the month at the NFL owners meetings, said Lelito would be in the mix.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there was a player signed," Payton told theadvocate.com. "Tim Lelito would be a guy that's in the mix as someone competing for that opportunity, but ... we'll see who it is he's competing against."

The Saints will hold Organized Team Activies (OTAs) May 27-29, June 3-5 and June 16-19. In between, the NFL draft will be held May 8-10.

Mandatory minicamp will be held June 10-12.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

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