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Akron
On Dec. 15, 2003, the day J.D. Brookhart was hired as the head football coach at Akron, the college's administration made it clear that a new standard was being put in place.
Brookhart's job was to have the Zips compete for the MAC championship. Nobody thought he would have them doing it in his first season.
After an 0-3 start in 2004, Akron rebounded to earn a chance at the MAC East crown and become bowl eligible. The Zips' postseason hopes were dashed in a 37-27 loss to Miami in the regular-season finale, but the seeds for success have been planted.
"We did some good things," said Brookhart, who was chosen MAC Coach of the Year.
The Zips did them by playing what Brookhart calls, "efficient football," something they'll have to continue to do in order to carry last season's success into this season when a new crop of players will take over several key positions.
The biggest change will be at quarterback, where Akron will be without Charlie Frye for the first time in four seasons. Frye, who was selected by Cleveland in the third round of April's NFL draft (67th overall), completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 11,049 yards and 64 touchdowns while setting 54 school records in his 46-game career.
How well respected was Frye? The university president asked him to be one of three student speakers at commencement in May.
"It's significant," Brookhart said of losing Frye. "This team listened to one guy for the last three years. Obviously, he's a third-round pick and all of those things, but the intangibles will be missed just as much."
Junior Luke Getsy, a transfer from Pittsburgh, enters the fall as Frye's successor. Getsy, who appeared in six games with the Panthers in 2003, is familiar with the offense; Brookhart served as Pitt's offensive coordinator before taking over at Akron.
The other major challenge on offense will be retooling a line that loses four starters with a combined 127 starts.
The Zips do have a quality running back in senior Brett Biggs and big-play receiver in senior Domenik Hixon. Establishing the running game will be extremely important because Frye is not there to bail Akron out and the Zips are looking to become more of a ball-control team.
The defense returns seven starters, including all four in the secondary, but has some questions. Brookhart is emphasizing playing at a faster pace and needs his players to react to plays without having to think. The Zips gave up too many yards (425.9) and points (31.55) last season.
"We can get better," Brookhart said. "As a group, the leadership piece is still missing. We need to step up and demand more of each other."
Akron is still a work in progress, and more than half of the starters will be new. Brookhart's incoming recruiting class has been ranked No. 1 in the MAC by several different sources, including Rivals.com, a sign that this program's best days are still ahead.
QUARTERBACKS
Luke Getsy (6-2, 220) doesn't have to be Frye, but he does need to exhibit the same qualities -- poise, maturity and solid decision-making -- that helped him win the job from Jabari Arthur this spring.
"He has good command of the offense and has been in it for a while," Brookhart said. "He's very into the mental pieces of the game. He is not an overly talented player physically, but he's a kid that makes the right decisions."
Getsy has been in the system since enrolling at Pitt in 2002. He started the 2003 season opener for the Panthers against Kent State and appeared in five other games. His stats were not impressive (3-of-13 for 32 yards), but having two more years behind him will help.
A former Big East All-Academic team member, Getsy was the first four-year starter at Steel Valley High School in Munhall, Pa., where he finished with 6,021 passing yards and 59 touchdowns.
Having Getsy at quarterback also improves the Zips at receiver as Arthur (6-4, 217), a sophomore with 4.5 speed, has been moved back to the position where he spent most of last season. Arthur caught 23 passes for 270 yards in nine games during 2004 and also saw action behind center in two games (3-of-6, 12 yards). He spent the spring working at quarterback, but gives Akron a nice complement to Hixon and Jason Montgomery.
"He grew with that quarterback position and understands what Luke is thinking," Brookhart said. "We've got to get him on the field."
Strong-armed Sophomore John Ferguson (6-5, 226) will back up Getsy. Ferguson played just three snaps last season, and did not throw a pass, but was ranked as one of the top five quarterbacks in Ohio coming out of Reynoldsburg High School in 2003. Redshirt freshman Kurt Shoemaker (6-2, 202), whose father Mike was a quarterback at Cincinnati from 1970-74, provides depth.
RUNNING BACKS
If you hadn't heard of Brett Biggs before last season, you were not alone. Akron was the only Division I-A team to offer the Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College product a scholarship and he took it and ran with it. Literally.
Biggs (5-9, 190) cracked the starting lineup in the third game and went on to earn second-team All-MAC honors after ranking seventh in the league in rushing (79.2 yards per game) and sixth in all-purpose yards (132.9 ypg).
He enters his senior season looking to build on last season's totals of 871 rushing yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 421 yards and two scores.
"He's hard to tackle," Brookhart said. "He's not an overly big kid, but has a low center of gravity and breaks a lot of tackles. In open space, he makes people miss."
The Zips have an experienced backup in senior Jerell Ringer (5-10, 205), who began last season as the starter before giving way to Biggs. Ringer finished 2004 with 183 yards on 61 carries.
Sophomore Frank Berchie (5-8, 200) and redshirt freshman Dennis Kennedy (5-11, 209) are youngsters who each turned some heads in the spring. Berchie saw limited action last season, carrying just three times. Kennedy was a three-sport standout at Stranahan High in Fort Lauderdale who ran for 967 yards as a senior.
Fifth-year senior Richard Spaulding (6-2, 220) and redshirt freshman Joe McDaniel (5-11, 215) are the leading candidates to replace Dan Basch at fullback. Spaulding has played offense and defense during his Akron tenure and enters the season with zero career carries.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Brookhart prides himself on running a "flexible" offense and Akron's talented stable of receivers is one reason he can do it.
The leader is senior Domenik Hixon (6-2, 192), a 2005 team captain who made the successful transition from leading tackler to leading receiver in 2004. The converted strong safety tied a school record with 66 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns.
"He's a game-changer," Brookhart said.
As is fellow senior Montgomery (5-10, 171), a returning starter who ranked second on the Zips in receptions (42), yards (466) and touchdowns (four).
When you throw Arthur into the mix, the receiving corps looks strong.
"We have to get those guys the ball," Brookhart said. "We have some proven skill guys at wide receiver and need to take advantage of that."
Depth will come from sophomore Johnny Long (6-1, 176), who caught three passes for 30 yards -- including a 13-yard touchdown haul against Ohio, and redshirt freshman Brandon Williams (6-1, 175).
The Zips have talent at the tight end spot, but injuries could hurt their depth.
Sophomore Kris Kasparek (6-6, 265) made six starts last season and will look to build upon a promising (11 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD) 2004. Kasparek has the body to be an effective blocker and the soft hands and ability to get open and should play a larger role in the offense.
He is backed up by junior Dennis Basch (6-3, 249), the younger brother of former Zips' fullback Dan Basch, and Doug Fife (6-5, 230). Basch, who caught five passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns in 2004, has been slowed by concussions. Fife, a first-team all-state pick as a senior after catching 18 touchdown passes at Peters Township High School in Venetia, Pa., should be ready to go after missing spring ball with mononucleosis.
Brian Flaherty (6-5, 230), a redshirt freshman, switched from quarterback to tight end after last season but missed spring practice with a shoulder injury.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Aside from quarterback, the o-line is the biggest question the Zips have this season. In fact, it may be a bigger question because it involves four new starters instead of just one.
"We have the bodies to replace the guys we lost, but how fast can we get them ready and how quickly can they acclimate themselves are the questions," offensive coordinator Jim Pry said.
At least the one returning starter, junior Tim Crouch, is a good one. Crouch (6-3, 290) has started 22 straight games at left tackle and gives is a proven commodity as a run and pass blocker.
Senior Justin Hein (6-5, 315), a backup the last two seasons, is poised to take over at right tackle. Juniors Mike Donaldson (6-5, 295) and Andy Alleman (6-4, 292) are expected to move into the guard spots. Alleman sat out last fall after transferring from Pittsburgh, where he was a reserve defensive lineman for two seasons.
Junior Andy Willis (6-3, 295), a backup guard last season, takes over at center. Willis played defense as a true freshman, redshirted in 2003 and was in a reserve role last season.
Akron is counting on red-shirt freshman Garrett Brewster (6-4, 280) and sophomores Mike Schepp (6-4, 300), Scott Kaplan (6-4, 310) and Jim Holley (6-4, 298) to provide depth.
KICKERS
After bursting onto the scene in 2003, Jason Swiger (5-8, 180) came back to earth a bit last season. The strong-legged Swiger made 4-of-4 kicks between 40 and 49 yards, including a 43-yarder at the gun to beat Marshall, but was just 2-of-7 between 30 and 39 yards and finished 10-for-17 with a long of 50. He will need to be more consistent this season because the Zips figure to be in their share of close games with conference opponents.
Senior Billy Sullivan (5-11, 186), the Zips' starter in 2003 (7-of-14 FG) and sophomore Matt Domonkos (5-8, 171), a transfer from Wisconsin, will back up Swiger.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Senior Kiki Gonzalez (6-2, 300) has embraced Brookhart's philosophy and will anchor the line at nose tackle. Gonzalez is a space-eater who made 22 tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles last season.
"He has really emerged as a leader and a player," Brookhart said. "He's big to this team."
Senior Brian White (6-3, 275) has made seven starts in the last two seasons and is a steady presence at defensive tackle. White finished second among linemen with 29 tackles last season, making four for losses and registering two sacks. He earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Kent State that included three straight stops on a goal-line stand in the third quarter.
Junior Jermaine Reid (6-4, 270) will look to step into the end spot vacated by Dwayne LeFall (eight tackles for loss, four sacks). Reid was limited by a shoulder injury in spring ball, but does have some game experience after making four starts at defensive tackle last season. He finished with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2004.
Promising sophomore Jared Cecchetti (6-2, 260) played a limited role as a true freshman last season and backs up Gonzalez.
Senior Tim Wilkes (6-1, 250) started nine games in 2003 and can provide help as a pass rusher (1.5 sacks last season). Doug Williams (6-2, 241) will try to make a contribution in his first tour of duty as a redshirt freshman.
LINEBACKERS
Strong-side linebacker Jay Rohr (5-11, 220) is the unit's only returning starter, but the Zips may be able to improve with the influx of some talented youngsters who can read and react.
Rohr, a senior, does not have outstanding size, but makes up for some of his physical limitations by being a ball hawk. He ranked second among returning players in tackles last season and tied for the team lead in sacks (4.5).
Sophomore Brion Stokes (5-11, 220) had a strong spring and will push classmate Bryan Howe (6-0, 230) for the middle linebacker spot. A broken clavicle sidelined Howe for the final six games of last season and he missed spring ball after having surgery. Stokes used Howe's absence as an opportunity to showcase his speed and skills and impress the coaching staff.
Kevin Grant (6-2, 235), a talented redshirt freshman, will get first crack at replacing Chase Blackburn at bandit, a hybrid linebacker/defensive end position. Grant has the speed to play linebacker and also rush off the edge.
Junior Parris McNeal (6-0, 220) looks to take over the rover spot vacated by John Fuller, who led the Zips in tackles (95) last season and was a steady performer throughout his 46-game career. McNeal may need to adjust to playing closer to the line of scrimmage in this hybrid linebacker/safety spot, but that could suit his physical style better any way.
Juniors Anthony Showers (6-2, 230) and Mark Groza (6-3, 227) and redshirt freshman Jemall Benjamin (6-1, 220) offer additional depth at linebacker.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
With all four starters returning and improved depth, the secondary should be one of the strongest units on the team this season.
Juniors Reggie Corner (5-9, 175) and Dionte Henry (5-11, 191) man the starting cornerback spots. Corner, who sat out 2003, made his debut last season and started all 11 games. He made 55 tackles and two interceptions while tying for the team lead with six pass breakups. Henry also picked off two passes in his first season as a starter and finished with 38 tackles.
Freshman Brandon Anderson, who enrolled in January, and West Virginia transfer Davanzo Tate will push for time at cornerback. Anderson (5-11, 165) spent last fall at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, where he made 40 tackles and three interceptions. Tate (5-10, 185) was an all-state performer at Austintown Finch High School in West Virginia, but has not played the last two seasons after redshirting and transferring.
Sophomore Chevin Pace (5-10, 190) made a mark for himself last season, starting the last nine games at strong safety. He is a big hitter who is the Zips top returning tackler (68). He also made 3.5 tackles for losses, caused two fumbles and recovered another.
Senior Dion Elie (6-0, 195) is the elder statesman of the group. Elie moved into the starting lineup at free safety last season (63 tackles, one interception) and provides leadership and experience to a still relatively young unit.
Senior Jason Nedd (5-10, 190) and sophomores Antonio Samuels (6-0, 200) and Donte Cloud (5-10, 200) back up Pace and sophomore Chris Brown (5-9, 200) plays behind Elie. Both Pace and Elie were limited by injuries in the spring, giving the reserves plenty of reps.
PUNTERS
Sullivan has been serviceable in his two seasons as starter, ranking sixth in the MAC in average (40.2) last season. He improved his hang time significantly in 2004, forcing 16 fair catches after netting just two in 2003.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Hixon and Biggs give the Zips a dynamic return game. Akron led the MAC in punt (16.18) and kickoff (21.05) return average last season, with the punt return unit ranking fifth in the nation.
Hixon, who ranked sixth nationally in punt returns (17.2), was one of just five players in the country to bring back a kickoff (93 yards versus Buffalo) and punt (85 yards against Ball State) for a score last season. Biggs averaged 24.3 yards per kickoff return.
Sullivan is steady as the holder and junior Jason Giachetti (6-1, 225) enters his third season as the starting long snapper.
Bowling Green
After two successful seasons at Bowling Green, Urban Meyer was considered a young coach on the rise and split for a bigger program in Utah. Gregg Brandon has done even better than his predecessor over the same span with two winning seasons and two bowl victories. Last year, the Falcons capped off the season with an impressive 52-35 victory over Memphis in the GMAC Bowl.
So if Meyer was able to move on after his success, you might wonder why Brandon is back with the Falcons this season.
It's because he doesn't want to go anywhere else.
"People compare me to Urban, but he was on the fast track," said Brandon, who joined BGSU five years ago with Meyer as the team's offensive coordinator. "I'm happy to stay at Bowling Green as long as they'll have me."
If the Falcons continue down the same winning path they have been on, Brandon won't be going anywhere.
After being kicked around the MAC just a few years back, BGSU is now one of the league's elite programs. The Falcons have won eight or more games for a school-record four straight seasons, been ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls the last three and have the best record in the MAC since 2001 at 37-12.
"Bowling Green is a good place," he said. "People target Bowling Green now -- we're one of the top two or three programs [in the MAC]."
The Falcons also have a West division title during their run, but this year they will return to the East after a three-year absence.
Brandon doesn't expect things to be any different -- expect maybe now the Falcons will get to face rival Toledo twice in a season instead of only once. "We have a good team coming back and I don't think a change in division will affect us," he said. "It's still the MAC."
And the Falcons still have the Conference Player of the Year in quarterback Omar Jacobs, a junior who only led the nation with 41 touchdowns passes and finished second with 4,0002 yards in his first season.
Oh yeah, and he did all this while throwing only four interceptions. "If Omar can put up similar numbers, we'll be in the hunt," Brandon said. In addition to Jacobs, the Falcons have five other offensive starters and six defensive players back from last year's nine-win campaign.
On offense, All-MAC left tackle Rob Warren and 1,000-yard rusher P.J. Pope are both back for their senior seasons to lead a balanced offense that averaged 44.3 points per game and 506.3 yards per game.
The defensive unit includes a veteran front four led by senior nose guard Mike Thaler and junior end Devon Parks, who combined for 64 tackles and 61/2 sacks last season. Senior linebacker Teddy Piepkow finished second on the team in tackles with 81 and has 21 career starts.
While the offensive staff remains the same, the Falcons' defense will have a new leader after coordinator and assistant head coach Tim Beckham left for Ohio State in the spring.
Succeeding Beckham will be John Lovett, a 16-year veteran who most recently was on the staff at Louisiana Tech. Beckham has also been the coordinator at Clemson, Auburn and Cincinnati
"John's experience will be a tremendous boost to our program," Brandon said. "Not only has he coached at the highest level in college football, but he also brings experience in coaching in Ohio and that is a huge plus."
The Falcons also added former defensive end D.J. Durkin to the staff as defensive ends coach. Durkin spent the last two seasons at Notre Dame. With the loss of Vance Joseph in the secondary, John Bowers will coach the defensive backs by himself this season and give up his special teams title. Instead of one coach, a committee of coaches will now run the special teams unit.
Also, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Greg Studrawa added the title of assistant coach as well with Beckham's departure.
QUARTERBACKS
If there were any doubts about Jacobs (6-4, 224) being able to handle the starting job, they were quickly erased when he took the field in Norman, Okla. against the No. 2 team in the nation in the season opener a year ago.
Jacobs threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns while completing 24-of-41 passes in a duel against Heisman Trophy winner Jason White (238 yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception). More importantly, Jacobs didn't turn the ball over. In fact, in 12 games last season, he had only five turnovers with four picks and one fumble.
"He's a pretty cool customer," Brandon said. "He doesn't get rattled, he's poised and he's a very accurate passer."
Jacobs, who was the GMAC Bowl MVP, completed 67 percent of his passes (309-of-462) and had a 167.2 passing efficiency rating during the season, which ranked third in the nation. He was second in the country in total offense (358.8 ypg), passing yards per game (333.5 ypg) and fourth in completions (25.6 pg).
While the MAC is normally not considered a location for potential Heisman Trophy candidates, it might be hard not to mention Jacobs' name if he repeats those numbers this year.
It also could be hard to keep him at Bowling Green for another season, but Brandon doesn't think off-the-field distractions will be a problem for Jacobs. He already discussed both issues with his quarterback during spring practices.
"I'm only worried if something bad happens," the coach said. "If Omar has success on the field, we'll have success.
"He's a pretty grounded kid, and he knows he's got to handle it."
The Falcons are inexperienced in the backup quarterback department, but red-shirt freshman Anthony Turner (6-2, 218) appears to have a lock on the job with junior Van Johnson (6-1, 197) moving to cornerback.
Turner, who has drawn comparisons to former BGSU and current Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Josh Harris, sat out last season. He threw for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns at Chaminade-Julienne High his senior season, and led the team to a state title as a junior.
Freshman Fred Barnes (6-2, 185) from Homewood in Chicago Heights, Ill. will run the scout team.
RUNNING BACKS
BGSU uses a one-back set on offense and it has one of the best in the MAC returning in senior P.J. Pope (5-9, 216), who was a second-team all-conference pick as a junior.
The third-year starter is only the second back in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. But Pope can do more than just carry the ball. He rushed for 1,131 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus caught 50 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns. Pope can also block.
"He's one of the best all-around backs," Brandon said, "and I expect him to get even better this year."
Senior B.J. Lane (5-10, 191) gives BGSU another offensive weapon in the backfield, and the Falcons have experimented with using both tailbacks at the same time this spring.
While Pope is more of a physical runner, Lane can hurt you with his slashing ability. Last year he rolled up 375 yards and two touchdowns backing up Pope.
With both seniors around, junior Dan Macon (6-1, 208) is expected to red-shirt before taking over the starting job next year. Freshman Chris Bullock (5-11, 220) from Destrehan High (La.) also appears headed in that direction after rushing for 1,440 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior season.
Other backup candidates include sophomore Melvin Cole (5-10, 198) and red-shirt freshman Martell Mallett (5-11, 197).
Bobby Thomas (5-9, 200) from Warrensville (Ohio) rushed for 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns to earn the Lake Erie League MVP as a senior, but could end up in the Falcons' secondary instead.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Opposing teams might be happy to finally see Cole Magner move on, but the Falcons have plenty of other targets back for Jacobs in the four-receiver offense.
With teams focusing on Magner, senior Charles Sharon (6-1, 178) had a huge season at X-receiver with 1,070 yards and a school-record 15 touchdowns. Sharon owns the school record for career touchdowns with 28 and has made 158 receptions for 2,422 yards in 37 starts.
At split end, senior Steve Sanders is also coming off a big year with 55 receptions for 984 yards and eight touchdowns.
The other two jobs were open heading into the fall, but there are plenty of players looking to step in. Junior Brandon Jones (6-0, 167) and red-shirt freshman Corey Partridge (5-11, 180) are vying for one spot, while junior Ken Brantley III (5-11, 196) and red-shirt freshman Marques Parks (5-11, 180).
"It's their time," Brandon said.
Partridge forced himself into the receiving mix with a huge spring game (140 yards and three touchdowns on six catches).
"[Partridge said after the game] 'it's phenomenal playing with Omar, he knows where everyone is,'" Brandon said.
Sophomores Greg Hutcherson (6-3, 199), Matt Emas (6-2, 186) and Benjy Kennedy (6-1, 190), and senior Derrick Lett (6-0, 181) add some depth to the position.
The Falcons have three freshmen receivers coming in, including Magner's younger brother, Rhett Magner (6-0, 170), who played quarterback at Colony High in Alaska.
Freshman Luke Alexander (6-0, 170) from in-state South High might see some time in his first season. Alexander caught 56 passes for 1,193 yards a year ago.
Armwood (Fla.) graduate Aaron Davis (6-2, 182) is also part of the recruiting class. Davis was part of back-to-back 15-0 state champion teams his final two years of high school.
The tight end position is in good shape with sophomore Sean O'Drobinak (6-4, 249) trying to hold off junior college transfer Ruben Ruiz (6-4, 245), who arrives from Arizona Western.
"[Ruiz] tore it up in the spring, he's pushing Sean," Brandon said. "We have two viable players there."
Red-shirt freshman Andre Boomer (6-1, 234) is also on the roster along with freshman Jimmy Scheidler (6-4, 240) from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The one question mark on the Falcons' offense heading into the season is on the line, where three 2004 starters are gone.
BGSU shouldn't have trouble replacing right guard Andy Grubb and tackle Andrew Hart, but four-year starter Scott Mruczkowski, who moved from guard to center during his stay, might be a bit tougher.
Junior John Lanning (6-4, 294) and senior Jonathan Culp (6-6, 288) both worked with the first team in the spring and are expected to continue their battle into the summer. Lanning likely will end up with the job because Culp is a good utility guy who can fill in at guard and tackle.
"It's a pretty close race," said Brandon, who would turn to starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (6-3, 300) if neither pans out. "We might have to grease Kory up and put him in there."
Joining the junior Lichtensteiger on the left side is senior Rob Warren (6-6, 296), who has 25 career starts, including 11 last season.
The right guard job will fall to either junior Derrick Markray (6-5, 341) or sophomore Patrick Watson (6-5, 293). Markray's physical play gives him the inside edge.
At right tackle, sophomore Drew Nystrom (6-5, 304) won the job in the spring from red-shirt freshman Jeff Fink (6-5, 278).
Fink will serve as a backup along with sophomore Edmond Massey (6-3, 289), who can play guard and tackle, and sophomore guard Andrew Stanford (6-3, 301). Red-shirt freshman Aaron Kent (6-6, 265) also adds depth on the line.
The Falcons did a good job of assembling their future offensive line with six recruits. Among them are four in-state players: Jarrett Buckosh (6-7, 254) from Clearview High, Kevin Mahoney (6-6, 295) from North High, Phillip Pollard (6-3, 270) from Westerville South and Richard Solak (6-4, 280) from Cardinal Mooney.
All four are expected to red-shirt along with Mohomet-Seymour (Ill.) graduate Guy Williamson (6-4, 300) and Riverview (Pa.) product Shane Steffy (6-3, 290).
KICKERS
Senior Joe Timchenko (6-4, 221) locked up the kicking job in the spring by beating out sophomore Gregg Coreno.
Timchenko will replace Shaun Suisham, who finished his career as the NCAA leader in extra points made (226) and extra point attempts (232). He is the all-time leading scorer at BGSU with 361 points.
"He's good on his field goals and extra points, but he needs to work on his kickoffs," Brandon said.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The front four has been one of the strengths of the BGSU defense the last couple years, and this year is not different despite the loss of defensive end Mitch Crossley, a second-team All-MAC selection who started 30 games in his career.
Parks (6-3, 239) is a two-year starter at defensive end and finished tied for the team-high in sacks last year with four. He's started 26 straight games and has been a key member up front.
Junior Brad Williams (6-3, 259) will replace Crossley at the other end after starting last season at defensive tackle. Williams recorded 37 tackles inside and had 3.5 stops for losses.
The Falcons have a third starter back in Thaler (6-1, 281), who started all 12 games last season and collected 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
The fourth starting member on the line is senior tackle Monte Cooley (6-2, 276), who was part of the rotation on the line last year as a reserve.
"We are pretty good again across the front," Brandon said.
The backups are also solid with sophomore Brandon Mack (6-3, 245) and red-shirt freshman Joe Schaeffer (6-4, 250) on the ends, while red-shirt freshmen Brandon Curtis (6-2, 280) and Nicholas Davis (6-3, 280) figure to be part of the inside rotation.
Juniors Thomas Smith (6-0, 269) and Ricky Walston (5-9, 235) along with red-shirt freshmen Josh Waldman (6-1, 270) and Don Sprenkel (6-2, 230) add some insurance on the line.
The freshmen class includes five linemen, led by South Carolina product Thomas James (6-2, 255) from Goose Creek High. James was an all-state lineman as a senior and the 4A Defensive Player of the Year.
In-state players Brady Minturn (6-4, 250) from Loveland and Michael Ream (6-3, 235) from Bluffton figure to red-shirt their first season. The same goes for Ocean Lakes (Va.) grad Jacob Hardwick (6-3, 260) and Quincy Notre Dame (Ill.) product Trevor Frericks (6-1, 255).
LINEBACKERS
The Falcons have to replace two linebackers, but senior Teddy Piepkow (6-0, 228), who had 81 tackles and two interceptions last season, returns. Piepkow played on the weak side last year, but moves inside to take over at middle linebacker.
One of the outside linebackers will be Terrel White (5-10, 232), who excelled on special teams last year and also backed up Daniel Sayles. Senior Jamien Johnson (6-1, 232), who sat out spring practice after having knee surgery, will be the other starter.
Depth comes from senior Lavelle Sharpe (5-11, 220), red-shirt freshmen John Haneline (6-2, 230) and explosive Diyral Briggs (6-4, 220), and sophomore Pete Winovich (6-3, 230). The latter is a former high school quarterback who has successfully made the switch to defense.
Three freshmen linebackers join the mix: Bay City Western (Mich.) grad Cody Basler (6-3, 225), Brighton (Mich.) product Nick Lawrence (6-3, 220) and in-state recruit Cordelle Thompson (6-1, 205) from Middletown.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary figures to be a mix-and-match unit with two returning corners paired up with two newcomers at safety.
"The secondary might be our weakest area," Brandon said.
Senior Jelani Jordan (5-10, 177) and Terill Mayberry (5-11, 169) started almost the entire 2004 season at corner. Jordan played in 11 games and had a MAC-high 15 pass break-ups to go with a team-high 38 solo tackles. Mayberry played all 12 games and finished with 51 tackles and six pass break-ups.
The backups are inexperienced with Johnson, making the move from quarterback, joining senior John Nicholson (5-9, 190) and red-shirt freshman Edwin Hood (5-10, 185).
At safety, senior Mike Crumpler (5-11, 191) enters the season as the starting free safety, while red-shirt freshman Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring.
Junior Will Myles (5-11, 200), senior Tim Arnold (5-9, 200) and Nate Waldron (5-11, 195) are the backups at safety.
Sophomore Deaudre Perry (6-1, 195) would have been a starter in the secondary but is academically ineligible.
Four freshmen enter the mix in Thomas, cornerbacks Chris Wright (5-10, 175) from Middletown (Ohio) and Antonio Smith (5-10, 175) from Miami Central (Fla.), and Calvin Wiley (5-11, 185) from Notre Dame (Mich.).
PUNTERS
Senior Nate Fry (5-10, 211) averaged 38.2 yards per punt last season and dropped 12 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Brandon would like to see that average improve and has issued a challenge to the incumbent punter.
"He needs to be more than adequate," Brandon said. "He needs to push himself."
Timchenko was recruited as a punter, but Brandon wants him to focus on his other kicking jobs.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sharon and Lane will make life easier for the special teams committee -- both are experienced returning kicks.
Sharon averaged 11.8 yards per return last year on 24 punts, including a 79-yard touchdown against Southeast Missouri.
Lane ran back 20 kickoffs, including a 93-yard touchdown return against Ball State. Jones also has some experience returning kicks and could see some time here.
Buffalo
There's no sugarcoating it. Buffalo has been one of the worst teams in the country since returning to Division I in 1999.
The Bulls have endured eight straight losing seasons and have lost 17 straight games on the road, dating back to a Sept. 7, 2002 win at Rutgers. The biggest problem has been the offense, particularly the passing game, which has hovered near the bottom of the NCAA statistical rankings for the last several years.
Despite what the numbers say, UB expressed its faith in coach Jim Hofher by giving him a contract extension through the 2006 season in April.
"Jim is the right man to lead our football program as we look forward to the continued improvement of our football team," said former interim athletic director Bill Maher, who left to become the athletic director at Canisius in July.
Although it wasn't a ringing endorsement from someone who doesn't even work there any more, or the two-year extension Hofher had hoped for, it did provide an answer (at least temporarily) to questions about his job status. Not that it will change the way Hofher and his staff go about their jobs.
"I can say that there is not anything that happens off the field that we have allowed to be a distraction," Hofher said. "We just come in and work like crazy in a professional manner to help our current players get better and to raise the level of play of the student-athletes that decide to attend the University at Buffalo."
One thing the Bulls do have is experience. Many were pressed into duty as underclassmen and took their lumps on the field. Hofher is hoping that those lessons will lead to more positive results.
"I just think that we're getting to the point for the first time that we have good numbers with our upper classes," said Hofher, who returns 16 starters with a combined 369 starts.
Those numbers are nice, but Hofher needs to see them translate to better numbers on the scoreboard.
"Where the rubber meets the road is where this experience and production needs to show itself is with some successful Saturdays," Hofher said.
To their credit, the Bulls did win two conference games (by an average of 29 points), but neither of those teams (UCF and Central Michigan) is on the schedule this season and UB's six MAC losses in 2004 were by an average of 23 points.
The Bulls biggest problem has been at quarterback, where there has been no consistent production since Joe Freedy graduated after the 2001 season. UB threw just five touchdown passes in 2004.
"We have to score more," Hofher said. "We have not been nearly consistent enough. If we can get more consistent play at the quarterback position and help the quarterback be more consistent, we'll be more productive."
The Bulls ranked 116th (out of 117 Division I-A teams) in both total offense and passing efficiency offense, 113th in passing offense and 108th in scoring offense at just under 18 points per game.
The quarterback picture entering this season isn't any clearer as four players -- Datwan Hemingway, Chris Moore, Tony Paoli and Stewart Sampsel -- are in the running for the starting quarterback spot.
"I don't know that we've cracked that code yet," Hofher said after spring practice.
A strong running game would help. The Bulls' most talented position is running back and the offensive line should be improved, so that is a possibility.
The defense, which ranked seventh in the conference last season, returns all six starters up front and at linebacker. The Bulls, who use a 4-2-5 scheme, need to improve against the run (188.45 yards per game allowed) and avoid giving up big plays in the secondary to take the next step forward.
"There is plenty of room for us to grow," said Hofher, whose team surrendered 32 points a game last season.
The same is true on special teams, where the Bulls particularly struggled in the return games. Punter Ben Woods had a solid first season as a freshman, but kicker Mike Baker made just 5-of-13 field goals and will be pushed by red-shirt freshman Gerry McGroarty.
"We have the best skills situation that we've had since I've been here," Hofher said in reference to his kickers and punters. "But, consistency is doing the job right repeatedly."
And consistency is something Hofher needs from all of his players if the Bulls are going to make significant improvement this season.
QUARTERBACKS
It's no secret that upgrading this position is a top priority.
"It's always going to be about consistently making the right decisions," Hofher said. "Obviously, if a guy makes the right decisions, he's going to improve his accuracy."
The guy who may offer the most is Datwan Hemmingway (6-5, 213), who saw action in four games as a freshman, completing 8-of-19 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. He also has the ability to make things happen with his feet, but could be behind after missing spring football to concentrate on academics.
"He is by far the best athlete of them and he's clearly got the best foot speed," Hofher said.
Chris Moore (6-2, 197) made two starts as a red-shirt freshman, delivering a win in his first one at Central Florida. Moore, who completed 13-of-19 passes for 263 yards, a touchdown and an interception, understands the language of the offense and should be ready to go in August after having shoulder surgery in the off-season.
With Hemmingway and Moore sidelined in the spring, Stewart Sampsel and Tony Paoli took almost all of the snaps.
Sampsel (6-3, 179), a strong-armed junior, played at Toledo in 2003 but did not see action last season. He took advantage of his opportunity for more reps in the spring and will be in the mix.
As will Paoli (6-0, 220), who enrolled at UB in January after playing at Palomar Junior College in San Diego. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Paoli threw for more than 2,600 yards and 23 touchdowns in his two seasons at Palomar.
UB is also bringing in two freshmen quarterbacks, James Starks (6-3, 190) and Drew Willy (6-3, 204), but it would be a surprise to see them on the field this season.
RUNNING BACKS
If there is one position where the Bulls have a wealth of talent, it's running back.
UB returns 92 percent of its run production from last season and the Bulls have enough depth that their top two rushers in 2003 -- Dave Dawson and Aaron Leeper -- are playing different positions now.
Junior Steven King (6-0, 210) is the returning starter and hopes to cause nightmares for opposing defenses. King put together back-to-back 100-yard games against UCF and Akron in October and finished the season with a team-high 445 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Junior Chris McDuffie (5-10, 195) finished second on the team with 404 yards and scored two touchdowns last season. A slasher with power, his best game came at Nevada, where he ran for 122 yards. McDuffie also led the running backs with 11 catches.
Junior Jared Patterson (6-1, 209) battled injuries in 2004 (265 yards on 83 carries), but has breakaway speed and could be ready for a breakout season. With four rushing touchdowns in limited playing time the past two seasons, Patterson has shown a nose for the end zone.
The star of the UB's spring game, Joe Cermina, could also be in the mix. A red-shirt freshman from nearby Lewiston, N.Y., Cermina (5-9, 204) ran for 104 yards and three scores in the final controlled scrimmage of spring football. He ran for 1,790 yards and scored 29 touchdowns during his senior year in high school.
Although some are more game-tested than others, Hofher likes having depth at the tailback spot and will continue to share the wealth.
"There are subtleties to each one," Hofher said of his running backs. "A good running back has to be able to push the pile, run tough in the briar patch and -- when he gets some separation -- be able to make big plays. And all of them can do that."
The Bulls don't expect -- or receive -- much production out of the fullback spot. Senior Dimitri Facaros (5-7, 221), a former walk-on, and freshman Phillip Warren (6-1, 270), who enrolled in January, are competing for the starting role. Facaros is a tenacious blocker, but is a bit undersized. Warren earned All-New England honors and was the league co-MVP as a fullback and defensive tackle at the Kent School last year. He ran for more than 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior at Brunswick (Maine) High in 2003.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Like most of the offense, the receiving corps is a work in progress. The Bulls lost Matt Knueven (29 receptions, 415 yards), their leading receiver in 2004, to graduation and are counting on a group of younger players to establish themselves.
Sophomore Terrance Breaux (6-2, 210) has emerged as UB's top threat after catching 23 passes for 330 yards and a touchdown last season. Breauk has the size and courage to make plays over the middle and the speed to get deep. His 86-yard catch against UCF last season was the longest in UB's MAC history.
UB is also hoping to capitalize on Dawson's playmaking ability by moving the senior from tailback to receiver, where he will challenge for a starting spot.
"We did it, A, because he can play there and, B, because he can be on the field more," Hofher said.
Dawson (5-7, 182), who has run for more than 1,400 yards in his career, ranked third last season with 350 yards and three scores. He caught just four passes for 28 yards last season, but has the ability to stretch defenses and open things up.
Junior Evan Wallace (5-8, 174), a transfer from West Valley Junior College (Calif.) who enrolled in January, made a fast impression in the spring and should see plenty of action. Wallace's quickness helped him catch 42 passes for 654 yards and eight touchdowns last fall.
Junior Brian Watson (6-5, 232) made three starts last season and is a huge target. He could become a big part of the passing game after making nine catches for 85 yards in 2004.
Sophomores Bryan Kisabeth (6-3, 213) and Jeff Green (6-3, 204) both have the physical ability to contribute. Kisabeth caught four passes, including a 51-yarder, as a freshman last fall.
The starting tight end is in good hands with junior Chad Upshaw (6-4, 246) returning for his third season as a starter. The son of former major league baseball player Willie Upshaw and cousin of legendary Oakland Raider Gene Upshaw, Chad has soft hands and the size and strength to be an effective blocker. Upshaw finished third on the Bulls with 13 catches (for 146 yards) and led the team with two touchdown catches in 2004 and could contend for MAC honors this season.
Upshaw is backed up by sophomores Trevor Scott (6-5, 240), Greg Vrantsis (6-3, 252) and freshman John White (6-3, 231), a January enrollee who threw 31 touchdown passes at prep school last fall.
The reserves possess the physical tools to be effective, but are short on game experience with just one reception between them.
OFFENSIVE LINE
This unit began to take shape last season and UB needs its combination of experience and youth to blend well in order to make progress.
The Bulls have bulked up so that they shouldn't be physically dominated as they have been in past seasons, but must show they can work together and make life easier for whoever lines up behind center.
"Last year was really the first year that we started to resemble what a MAC offensive line looks like," Hofher said. "With so many guys returning that unit should continue to improve and develop."
The left side returns intact with seniors Zach Love and Mike Schifano. Love (6-4, 324) has been a fixture at left tackle for the last three seasons and has started 35 straight games. Love has the size, strength and intensity to contend for All-MAC honors.
Schifano (6-4, 298), an assistant team captain, has made 25 consecutive starts at right guard. He is fundamentally sound and his tenacity has earned him the nickname "Bulldog."
Either sophomore Jamey Richard (6-5, 292) and red-shirt freshman Jeff Niedermier (6-2, 300) will replace the departed Eric Weber at center. Richard earned two starts last season and Niedermier was a standout on the scout team.
Juniors Gerry Weissinger (6-5, 303) and Tim Schmidt (6-5, 299) will continue their battle for the right guard spot in fall camp. Weissinger, a high school teammate of Schifano's in Webster, N.Y., has played offense and defense during his time at UB. Schmidt opened last season as the starting right tackle, but may have some catching up to do after missing spring practice to concentrate on academics.
Senior Leroy Auguste (6-5, 302) took over as the starting right tackle for the final six games of 2004 and the former junior college tight end gives UB some added athleticism. Mountainous red-shirt freshman Jon Burgio (6-9, 344) offers depth at tackle along with junior Luke Johnson (6-7, 298) and freshman Ray Norell (6-5, 292), who enrolled in January.
KICKERS
Mike Baker (5-10, 209), a fifth-year senior, handled all of the place-kicking duties last season, making 24 of 25 PATs and 5-of-13 field goals. He was just 3-for-10 from beyond 30 yards.
Baker will be challenged for the starting job by Gerry McGroarty (6-2, 208), a red-shirt freshman who kicked a Pennsylvania state record 64-yard field goal as a senior in 2003. McGroarty was rated the 20th-best kicker in the country coming out of high school by Rivals.com.
Either Baker, McGroarty or Woods will handle the kickoff duties.
DEFENSIVE LINE
This unit is certainly battle tested as six seniors with starting experience return.
End Phil Jacques (6-2, 244) has been around the longest, making 35 straight starts. Consistency has been Jacques' calling card throughout his career ,and he is coming off his best season (30 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries).
End Aaron Sanders (6-1, 250) showed the MAC what he could do in last season's opener, earning conference player of the week honors after making seven tackles and two sacks and forcing a fumble that Jacques returned for a touchdown against Eastern Michigan.
Once an invited walk-on, Sanders led UB's linemen with 47 tackles and ranked among the top 10 in the conference in fumble recoveries (three), sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (12).
Senior Anthony Andriano (6-2, 250) provides experienced depth at end and is UB's active leader in tackles for loss (21.5). He recovered from a foot injury in 2003 to make 30 tackles last season. Sophomores James Judge (6-6, 247) and Andrae Smith (6-4, 254) have natural ability and will need to contribute and develop so the end positions are not raw next season.
Seniors Bill Meholif, Rob Schroeder and Kirk Berry anchor the tackle spots.
Meholif (6-2, 257) overcame a knee injury that cost him the 2003 season to make 33 tackles and three sacks last season. He is a fiery competitor with a motor that is always running. Schroeder (6-3, 292) was slowed by the effects of shoulder surgery last season but still managed 20 tackles, including 4.5 for losses, and forced two fumbles. Berry (6-2, 273) has showed continued improvement throughout his career and was chosen an assistant captain for this season.
UB also welcomes back sophomore Marck Abraham (6-3, 269), who red-shirted last season after making 15 tackles as a freshman in 2003. Red-shirt freshman Ronald Hilaire (6-1, 302) should also help clog the middle.
LINEBACKERS
The Bulls also have established playmakers in the middle of their defense, where three of the top five tacklers from 2004 return.
The unquestioned leader is senior captain Bryan Cummings (6-3, 223).
"He's really the center of the defense as a linebacker," Hofher said. "He was elected by an overwhelming margin and that shows what his teammates think of him as a leader and a unifier."
Cummings followed his nose to the ball to make 75 tackles, which ranked second on the team, and has the ability to go sideline to sideline to make plays.
Junior Jeff Bublavi (5-10, 204), a former walk-on, came into his own last season to make 62 tackles, including 7.5 for losses. Senior Rich Sanders (5-11, 263) also totaled 62 tackles and made his share of big plays, including two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.
While the three upperclassmen give Buffalo proven production, the Bulls also need players such as sophomores Ollice Ervin (6-1, 226), LaRon Haymore (6-1, 219) and Todd Robertson (6-1, 226) to become major contributors. Ervin made 17 tackles last fall and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Bulls will need their experienced players up front to perform to their capabilities to help the secondary as it tries to contend with some of the more potent offenses in the MAC.
Senior cornerback Gemara Williams (5-8, 187) is the leader of this unit with 27 starts to his credit. Williams, Buffalo's fastest player, does not let his stature keep him away from contact -- last season he ranked third on the team with 73 tackles. He used his cover skills to break up 10 passes, five more than anyone else on the team.
The return of Leeper, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury suffered during summer drills will help, even though he has never played cornerback in a college game. The 2002 MAC Freshman of the Year after running for more than 900 yards, Leeper was moved to corner before camp opened last summer and will challenge for a starting spot.
Gerald Jackson (5-11, 165), who enrolled in January, had an impressive spring and will also challenge for playing time. Jackson helped DeMatha Catholic (Alexandria, Va.) to a 12-0 record in 2003.
Junior James Vann (6-1, 206) made his share of plays (45 tackles) as the starting "whip" last season and may move to strong safety. Junior Ramon Guzman (6-2, 228) is also making a push for the spot after registering 37 tackles and two sacks last season.
Free safety is the biggest question as top tackler J.J. Gibson (113) has moved on after a stellar career (270 tackles). Sophomore Kareem Byrom (5-9, 200) and seniors Stephen Thomas (5-8, 210) and Sherwan Saaty (5-10, 200) are the top contenders to replace Gibson.
Sophomore Jesse Imes (5-11, 193) has been moved to "whip," where his versatility can be maximized. Sophomore Luke McEachern (6-0, 195) is also in the mix.
PUNTERS
The Bulls are in good shape here with Ben Woods (6-2, 192), whose average (41.2) was just shy of the school record (41.4). Woods, who was chosen UB's Newcomer of the Year, had 12 points downed inside the opposing 20-yard line and unleashed the MAC's longest punt, a 68-yarder, against Akron. The Sporting News selected him to its third-team Freshman All-American Team. As good as Woods was, he did have five punts blocked (including two straight against Syracuse), but that says more about his protection (or lack of it) than it does about him.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Like almost everything else, these units need to improve. The Bulls are not talented enough to overcome the big plays opponents generate from special teams breakdowns.
Dawson is a decent return man for punts and kickoffs, but the Bulls must protect the punter and cover kicks better. One bright spot is Schroeder, who has blocked seven kicks in his career. Andriano is also reliable as a long snapper.
Kent State
Doug Martin's first season as Kent State coach can be broken down into two parts: the very forgettable first six games when the Golden Flashes went 1-6, and the last four games, which Kent State won by an average of 30 points. The winning streak is Kent State's longest since 1976.
"With the way that we finished the season, we really reinvented our self-image," Martin said. "It's hard to teach a kid how to win. You just have to do it and gain that positive experience."
Now that Kent State has experienced winning, Martin and his staff are looking to build upon it and put together the Golden Flashes' first winning season since 2001.
"We can compete with anyone," Martin said of the MAC. "It's not a talent issue any more, it's a confidence issue and it's a getting-the-job-done issue. If we can start to do those things and win some more games, it's going to get fun around here."
It should also be fun to watch.
The name of the game for Martin -- on both sides of the ball -- is speed. In 2003, his first season as the Golden Flashes' offensive coordinator, Kent State's offense improved by 100 yards and 10 points per game. Last season the defense, under the watchful eye of first-year coordinator Pete Rekstis, went from worst to first in the MAC and 110th to 15th nationally.
The Golden Flashes set school records with 34 sacks and intercepted 15 passes. The offense also continued to put up numbers, ranking fifth in the MAC and 26th in the country in scoring (30.45 points per game).
With seven returning starters, including Justin Parrish, who finished second in the nation in sacks with 14 last season, the defense should again be solid. While Martin's spread offense is complex, his defensive philosophy is simple.
"We try to put kids in the right place and let them play," Martin said. The offense returns six starters and should be strong up front, but all eyes will be on the quarterback and running back spots.
Joshua Cribbs was a dual threat in his four seasons as Kent State's starting quarterback, setting 27 school records and leading the team in passing and rushing for four straight years. Cribbs, who signed a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns as a receiver, set a school record for accuracy (.645 completion percentage) last season and is the all-time MAC leader for rushing among quarterbacks (3,670 yards).
Although he will be missed, the Golden Flashes are hoping their passing game will be even better with sophomore Michael Machen under center. Machen, a transfer from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, spent one year at the University of Alabama and three years playing minor league baseball.
David Alston, Kent State's No. 2 rusher, has also moved on, but the emergence of junior Luke Tillman in the spring and healthy return of Jon Drager from a knee injury should provide a potent 1-2 punch.
Now that it has some momentum, Kent State's challenge is to take the next step.
Winning close games would be a start. The Golden Flashes lost games by three, five, eight and 10 points last season. A non-conference win over a Division I-A opponent will not be easy, but it would be good. Kent State chances to break through this year are road games at Michigan State (Sept. 3) and Navy (Oct. 15).
The Golden Flashes will find out where they stand in the division right off the bat, opening MAC play at home against Miami. A win in that game could set quite a tone. Kent State also plays division favorite Bowling Green at home, another bonus.
Anything can happen on the field and Kent State could be this year's Akron, although a step up won't be that big of a surprise considering the way the Golden Flashes finished 2004.
"Our off-season was phenomenal," Martin said. "We've made tremendous gains in the weight room and have a lot of confidence. We are a hungry group."
QUARTERBACKS
Make no mistake Cribbs was a nightmare for opponents to defend because of his ability to run and pass, but Michael Machen (6-6, 240) came directly from the prototype department at the quarterback factory.
Machen has the size and arm strength pro scouts drool over. At 24, he also has the experience and poise to step in and be a difference-maker right away.
"He's a phenomenal player," Martin said. "The first thing you look at with him is the maturity he has after playing three years of minor-league baseball. He also has a huge, huge arm, is very accurate and has great field presence. He's like another coach on the field, he's really bright and he's 6-6, 240."
Machen was taken in the 14th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft by Atlanta and spent three seasons in the minors with Atlanta and Baltimore. He red-shirted at Alabama in 2003 and earned second-team All-Kansas Junior/Community College honors after throwing for more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns at Coffeyville last season. He was ranked the No. 3 junior college quarterback.
He enrolled at Kent State as a sophomore in January and earned the respect of his teammates because of the places he has been and the way he does things.
"It's like he had instant credibility with them," Martin said.
Machen will need to play well and stay healthy because the Golden Flashes don't have much experience behind him.
Antwan Smith, last year's backup has transferred, leaving sophomore Tom Sitko (6-2, 230) as the only player on the preseason roster who has thrown a pass in a Kent State uniform. Sitko threw four, completing one and having one intercepted, before suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year's opener at Iowa.
Sitko missed most of the spring while rehabbing his knee, giving red-shirt freshman Tim Shaughnessy (5-11, 175) the chance to get some valuable reps.
RUNNING BACKS
For the most part, the Golden Flashes employ a one-back set and catching the ball is a key responsibility.
Alston ran for 672 yards and 11 touchdowns and also caught 28 passes last season. Those are decent numbers, but more will be expected out of Luke Tillman (6-0, 210), who spent last season at tight end/H-back.
Tillman carried the ball just once last season (losing three yards), but looked strong in the spring and earned the Don Nottingham Cup as most improved offensive player.
"Luke Tillman became the player we saw when we recruited him," Martin said. "It's like Luke grew up this spring."
Jon Drager (6-0, 195) had high expectations last year after making an impact as a return man in 2003, but injured his knee in preseason camp and missed the season. He showed good form in the spring and should make plays out of the backfield as a runner and receiver.
Freshmen Eugene Jarvis and Greg Keys could also get a look this fall. Jarvis (6-3, 210) is a two-time Pittsburgh Post Gazette Player of the Year who ran for 2,196 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior while leading Central Catholic to the state Class AAAA championship. Keys (6-1, 205) ran for 1,961 yards and 19 touchdowns for Bellevue High School in Sandusky, Ohio.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
The Golden Flashes should be deep and fast at wide-out, even without Darrell Dowery Jr., the No. 2 receiver (152 receptions) in school history. Dowery caught 68 passes for 712 yards and four touchdowns last season, but 27 of those catches and 385 yards came in two games.
Seven players who recorded double figures in receptions return, led by senior Derrick Bush (5-11, 200). Bush caught 25 passes and scored three touchdowns from his inside receiver spot.
Junior Najah Pruden (6-3, 185) may be the best of the group. Pruden was sidelined by a leg injury last season, but has the wheels to be the team's top deep threat. He caught 20 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns in 2004 and hauled in a 97-yard touchdown pass in 2003.
Junior Brian Bell (6-3, 200) continues to emerge after making 13 catches last season.
Senior Tyrell McElroy (5-11, 180) caught 22 passes last season and sophomore Cameron Bobb (6-6, 195) is a huge target who caught 16 passes in '04, including eight in a 69-17 romp over Eastern Michigan.
A year ago, junior Marcus Hill (6-2, 200) caught 15 passes and averaged a team-best 15.2 yards per catch and sophomore Joey Barcus (6-0, 165) made 10 receptions Both should see increased playing time.
Freshman Shawn Lewis (5-8, 165) is a true speedster who will be making the move from running back to receiver in college. He scored 28 touchdowns as a senior at Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania and may be good enough to play as a freshman.
Sophomore Jake Parsons (6-6, 250) saw most of his action as a blocker and on special teams last season but is ready to take over the tight end/H-back spot vacated by Charles Newton (12 catches). He'll be backed up by one of the best names in college football, senior Nick Bigrigg (6-3, 230), and red-shirt freshman Mike Monfredi (6-3, 230).
OFFENSIVE LINE
Kent State has its fair share of depth and experience up front as Martin thinks he has 10 players who are game-ready. The unit did surrender 27 sacks playing in front of the elusive Cribbs. Kent State coaches have tweaked some things as the line must tighten its pass protection to keep the less-mobile Machen from taking too many hits.
Senior Daniel Carter (6-3, 310) enters his third season as a starter. Carter started four games at right tackle last season, but was moved back to his natural left tackle spot for the final six games. Carter has continued to add strength throughout his Kent State career and will start the season at left tackle.
Sophomore Kiff Kinkead (6-1, 295) started 10 games at center in 2004 but will begin this season at left guard. Sophomore Shawn Donaldson (6-5, 270) slides into the center spot after spending most of his time as a backup last season.
Junior Craig Rafdal (6-4, 300) has emerged as a leader at right guard. He is the only Kent State lineman to start every game at the same position last season.
Joe Marafine (6-4, 275) made six starts as a red-shirt freshman last season and will hold down the right tackle spot.
Junior Nate Manning (6-3, 280) provides depth at tackle. Junior Michael Galassi (6-5, 250) and sophomore Travis McGraw (6-5, 310) back up at the guard spots and sophomore Bill Starry (6-0, 295) and red-shirt freshman Joshua Perry (6-4, 255) play behind Donaldson.
KICKERS
After enjoying two solid seasons Travis Mayle took a step back in 2004, making 37-of-41 extra points and only 6-of-11 field goals. Mayle, who made 28-of-38 field goals in his first two seasons, seemed to return to form in the spring and could leave as Kent State's career leader in scoring and field goals (he already holds the school record for PATs in a season and career).
Mayle has scored 194 points in three seasons and could catch Cribbs (246) with a solid season. The Golden Flashes did sign Reid Macko (5-10, 165) of Bradon, Fla., this spring to be their kicker of the future.
DEFENSIVE LINE
You don't make the improvements that Kent State did (finishing second in the conference against both the run and the pass) without being strong up front, and the Golden Flashes should have plenty of muscle in the trenches again this fall.
Although he is listed as a buck linebacker, many people consider Justin Parrish (6-2, 240) to be a defensive end with the skills of a linebacker.
"He's got speed and power," Martin said of his second-team All-MAC choice. "Justin is really strong in the weight room, has nice agility and uses his hands well."
Parrish set a school record with 14 sacks last season and is just two shy of the career record of 18. He also gets to the ball quickly, as 17.5 of his 56 tackles were for losses.
Parrish is also difficult to double-team because of senior Daniel Muir's presence at nose tackle. Muir (6-2, 255) is a strong power rusher who can be a disruptive force. Muir ranked an impressive, especially for a nose tackle, fifth on the Golden Flashes with 48 tackles last season. He also was second on the team to Parrish with 4.5 sacks and added eight tackles for losses.
Senior Roger Attieh (6-0, 290) and sophomore Colin Ferrell (6-1, 290) provide an effective tandem at nose tackle. Attieh, the returning starter, made 38 tackles in 2004, and Ferrell contributed 19, including seven behind the line of scrimmage.
Junior Bruce Rice, who started at end last season, has been moved to middle linebacker, opening a starting spot up front. Senior Nate Wesley (6-3, 280) has missed the last two seasons, but started in 2002 and could be the guy.
Junior Larry Brown (6-1, 310) is a space-eater who could help clog the middle and youngsters Prishod Koonce (6-4, 265) and Justin Latimer (6-2, 230) will look to contribute at end.
LINEBACKERS
The unit is talented and experienced, especially if you list Parrish as a linebacker, and should be able to plug holes and make plays.
Senior Jon Sessler (6-2, 240) holds down one of the inside spots after finishing second on the squad with 77 tackles, including 14 for losses, in 2004.
"He's just a football player," Martin said. "If you chiseled one up, that's what he'd look like."
Sessler will be joined on the inside by Rice (6-1, 250), who started all 11 games at defensive end last season. The move should allow Rice, who had 41 tackles and 2.5 sacks, to get to the ball more and make more plays. Red-shirt freshman Cedric Maxwell (5-11, 215) will also play this season and could be worth watching in years to come.
Junior Jonathan Eggleston (6-2, 195) steps into the starting spot at strong-side linebacker after serving as a backup the last two seasons. Eggleston contributed 31 tackles last season. He'll be backed up by a pair of converted defensive backs, junior Gary Ham (5-9, 190) and senior Cedric Davis (5-9, 195), who both bring speed to the position.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Three players with starting experience return at the corners, but the safety spots are the biggest question mark on the defense with Abram Elam and Andre Ashley now gone.
Junior Usama Young (5-11, 185) has been a mainstay in the starting lineup at one corner spot since arriving on campus two years ago. Young tied for the team lead with three interceptions and made 39 tackles last season. Sophomore Jack Williams (5-9, 170) made seven starts as a red-shirt freshman last season and capped off a strong spring by winning the Jack Lambert Cup awarded to Kent State's most improved defensive player. Williams made 27 tackles and two interceptions last season, setting a school record with his 99-yard return for a touchdown against Iowa.
Senior Barry Drakeford (5-10, 185) provides valuable experience. He was a part-time starter last season after starting all 11 games in 2003.
Look for sophomore Fritz Jacques (6-0, 180) to replace Ashley at free safety. Jacques made 24 tackles as a freshman last season and made the move from cornerback to safety this spring.
Junior James Brown (5-11, 170), a transfer from Fresno City College, could be in the mix for the strong safety spot along with red-shirt freshmen Andre Kirkland (6-0, 175) and Joshua Pastore (5-11, 210).
PUNTERS
Senior Joshua Brazen (5-11, 185) enters his third season as the starter. He averaged an adequate 40.3 yards per punt, but had three blocked and spent the spring working on improving his release.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Golden Flashes hope to offset the losses of top returners Alston, Elam and Dowery with the healthy return of Drager. Williams could also be a dangerous option on kickoffs.
Kent State also worked through some growing pains with a freshman long snapper last season, but hopes sophomore Matt Muller (6-3, 245) will be steady for the next three seasons. The coverage units are also looking to improve. Brazen returns as the holder.
Miami (Ohio)
Shane Montgomery knows that he is part of an elite group.
Only 32 men have held the position of head football coach at Miami (Ohio) University, and when some of your predecessors were named Sid Gillman,
Woody Hayes, Ara Parseghian and Bo Schembechler, it doesn't take long to realize why Miami is known as the "Cradle of Coaches."
As if following Terry Hoeppner, the second-winningest coach in Miami history who was hired as head coach at Indiana on Dec. 17, wasn't enough of a challenge.
"Looking at the guys that have been here, it's especially humbling to know that I am here as head coach," said the 38-year-old Montgomery, who became the youngest coach in Division I-A when he was hired to succeed Hoeppner in front of a national television audience on ESPN before the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28.
"There's a lot of responsibility that comes with this job and the people that have been here before and the tradition here," Montgomery said. "And, to be honest, I think the future is brighter."
He could be right, but it won't be easy. Miami doesn't just have a football tradition, it has a tradition of excellence.
Montgomery, after serving as offensive coordinator for four seasons, takes over a RedHawk program that has won the MAC East the last two seasons and made back-to-back bowl appearances. The RedHawks have had a winning record each of the last 11 seasons.
Montgomery, who is viewed as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football, has played a big part in the RedHawks' recent success. His 2003 offense, led by Ben Roethlisberger, ranked second in the country in yards per game (501.1) and broke MAC records for total offense (7,016 yards) and touchdowns rushing and passing (74) in a season.
Last season, with five new starters, Miami generated 399.7 yards per game (34th in the country) and was 11th in passing (279.6 yards per game).
Montgomery still plans to call the offensive plays this season and with seven starters returning on offense, including quarterback Josh Betts and a stable of receivers, the RedHawks should soar once again.
"There will be a few wrinkles that we add every year, but one of the things that I wanted to do when I got the job was to keep the schemes pretty much the same on both sides of the ball," said Montgomery, a three-year starter at quarterback for North Carolina State who threw for a school-record 535 yards against Duke in 1989.
The biggest question on offense will be running back, where Luke Clemens and Mike Smith combined for 1,211 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Both are gone.
Defensively, Miami returns seven starters, including three senior linebackers, in its aggressive 4-3 package.
End Marcus Johnson and outside linebacker Terna Nande were first-team All-MAC performers last season and should continue to make big plays. The challenges will be replacing defensive tackles Will Rueff and Larry Burt, strong safety Matt Pusateri and cornerback Alphonso Hodge. Hodge was drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in April and Burt and Pusateri each signed free-agent contracts with the Cleveland Browns.
"We've got a lot of seniors, a lot of starters coming back, but a lot of young players that haven't played a lot in big roles," Montgomery said.
They aren't the only ones with new duties. Hoeppner took five assistants to Indiana with him, so there will also be an adjustment period for the players and new staff.
"I think the transition has been pretty smooth," Montgomery said. "It helped a lot being here and knowing the kids and having worked with them."
QUARTERBACKS
If you think Montgomery has a tough act to follow, what do you think Josh Betts (6-3, 225) went through taking over for Roethlisberger last season? While he didn't put up Big Ben numbers, Betts performed admirably. The senior finished with 267 completions in 442 attempts (.604) for 3,495 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Betts, who ranked 13th in the country in total offense, passed for at least 200 yards in 12-of-13 games and became just the second quarterback in Miami history to pass for more than 3,000 yards. He is a good drop-back passer who can also make things happen with his feet; he scored three rushing touchdowns last season.
"He had, what I thought, was a solid year," Montgomery said. "He throws the ball real well and moves around the pocket real well. He's just getting better and better."
The RedHawks, who turned the ball over a MAC-worst 30 times last season, would like to reduce their giveaways in '05. Four of Betts' interceptions came against Michigan and he had three other games with two picks. Experience, and the healthy return of Martin Nance, should help him reduce those numbers.
With Betts entrenched as the starter, the big question for Miami this fall is "who will be No. 2?"
Sophomore Mike Kokal (6-2, 192) and red-shirt freshman Jared Elliott (6-5, 217) are battling for the job.
Kokal saw action in four games in 2004, completing 9-of-16 passes for 102 yards and two interceptions.
Elliott has the size and arm to make every throw, but also has mobility. He ran for 900 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior at Page High School in Franklin, Tenn.
The RedHawks are hoping that each has another season to develop without having to be pressed into extensive action this fall.
RUNNING BACKS
Sophomore Brandon Murphy (5-8, 189), a speedster who played well after getting some time late last season, takes over the starting job after the departure of Clemens (899 yards, 12 TDs) and Smith (312 yards, six TDs). Murphy ran for 248 yards on 48 carries (5.2 average) and scored four touchdowns. He carried eight times for 90 yards against Akron and nine times for 75 yards and two touchdowns against Central Florida.
He added 10 pounds of muscle in the off-season while maintaining his 4.45 speed in the 40-yard dash.
"He's small but really explosive," Montgomery said. "He gives us something that we really haven't had lately, a guy who can take it the distance."
Montgomery said he could use three tailbacks this season and is looking for continued progress from sophomores Akim Lannaman (6-2, 219), Cory Jones (5-10, 198) and Austin Sykes (6-0, 242) and red-shirt freshman Jimmy Calhoun (6-0, 217).
Lannaman carried six times last season and has the size and speed to be a contributor on offense after seeing some time on special teams. Jones has showed steady improvement since arriving at Miami, cutting .2 of a second off his 40 time. The bruising Sykes has battled injuries but was healthy enough to lead all rushers with 51 yards in the spring game. Calhoun was a standout on the scout team last season and has the right combination of size and speed to possibly be a contributor.
The RedHawks have not called upon their fullback much in recent years, but could increase the role of the position in order to bolster the running game. Converted tight end Matt Vofele (6-3, 246), a junior, could get the first call. Mainly a short-yardage and special teams performer last season, Vofele caught one pass.
Red-shirt freshman Nick DeBartolo (6-1, 234) has soft hands and could also crack the lineup.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Even without the departed Michael Larkin, Miami's all-time receiving leader who set an NCAA record by catching a pass in 50 straight games, the receivers are one of the RedHawks' greatest strengths.
"We have a receiving corps that rivals anyone," Montgomery said. Few receivers (or defensive backs) can match up physically with Nance or keep up with speedy junior Ryne Robinson.
Nance (6-5, 210) was leading the RedHawks in receiving when he tore the ACL in his left knee against Marshall in Week 5 last season, leaving Miami without the player who caught 90 passes for 1,498 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2003.
"He was a difference-maker for us two years ago," Montgomery said.
He's expected to be one again. Nance, who had a 34-inch vertical leap and ran a 4.37 40 before being injured, spent the spring rehabbing and is expected to enter fall camp close to 100 percent. He finished last season with 25 catches for 337 yards and a touchdown before his injury.
Robinson (5-10, 165), one of the nation's top punt returners, emerged as a receiver after Nance went down. He caught 49 of his team-high 64 passes in the final eight games and finished the season with 934 yards and four touchdowns. He posted four 100-yard receiving games, including a 10-catch, 153-yard effort at Buffalo and is most dangerous running after the catch.
Junior R.J. Corbin (6-1, 203) has been a steady performer while starting on the inside the last two seasons. He ranked third on the team with 26 catches for 319 yards and a touchdown.
Senior Josh Williams (6-2, 220) also emerged as a big-play threat last season, catching 21 passes for 402 yards (19.1 average) and a touchdown. Junior Ryan Busing (6-3, 200), the twin brother of starting linebacker John, got extensive reps at the starting inside receiver spot in the spring and the converted quarterback could be more of a factor after catching 11 passes for 96 yards last season.
Junior Marcus Tate (5-9, 143), a converted defensive back, sophomore Patrick O'Bryan (6-1, 199) and red-shirt freshman Sean McVay (5-10, 182) could also work themselves into the mix.
Miami is solid at tight end with the "Tyler Brothers," seniors Dan Tyler and Tyler Vogel both returning. Tyler (6-5, 244) is the returning starter. He caught 12 passes for 126 yards last season and spent the off-season adding muscle. Vogel (6-6, 253) saw his first extended playing time on offense last season, catching one pass.
Justin Davis (6-5, 229), who has played wide receiver and linebacker at Miami, has been moved to tight end and could be someone to watch if he adds weight and adapts to his new position.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The RedHawks are in great shape up front, with four starters returning, including four-year starter Todd Londot.
Londot (6-7, 300) has started 32 straight games and been a second-team All-MAC selection each of the last two seasons. His tremendous size and athleticism allowed him to move from center to right tackle for the final seven games last season, but he is back at center in 2005.
Senior Mark Kracium (6-5, 295) returns at left tackle, where he started all 13 games last season. At 6-6 and 321 pounds, senior Nate Bunce, Miami's most imposing lineman is entering his third season as a starter at right guard. Sophomore Charlie Norden (6-6, 314) split time at right tackle and right guard last season and will begin 2005 at right tackle. He has the potential to become a dominant player with experience.
Sophomore Steve Meister (6-2, 293) saw time at right guard last season and is penciled in as the starter at left guard. He is a cerebral player who should be a fixture in the lineup for the next three seasons.
The one thing the RedHawks don't have up front is proven depth. Red-shirt freshmen Dave DiFranco (6-6, 323) and Matt McKeown (6-4, 275) have talent, but lack game experience. Josh Satterthwait (6-4, 280), another red-shirt freshman, has been moved from tight end and may develop into Miami's left tackle of the future.
KICKERS
After splitting the job with Jared Parseghian last season, senior Todd Soderquist will have the job to himself in '05. Soderquist (6-2, 210) has a strong leg and has made 10 of 14 field goals and 43 of 45 PATs during his career.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Miami has talent up front but may need to do some juggling in order to get its best players on the field.
Marcus Johnson (6-3, 260) made the move from tackle to end in 2004 and used a strong off-season as a springboard to first-team all-league honors. The senior used his combination of quickness and strength to lead the RedHawks in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (12.5). He also ranked fifth on the team in total tackles with 54.
With Rueff and Burt gone, senior Jarrod Rich (6-3, 257) is expected to move from his starting spot at right end to right tackle. Rich, who made 36 tackles and three sacks last season, bench presses 435 pounds and should be able to adjust to the inside.
Senior John Glavin (6-0, 278) was part of a three-man rotation with Rueff and Burt and made six starts last season. He has been a regular contributor for three seasons and earned MAC East Defensive-Player-of-the-Week honors after sacking Akron's Charlie Frye three times in division-clinching win. He has a good motor and led the DTs with 39 tackles last season.
With Rich at tackle, sophomore Craig Mester (6-5, 242) is the favorite to start at right end. Mester has good speed and made an impact as a freshman with 14 tackles, including 5.5 for losses, and five sacks.
Junior Tranaine Sills (6-1, 254) battled injuries last season but is a natural pass rusher who could be a factor on passing downs. Sills led the nation in sacks (27) as a high school senior at Northwestern High School in Miami (Fla.).
Sophomore Otto Linwood (6-1, 317) could provide depth at tackle and Montgomery is counting on at least one or two of his four red-shirt freshmen, possibly James Case (6-2, 251), stepping forward and earning playing time.
LINEBACKERS
Penn State has long been Linebacker U., but MAC units don't get much better than Miami's.
Few players anywhere have the physical gifts of Terna Nande (6-1, 228), a senior who has been a starter since his freshman season. Nande has speed (4.36 40), strength (500-pound bench press, 620 squat) and athleticism (37-inch vertical leap), plus a nose for the football. He finished third on the team with 86 tackles, including 58 solo, and added nine tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks.
"He's strong, he's athletic and he runs very well," Montgomery said. "He's gotten better as he's played and we like to blitz him a lot because he's so explosive."
Like Nande, John Busing (6-3, 219) has been a playmaker since his true freshman season. An honorable mention All-MAC pick last season, Busing enters his third season as a starter after finishing second on the team in tackles in 2004. A true ball-hawk, he led the nation's linebackers with five interceptions in 2003 and has seven in his career.
"He's an athletic kid. He can line up outside and cover receivers if he has to," Montgomery said.
The man in the middle is senior Derek Rehage (6-2, 235), who is entering his second season as the starter. A former running back, Rehage has the speed to go sideline to sideline to make plays and is known for his big hits. He finished fifth on the team with 79 tackles and also registered 4.5 sacks. The RedHawks also have experienced reserves in seniors David Hutzelman and Bryan Tyson and junior Dontae Wright.
Huntzelman (6-1, 227) is a solid special teams performer who backs up Rehage. Tyson (6-1, 210) plays behind Nande and could see action on passing downs and Wright (6-3, 230) has added weight and will see action behind Busing.
Montgomery is counting on red-shirt freshmen Joe Coniglio (6-2, 227), Clayton Mullins (6-2, 205) and Chris Shula (5-11, 213) to gain experience and be ready to play in 2006. Shula is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach David Shula and grandson of Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The RedHawks will miss Pusateri and Hodge, but certainly have the players to step in and cover for them.
Senior Darrell Hunter (6-1, 213) is a three-year starter who has developed into an NFL prospect because of his size, speed and skills.
"He's a big corner that can really run (4.25 40-yard dash)," Montgomery said. "He's the fastest kid ever to play at Miami."
A second-team All-MAC selection, Hunter has shut-down ability that allows Miami to leave him alone on receivers and turn others loose to make plays. He will move from the field corner to boundary corner this season.
Senior Ryan Redd (5-10, 183) has played on passing downs the last two seasons and is the favorite to take over the field corner spot. Redd is a sure tackler (30 total tackles in 2004) who has three interceptions in his career. Lanky junior Frank Wiwo (6-3, 171), who made five starts at free safety last season, and junior Jerrid Gaines (5-11, 197) will also be in the mix at corner and in nickel and dime packages.
Senior Steve Burke (6-0, 187) started 14 games at free safety as a sophomore and the first four last season before suffering a hand injury. He is back healthy and ready to return to his old post.
Junior Joey Card (6-0, 197) is expected to take over for Pusateri, who started 48 straight games. Card also suffered a hand injury last season but is a playmaker who made 33 tackles and an interception.
Wiwo can provide depth at safety and additional depth should come from junior Jeff Schroeder (5-11, 186), a former walk-on, and red-shirt freshman Robbie Wilson (6-0, 208).
PUNTERS
Four-year starter Mike Wafzig (42.4 avg.) has moved on, opening the door for red-shirt freshman and Oxford, Ohio native Jacob Richardson (6-1, 190).
SPECIAL TEAMS
Robinson is a game-changing punt returner who was the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year and already holds the conference record for career punt return yardage (1,201) and touchdowns. His average (14.0) was down slightly last season, but that's because teams altered their game plans after watching him scorch Michigan with 139 yards in returns, including two deep into the red zone.
Hunter and Murphy will provide a dangerous tandem on kickoff returns and junior long snapper Dave McClain (6-4, 228) has two solid seasons behind him.
Ohio
Frank Solich never really had a fair shot in Nebraska.
Few could have when they had to succeed legendary head coach Tom Osborne in Lincoln.
Among the things Solich did in six seasons as the head coach there was post five winning records, led the team to the 2002 Rose Bowl to play for the national title, and produce a Heisman Trophy winner in Eric Crouch.
But it wasn't enough to satisfy a perennial Top 10 program.
After going 9-3 and beating Big 12 rival Colorado at the end of the 2003 regular season, school administrators rewarded their head coach by showing him the door.
If Solich accomplishes anything close to that at Ohio, they won't show him the door, but they might give him the key to Athens.
The Huskers' loss turned out to be a gain for the Bobcats, who hired Solich in December 2004 to try and restore pride and winning to their football program.
"We are thrilled that Frank Solich will lead the Ohio football program into a new era and reclaim the winning tradition in Peden Stadium," Ohio athletics director Thomas Boeh said at Solich's press conference.
The Bobcats have had only two winning seasons since 1982, and they came in 1997 (8-3) and 2000 (7-4). Still, Solich, a Cleveland native, likes what he's seen so far in Athens.
"Things are going well," he said. "I like the people here, the administration has been supportive and the off-season went well. The team worked hard in spring ball and I think we are headed in the right direction."
The Bobcats couldn't seem to find a direction in four years under Brian Knorr, who never won more than four games in a season.
If Ohio hopes to eclipse four wins this season, it's going to have to do it with a strong MAC showing, because the start of the year is a schedule that never even Nebraska in its glory days would want to play.
The Bobcats open the season at Northwestern, and then host Pittsburgh at home before going to Blacksburg, Va. to play Virginia Tech.
"Can you change that for me?" Solich joked. "We get thrown right into the fire, but we are going to line them up and play it out."
Solich's winning attitude and confidence are something the Bobcats can use a healthy does of coming off a four-win season.
OU has 14 starters coming back, including six on offense, from a team that showed signs of life last season before losing six of its final seven.
Even though Nebraska was known as a running team under Solich, he plans to implement a balanced attack with the Bobcats. But one thing the unit lacks are playmakers, and without them, any system the 'Cats run will have trouble getting off the ground.
Last season, the offense was the weak link, finishing 12th in the MAC in total offense with 308.4 yards per game. The Bobcats were the worst team in the league in red-zone offense (61.3 percent), led the league in sacks allowed with 52, and were the 12th-ranked passing team (200.2 ypg).
Solich has put Tim Albin in charge of restoring the offense as the coordinator. Albin coached running backs at Nebraska and was the passing game coordinator there, but spent last season at North Dakota State as its offensive coordinator/running backs coach.
The OU defense was at the opposite end of the spectrum and returns eight starters from a unit that was ranked No. 2 in total defense (319.6 ypg) and first in pass defense (195.4 ypg).
The Bobcats allowed the fifth fewest points (24.6 per game) and were third in takeaways with 23.
Even though the 'Cats are switching to a 4-3, the strength of the defense will be at linebacker with top tackler Matt Muncy back for his junior season after posting 78 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions.
Three other veterans returning at linebacker are junior outside linebackers Michael Graham and Tyler Russ, plus insider Spencer Tatum.
"That can be a strong position for us," Solich said. "They are a physical group."
The defense will be turned over to former North Dakota State defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow, who previously worked with Solich as a graduate assistant at Nebraska.
Two other coaches with Nebraska ties are quarterbacks coach Gerry Gdowski and offensive line coach Keven Lightner. Linebackers coach Ross Els is a Nebraska-Omaha graduate.
"I feel really good about the staff," said Solich, who spent his year away from coaching by visiting several top college and NFL programs, including the Chiefs, Colts and Vikings.
Now, Solich is ready to tackle a new challenge by leading the Bobcats back to respectability in the MAC.
"It's going to be very challenging to get to the top of this league," the 60-year-old head coach said. "But we're excited about the opportunity and the challenges that face us."
QUARTERBACKS
One of the biggest off-season goals was to find a starting quarterback, and the Bobcats appear to have accomplished that with junior Austen Everson (6-2, 213) earning the job.
"He has great leadership ability," said Solich, who was looking for a quarterback who can throw the ball to run his balanced attack. Everson completed just 45 percent of his passes last year.
Everson appeared in nine games as the backup to Ryan Hawk last season and completed 37-of-83 passes for 588 yards and four touchdowns while being intercepted five times.
Overall, the Bobcats are young at quarterback, but Everson did enough in the spring to be clearly ahead of the rest of the group.
The backup job is a little more unsettled, but red-shirt freshman Mark Petrziello (6-2, 205) outplayed red-shirt freshman Jerrod Sparling (6-3, 200) in the spring game.
Solich also recruited two quarterbacks, including in-state Dublin Coffman graduate Josh Febus (6-2, 205), who threw for 1,300 yards and ran for more than 800 yards his senior season.
The other freshman is Brandon Jones (6-2, 185) from Marietta, Ga. Jones threw for 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior season and was intercepted just four times.
RUNNING BACKS
The Bobcats have some players who can get the job done at running back as a group, but they need to find a playmaker.
Sophomore Kalvin McRae (5-11, 200) rushed for a team-high 559 yards and four touchdowns last season, plus caught 13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. McRae, who started eight games, entered summer workouts as the starter, but he'll have competition.
Speedy junior Voncarie Owens (5-10, 185), a transfer from Jones County Community College in Mississippi, wants some carries and so does sophomore Joshua Abrams (6-0, 182), who appeared in three games last season.
"We have some good quickness at this position, but the question really is do we have one running back who has the ability to do it all," Solich said.
The answer might be freshman Spencer Farley (5-8, 205). The Morgantown (W.Va.) product rushed for 2,374 yards on 231 carries and scored 53 touchdowns last fall. He finished his career with 4,898 yards and 84 touchdowns.
"He's a physical kid," Solich said.
At fullback, senior Brad Young (6-1, 215) has proven he can block well and rush for a couple yards, but red-shirt freshman Lucas Sullivan (6-0, 206) played well in the spring.
The Bobcats don't have a defined role for the fullback, but blocking will be a key part of it. Freshman Mitchell Morsillio (6-0, 243) might have a chance to play right away with his size and toughness -- he was also a linebacker at Moon Area (Pa.)
Another option is Erie, Pa. native Jayson White (6-2, 225), from McDowell High, who rushed for 1,500 yards and scored 24 touchdowns last year as a high school senior.
RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Another area where Solich wants playmakers is at wide receiver.
Junior Scott Mayle (6-1, 175) is the top returning receiver, but he battled injuries in the spring. Mayle, who can run a 10.4 in the 100-meter dash, caught 33 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team in the latter two categories.
"He a great athlete and one of the fastest guys on the team," Solich said. Senior Anthony Hackett (6-1, 193) has decent size to go along with some starting experience. He caught nine passes for 146 yards in 10 games as a junior, but was more of a home run threat two years ago as a third option.
There's plenty of competition here, though, and one player who might rise above the pack is sophomore Justin Fitzgerald (6-3, 190), who has the size to cause some mismatches with opposing defensive backs.
Junior Justin Riley (5-11, 196) is coming off a season where he caught 12 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown, while junior Ahmona Maxwell (6-1, 170) had 12 receptions for 121 yards. Another reserve looking for an expanded role is sophomore Theo Jefferson (6-2, 202), a former high school quarterback.
"There's going to be some competition here," said Solich, who wants receivers that can catch the ball and get physical on running plays.
Once again, one of the freshmen could come in and get some immediate playing time at receiver.
Another Marriet graduate, Thad Turner (6-0, 168), had 31 receptions for 732 yards and six touchdowns last fall, while Stonewall Jackson (Va.) grad Christopher Garrett (5-8, 175) will convert to receiver after rushing for 1,389 yards last year.
"We are not going to shy away from playing anyone," Solich said "We are going to put the best football players on the field."
The tight end position will feature the 1-2 punch of senior Dave Cody (6-4, 250), who started four games last season, and junior Cody Logan (6-3, 227), a converted linebacker. Red-shirt freshman Mike O'Bruba (6-3, 240) had a solid spring game.
A fourth possibility is incoming freshman Chris Rogers (6-4, 228) from Central High in Phoenix, Ariz. Rogers had 37 receptions for 378 yards and also played defensive end last year.
"He runs well and has a great frame, but he needs to get stronger," Solich said.
OFFENSIVE LINE
No matter who starts here, the Bobcats have to do a better job of protecting their quarterback this season.
The top lineman is junior Matt Coppage (6-4, 278), who started at left guard in 2004 but has moved to left tackle. The other starter back is sophomore Matt Miller (6-3, 290), who started eight games at right guard. The rest of the line spots are up for grabs, and some fresh faces might benefit this unit.
At center, senior Mike Nelson (6-2, 286) and sophomore J.J. Knabb (6-3, 280) were vying for the starting job, while sophomore Paul Johnson (6-2, 285) looks to replace Coppage at guard and has a slight edge after the spring over sophomore Bryson Bush (6-4, 308).
The right tackle spot should go to senior Cole Wesley (6-4, 284), but sophomore David Shelby (6-4, 281) was pushing him in the spring.
"The development of the offensive line is ongoing and is critical to our success in generating a balanced offense," Solich said. "We need to get stronger and more physical on the line."
With line help a major concern, the Bobcats also added five in-state freshmen to the mix with their recruiting class; Dathan Ferrainolo (6-3, 288) from Liverpool, Mike Philibin (6-4, 290) from Cardinal Mooney, Gary Schussler (6-2, 264) from Chardon, Tommy Stuck (6-1, 291) and Chardon graduate David White (6-1, 300).
KICKERS
Sophomore Brooks Rossman (6-1, 165) had some freshman moments last season, going only 7-for-14 on field goals and 20-of-24 on extra points, but figures to retain his job.
"He was a true freshman who was under the gun," Solich said. "He had a good spring."
The only other option is sophomore Craig Donahue (6-1, 202)
DEFENSIVE LINE
Talent does not appear to be a problem on this side of the line, but numbers are a concern.
On the ends, senior Sean Ream (6-5, 244) and sophomore Brett Sykes (6-2, 262), who started last season and had 21 tackles plus a sack, give OU a strong first unit. Ream was part of the rotation there last year and finished with 26 tackles and a sack.
Inside, senior Shane Yates (6-2, 291) and sophomore Landon Cohen (6-3, 252) will get the nod as starters. Yates appeared in 10 games last year and had 14 tackles and a sack. Cohen added 17 tackles and three quarterback hurries.
"We need to develop some depth -- that will be a key for us," Solich said. Right now, the one player who has earned a spot in the rotation as a backup is junior David Escobar (6-2, 285). Another contributor could be junior Zach Kiesch (6-6, 265), who played previously at Fullerton (Minn.) Junior College.
Sophomores Eric Johnson (6-3, 275) and Wesley Dunlap (6-3, 253), and red-shirt freshman Jeff Browning (6-5, 280) and Wesley Williams (6-1, 245) could all possibly see time up front before a rotation is finalized. Dunlap played a solid spring game along with Johnson, who had a sack and four tackles.
Four more bodies were scheduled to join the mix in the summer, with in-state products Jameson Hartke (6-5, 239) from Centerville, Eric Kenkel (6-4, 240) from Elder, Brian Mellet (6-3, 255) from Austin Town Fitch and Conor Reilly (6-3, 240) from Hudson.
Also in the incoming class is Westside High graduate Josh Leuck (6-3, 275) from Omaha, Neb. Leuck was a first-team all-state lineman who had 72 career tackles and eight sacks.
LINEBACKERS
Matt Muncy (6-2, 225), who anchors one of the team's top positions, did a little bit of everything for the Bobcats last season.
The potential All-MAC linebacker Muncy will be joined by veterans Michael Graham (5-10, 200), Tyler Russ (6-1, 212) and Spencer Tatum (5-11, 175) to make this unit a team strength. The trio combined for 87 tackles, four sacks and one interception by Russ.
Sophomore Andrew Tyson (6-2, 225) was the star on defense in the spring game and figures to crack into the lineup.
Juniors Phillip Fountain (6-1, 213) and Justin Kasmarcak (6-2, 225) received some playing time last season and provide experienced depth. Solich was looking forward to adding freshman Jordan Meyers (6-1, 218) from Harrison, Ohio to summer camp. Meyers was a second-team all-state selection and finished second all-time in tackles at Harrison.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The top pass defense in the MAC lost safety Chip Cox and Rob Stover, but has an excellent tandem at cornerback returning in junior T.J. Wright (5-11, 156) and senior Dion Byrum (5-11, 177).
"They are both experienced players who play consistently," Solich said. Byrum had 50 tackles and seven pass breakups last season, and Wright had 35 stops, three interceptions and nine pass break ups. Byrum is one of the fastest players on the team and is also excellent in run support, while Wright has a nose for the ball.
The nickel back is solid as well in junior Marcquis Parham (5-11, 175). Freshman Mark Parsons (5-10, 192), who played at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy last year, took part in spring ball and figures to add more depth at the corner.
Senior corner Maxwell Todoroff (5-10, 188) played well in the spring game.
The big mystery heading into the season will be who takes over at free and strong safety. The Bobcats spent the spring and summer mixing and matching different combinations looking for a starting duo. Sophomores Tony Ward (5-11, 180) and Todd Koenig (6-2, 195) went into the battles with the early edge on free and strong safety, respectively.
Also vying for one of the jobs are red-shirt freshman Michael Brown (6-2, 205), sophomore Jonathan Hartsook (5-11, 185), junior Earvin Jackson (6-0, 189) and red-shirt freshman Chris Hall (6-1, 195).
"We have some guys who haven't played there before and we plan to move a lot of guys around," Solich said.
A few freshmen might end up taking the jobs after summer camp. Freshman Steven Jackson (6-2, 180) from Westlake High in Austin, Texas, was a second-team all-state player in '04.
Lee Renfro (5-10, 202) was selected the player of the year by the Kentucky/Old Spice and the Kentucky High School Coaches Association after his senior season at Southwestern High. Renfro was also a record-breaking tailback in high school.
The third key recruit in the secondary is Idris Lawrence (5-10, 173) from Brookhaven (Ohio). He posted 42 tackles; five interceptions and tow fumble recoveries last season. He returned three picks for touchdowns.
Michael Mitchell (6-0, 180) from the Highlands in Ft. Thomas, Ky. is another freshman who will compete for time.
"They could be outstanding players in our system," Solich said.
PUNTERS
One area the Bobcats are in good shape is at punter with senior Matt Miller (6-1, 180).
Miller averaged 42.4 yards per game (third in the MAC) and placed 20 of his 67 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, with only two touchbacks.
"We have an outstanding punter," Solich said. "We've got the luxury of a punter with a very strong leg who's able to produce good hang time."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Mayle and Byrum give OU two experienced return men heading into the season, but the Bobcats could use a playmaker here as well.
Byrum led the team with 330 yards on kick returns and another 175 on punts. Mayle was second on kick returns with 289 but figures to be a bigger focal point on offense this season.
Other candidates here include Brad Young and the explosive Garrett.
At long snapper, sophomore Jack Haas (6-2, 213), who has impressed the coaching staff, will look to replace Greg DiMarino.
"It will be critical for us to develop excellence in special teams play," Solich said.
Ball State
If you went by the NFL draft, you never would have guessed that Ball State was one of the bottom teams in the MAC last season.
The Cardinals had a conference-high -- and school-record -- three players taken in the April draft, with all of them going in the sixth round. Junior receiver Dante Ridgeway and punter Reggie Hodges were chosen by the St. Louis Rams while safety Justin Beriault was picked by the Dallas Cowboys. The three picks were also the most by a school in the state, topping Notre Dame, Purdue and Indiana.
"This is definitely proof that football is the ultimate team game," BSU coach Brady Hoke said. "In this game, you need to have 11 guys working together all the time, and you need to coach them to play the game.
"These three players were outstanding individuals for Ball State and were team guys all the way. We need to recruit more players like Justin, Reggie and Dante."
Most teams might miss their best player on offense, on defense and on special teams, but the Cardinals might be a better team without those three NFL draft picks.
Instead of watching Ridgeway make one of his 105 catches, more than everyone else on the team combined, someone else has to make a catch now. Instead of watching Beriault make one of his 125 tackles, which was 40 more than the next guy, someone else has to make a tackle now.
And someone might have to make a big play on special teams instead of relying on a booming punt from Hodge, who averaged 42.6 yards per kick, to pin back the opponent on their next drive.
"There's some great opportunities out there," said Hoke, a former BSU linebacker.
Whether someone steps up and seizes those opportunities could determine how far the Cardinals can climb in a rebuilding division. Only Toledo and Northern Illinois have established programs under their current coaches, leaving Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Ball State to battle for No. 3.
Finishing third in the division would be a good next step for any of those programs, and the Cardinals will attempt to do it with 15 starters back, but not MAC Freshman of the Year Adell Givens at tailback.
Givens was dismissed from the team for academic reasons in February. The Cardinals will need to do it with a young squad, too -- there are only seven seniors on the roster, and only one of them starts.
On offense, junior quarterback Joey Lynch won the starting job last season and will enter as the No. 1 guy after a strong spring.
In eight games, Lynch threw for 1,126 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions on 108-of-169 passing.
"He's a great competitor and makes great decisions," Hoke said. "You've got to take care of the football."
You also have to protect your quarterback, and though the Cardinals have three linemen with starting experience back, overall they will be rather young on offense.
The youth movement is going to be tested early too, with Iowa, Bowling Green, Auburn and Boston College on the schedule the first four weeks of the season. All of the games are on the road except for Bowling Green.
"We're going to take some lumps at times," Hoke said, "but it's going to be a real learning experience for us."
The defense is further along with nine players back that have started at least one game, but has been a weak link the last few seasons. In 2004, Ball State ranked last in the MAC in total defense (458 ypg) and points allowed (35.8 ppg).
Junior strong safety Erik Keys looks to replace Beriault as the leader of the unit after finishing second in tackles with 85, including one sack.
The coaching staff has a new look with two additions on the offensive side in quarterbacks coach Stan Parrish and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner. Parrish spent the 2002 and 2003 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their quarterbacks coach and received a Super Bowl ring working with Brad Johnson his first season there.
Parrish previously worked with Hoke at Michigan, where he coached current NFL quarterbacks Brian Griese and two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Faulkner is a former Wisconsin Badgers tailback who spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant at Ball State.
The Cardinals figure to need all the help they can get with a brutal start to the season. BSU's first four games might be the toughest in the nation, but if they can escape them in decent shape, there's a chance to win some games in the second half of the year.
"We want to be playing our best football in November," said Hoke, echoing the sentiment of most MAC coaches who also have tough non-league games to start the season.
QUARTERBACKS
Joey Lynch (6-2, 189) solidified his spot as the starter with a strong spring working with Parrish for the first time. Lynch was 9-of-19 for 66 yards and one touchdown in the spring game.
"Joey distanced himself [from the other quarterbacks]," said Hoke, who knows his QB needs to be smart with the football playing behind a young line. "He has a great sense in the pocket
The announcement that Lynch was the starter is not good news for sophomore Cole Stinson (6-4, 230), who started four games as a freshman. Stinson was 91-of-179 passing for 1,101 yards and five touchdowns while being intercepted twice. He will now have to beat out red-shirt freshman Warren Suess (6-4, 209) for the backup job in the summer.
The Cardinals also add Morris (Ill.) High graduate Zach Jones (6-7, 215), who led his team to a 13-1 record last season while throwing for 1,460 yards and 15 touchdowns, this summer.
RUNNING BACKS
The loss of Givens was a big blow to the Cardinals' rebuilding process, but fifth-year senior Charles Wynn (5-10, 225) will be the biggest benefactor. Wynn rushed 47 times for 247 yards and three touchdowns backing up Givens last season. Wynn is a north-south runner who has learned the limitations of his game.
Freshman B.J. Hill (5-7, 170) enrolled at Ball State in January, after graduating from Riverdale Baptist in December, and was able to take part in spring workouts. He could be the perfect complement to the pounder Wynn with his quickness and shiftiness in the backfield.
"He's a little guy who can deliver a big hit," Hoke said.
The third member of the backfield who could see some steady playing time is senior Larry Bostic (5-7, 183), who suffered a knee injury against Purdue in the second game and missed the rest of the season. Bostic did not play in the spring game, but was expected back for summer practices.
Providing some depth at tailback are junior Brenton Martin (6-1, 206), and red-shirt freshmen Jovens Degage (5-11, 196) and Tyler Gholston (5-8, 175).
The Cardinals loaded up on running backs in their recruiting class with Hill and four other freshmen.
Jacolby Bond (6-0, 210), from Haywood (Tenn.) High, rushed for 4,661 yards and 56 touchdowns during his career. Another big back, Chris Clancy (6-2, 225) from Joliet (Ill.) Catholic led his team to a 14-0 record and a second straight state title his senior season. Clancy finished with 1,101 yards and 17 touchdowns for Joliet, which was ranked 12th in nation in the final USA Today poll.
Corey McGee (5-11, 186) from Jackson, Miss. rolled up 1,764 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior while Nick Wedlow (5-9, 185) from Statesboro, Ga., had 1,420 yards and 19 touchdowns for his 14-1 squad in his final season. Ball State is one of the few MAC teams to use a fullback regularly, and it has two good ones.
Junior Brad Salyer (5-11, 242), who also played linebacker for Ball State during his career, locked up the starting job with a strong spring. Salyer could also see time at tailback when the Cardinals go to a one-back set.
His backup is junior Garrett Bova (6-0, 222), who also played well in the spring. Sophomore Seth Rainey (5-11, 219) adds depth to the position.
RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Ridgeway's early departure to the NFL means there's plenty of passes to go around now.
Junior Bryan Williamson (6-3, 205), a big, physical receiver, could become Lynch's top target. He finished second on the team with 21 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns last season.
One candidate for the other starting job is junior Terry Moss (5-10, 189), who caught 12 passes for 105 yards last year. He'll battle for playing time against sophomore Dan Dunford (5-10, 178) and red-shirt freshman Louis Johnson (6-1, 176).
"We got a couple guys ready to play," Hoke said. "As a group, I think they understand the offense better and I think you'll see more of an open offense [with Ridgeway gone]."
Red-shirt freshmen Travis Potchka (5-10, 191) and Jordan Trask (5-9, 183) are also part of the receiving corps.
Three freshmen and a late-arriving junior college player, Brandon Hawkins, could be pressed into action.
Former high school quarterback Dante Love (5-10, 170) from Withrow, Ohio can make things happen with the football. He threw for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns while also running for 970 yards and 12 scores in his senior season.
Michigan product DeAndrie Rogers Jr. (6-3, 190) from Pershing and Ohio's Jon Myles (6-0, 185) from Chaminade Julienne also join the group. At tight end, junior Michael Steinhaus (6-3, 256) is a solid blocker who can also catch the ball. Red-shirt freshman H-back Darius Hill (6-6, 224) could be the answer here if he continues to develop and matures.
"We need to get the tight end more involved in the offense," Hoke said. Freshman Kyle Cornwell (6-4, 240) could eventually join that battle after arriving from Providence Catholic in Illinois.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Talent wouldn't the problem on the offensive line this season, but experience will be an issue.
Bryan Smith (6-4, 294) is the lone starting senior on the offense, and he will be back at right tackle where he started seven games a year ago. Junior Justin Schneider (6-5, 304) lines up on the other side at left tackle, where he started every game last season.
Red-shirt freshman Dan Gerberry (6-3, 288) earned the starting center job in the spring, beating out senior Patrick Neils (6-2, 318) and sophomore Justin Hartig (6-4, 282).
At right guard, red-shirt freshmen Brian Trowman (6-5, 308) and Eric Larrimer (6-5, 308) took their battle for the starting job into summer workouts.
Red-shirt freshman Jason Sippel (6-4, 285) takes over at left guard, with sophomore Dustin Brown (6-3, 291) backing him up.
Sophomore Kevin Neville (6-7, 292) is another young player that adds some depth to the line at tackle.
Ball State added only one freshman on the line in Robert Brewster (6-5, 330), who was an all-state selection while at Wyoming High in Cincinnati.
KICKERS
Junior Brian Jackson (5-7, 186) enters his third season as the starter, and will be backed up by sophomore Matt Terkhorn (6-0, 197).
Jackson was 12-for-16 on field goals and 23-for-24 on extra points last season. His long for the season was a 39-yarder.
DEFENSIVE LINE
One area where the Cardinals appear to be deep is on the defensive line. At tackle, junior Tom Kellar (6-3, 298) and sophomore Amara Koroma (6-2, 260) figure to start, while juniors William Wise (6-0, 263) and Riley Larimore (6-2, 260), who started nine games a year ago, will back them up. Kellar started the first game of 2004, but injuries have been a problem for him. Koroma looks ready for a breakout season.
Sophomore Temidayo McCarthy (6-4, 280) missed spring practices with a shoulder injury, but factors into the middle of the Ball State defense as well. On the outside, Larimore also figures into the mix, but senior Blair Kramer (6-3, 259) and sophomore Cortlan Booker (6-2, 242) look like the starters. Kramer started every game at left end last season and had a team-high four sacks to go with 22 tackles. Booker, a former linebacker with big play capability, had 30 tackles and one sack in 10 games.
Sophomores Jacob Jordan (6-3, 275) and Scott Bradtmiller (6-4, 288), and red-shirt freshman Jonathan Belcher (6-2, 276) figure into reserve roles.
This season Ball State could experiment with a 3-4 formation along with using its current 4-3 style.
The freshmen class should make this unit even better; starting with the addition of a monster in the middle in Roger Morris (6-4, 319) from Jonesboro, Ga. Morris had 56 tackles and five sacks as a senior.
Other additions include Tony Adams (6-3, 268) from Fairborn, Ohio and in- state talent Jordan Applegate (6-5, 270) from Fort Wayne. Drew Duffin (6-3, 255) is considered a Top 20 player from Avon.
LINEBACKERS
Senior Donta Smith (6-0, 228) and sophomore Wendell Brown (6-0, 219) are returning starters, but that doesn't mean they are guaranteed jobs this season with plenty of competition at linebacker.
Smith, who had 61 tackles and two sacks in 11 games, including nine starts was only 70 percent in spring ball while recovering from a knee injury. Junior Brad Seiss (6-0, 225), who played in only five games last year because of injuries, will be Smith's main competition. Both could see the field if the Cardinals go to a 3-4.
On the outside, former end Kenny Meeks (6-2, 230) will battle fellow red-shirt freshman Bryant Haines (6-5, 214) and junior Jason Sieman (6-3, 223) on the weak side.
"Haines is a rangy kid who has a great knack for the ball," Hoke said. Sieman started seven games there last season and recorded 68 tackles and two sacks.
On the strong side, junior Anthony Corpuz (6-2, 226) and Brown will vie for time. Red-shirt freshman Gonzalo Barinaga (6-2, 237) can back up anywhere at linebacker, while sophomore Alex Moore (6-1, 242) can play inside.
Sophomore Mike Dorulla (6-0, 222) can make his biggest contributions on special teams.
The Cardinals lost a couple top-notch recruits at linebacker to two Illinois schools, so they have no newcomers here.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Cardinals lost their best defender in Beriault, but Eric Keys (5-10, 209) is ready for big things at strong safety after sliding over from free safety.
"He's a great tackler," Hoke said.
Sophomores Eddie Burk (5-11, 209) and Chris Allen (5-10, 190) are the primary backups to Keys.
At free safety, senior David Gater (5-11, 198) and red-shirt freshman Trey Lewis (6-0, 186) carried their battle over into the summer. But, don't be surprised to see incoming freshman Ronoldo Warner (5-10, 173) eventually occupy this spot. Warner, from Newnan, Ga., had 126 tackles and four interceptions his senior season.
Junior Randell Means (5-9, 178) and sophomore Ryan Patrick (5-10, 170) return as the starters at the corners. Means started every game at left corner while Patrick started six on the right side.
Depth at the corners comes from senior Joshua Taylor (5-10, 200), junior Rickey Rakestraw (5-9, 163) and red-shirt freshman Lavell Moseley (6-2, 183).
In addition to Warner, two other Georgia recruits, Trey Buice (5-10, 165), from Tucker High in Stone Mountain, and Marcus McLure (6-0, 175), from Rome, figure to see some playing time.
Whoever is on the field, the Cardinals will need to be better ball hawks. The team had only two interceptions the entire 2004 season, and Gater is the only one on the current roster to record one.
PUNTERS
Hodge's departure leaves a huge void.
Red-shirt freshman Chris Miller (6-2, 208) will get the chance to show what he can do after watching Hodge from the sidelines last season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Moss and Hill figure to be the top return guys for the Cardinals this season, but a freshman or two could lend a hand.
Moss was the top kick return last season with 27 returns for 471 yards and one touchdown, which he returned 94 yards against Northern Illinois. Dunford also has some experience handling returns.
Hill is the frontrunner to handle punts, and it shouldn't be a hard job to fill. The Cardinals struggled there a year ago, averaging 4.1 yards per return.
At long snapper, junior Michael Hay (6-1, 243) holds down the job.
Central Michigan
Brian Kelly has a problem with attitude. And he has made it Central Michigan's problem, too.
When Kelly arrived last year at Mount Pleasant, he found a group of players who were complacent losers. That didn't sit very well with a coach who never had a losing season in 13 years at NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University.
The Chippewas came up short in their bid for a winning season in Kelly's first year, but the program did make some strides toward some day achieving its second winning season (6-5 in 1998) in the last decade.
"We came in to instill and attitude and a way to do things," Kelly said. "They didn't hire me because they were winning. ... You need to get the kids to believe."
The Chippewa faithful believe, at least at home where CMU went 4-1 last season for its first winning record at Kelly/Shorts Stadium since 1998 (5-0). The road was a different story (0-6).
While CMU didn't make major strides in the win column -- improving by only a game from its 2003 total -- the team didn't go down in many games without a fight.
The Chippewas lost to league champion Toledo by only five points, 27-22, and took Eastern Michigan to four overtimes before the Eagles prevailed, 61-58.
But the day Kelly realized his team had finally gotten his message was in the season finale against Ball State. The visiting Cardinals rolled out to a 27-6 lead in the first quarter of a meaningless game and the Chippewas could have just packed it in for the season.
Instead, they reeled off 21 straight points in the second quarter to tie the game, and then used two fourth-quarter touchdowns to earn the win, 41-40.
"Their will to win is a lot deeper and greater," Kelly said. "They are going to fight now [for four quarters]."
And they better do it this season, too, because Kelly is not going to sitting around and pat the 16 returning starters and 38 returning lettermen on the back for past accomplishments.
"We still have a ways to go before we break through to the next echelon," he said.
The Chippewas' journey this season will at least be led by a quarterback comfortable with Kelly's spread offense in senior Kent Smith.
After standing around and holding a clipboard for two seasons, Smith had the chance to put on a helmet and actually take the field in a real game last fall. Once he crossed the line and settled into the system, Smith cemented his job as the starter by throwing for 2,284 yards and 16 touchdowns in 10 starts while completing 56.5 percent of his passes and being intercepted eight times.
"He was used to holding a clipboard and not a football in his hands," said Kelly, who serves as the offensive coordinator as well. "It took him seven or eight games before he learned the spread offense."
CMU needs Smith to continue his progress in the system this year, especially if junior tailback Jerry Seymour does not return.
Seymour remained suspended from the team and headed for a 30-day jail sentence going into summer workouts after pleading no contest in May to criminal contempt in a case involving the beating death of a 26-year-old man.
According to an Associated Press story, Seymour told a grand jury he left a bar and went to his car, but witnesses told the grand jury that they saw Seymour close to the fight on the street that resulted in the man's death.
Regardless of his role in the incident or how talented a player he is -- Seymour was a first-team All-MAC selection last year after finishing second in all-purpose yards with 1,802 -- Kelly doesn't want him back until Seymour has his life in order.
"This is a message to everyone," said Kelly about the suspension of his star player. "Part of the reason they didn't win here before was because there were different standards for different players. & We've got to move on."
On offense, Kelly shuffled his staff by moving Greg Forest from wide receivers to running backs coach, and changing Joe Danna from safeties to receivers coach.
For once, there will not be a different defense for the Chippewas to learn despite changing coordinators in the off-season again. John Jancek left for Georgia after one season, and defensive line coach Mike Elston will share the defensive coordinator title with newcomer Robert Diaco.
Diaco, who also coaches the linebackers, was at Western Michigan last season, where he worked with the linebackers and special teams units.
"They've had four coordinators in four years here [and I wanted to have some consistency there]," said Kelly about his decision to promote Elston while adding Diaco.
Other defensive coaching additions include Ernest Jones coaching cornerbacks and Zach Shay taking over with the safeties.
The new staff figures to benefit from last year's growing pains for much of the unit. CMU ranked 11th in pass defense (261.2 ypg) and 11th in total defense (431.4 ypg) while giving up 34.4 points per game (11th).
The defense again is anchored by junior end Dan Bazuin, who had 50 tackles, three sacks and four blocked kicks as the star on a weak unit last season.
"He was everything for us," Kelly said. "And he does everything for us."
The Chippewas can use a few more Bazuins at the start of this season with Big Ten schools Indiana and Penn State in the first and third weeks of the season, respectively. In between, CMU must play MAC East power Miami of Ohio on the road.
The rest of the schedule looks good for the Chippewas, but they will be tested at the end of October/early November with back-to-back home games with Toledo and Northern Illinois.
"We are ready to line up with Toledo and Northern Illinois without having the fear they once had here [for them]," Kelly said.
QUARTERBACKS
Kent Smith (6-5, 215) learned how to hold a clipboard his first two seasons at CMU, but last year he learned how to run the spread offense.
After opening day starter Grant Arnoldink struggled against Indiana, Smith came in to finish the game and led the Chippewas on their only touchdown drive in a 41-10 loss.
Smith finished the game 10-of-17 passing for 148 yards and no interceptions. He also succeeded in taking the starting job from Arnoldink and went on to lead CMU to a 4-6 record in the final 10 games.
Kelly's offense relies on having a competent quarterback running it, and he believes Smith will be even better now that he understands the offense.
"Last year we averaged about 400 yards per game as an offense and we didn't know what we were doing," Kelly said.
In addition to Smith winning over the coach, red-shirt freshman backup Brian Brunner (6-2, 232) also proved he could be effective in the offense, but he had to wait until the spring to show his stuff. In the spring game, he was 19-for-34 passing for 154 yards and one touchdown.
Brunner was a holdover from Mike DeBord's last recruiting class, and Kelly had such little faith in him he went out and recruited three quarterbacks in the off-season.
"He's turned me into a believer," said Kelly of Brunner's spring performance.
The future of the CMU program at quarterback might be someone else, though. That someone is freshman Sean Price (6-2, 185) from Maine South (Ill.). Price was a two-time all-state player who finished with a state-record 8,267 career passing yards, with 93 touchdowns and a mere 17 interceptions.
"He fits to a 'T' what we are looking for in a quarterback here," Kelly said. "He's the lynch pin."
Price has competition for the job from two other freshmen; Duane Brooks (5-10, 180) from MacArthur in Irving, Tex., and in-state product Dan LeFevour (6-3, 200) from Benet Academy.
Brooks and LeFevour are versatile enough that they could end up seeing playing time at other positions. Brooks, who threw for 43 touchdowns and had just five interceptions in high school, may shift to receiver or tailback while LeFevour, who threw 24 touchdowns and rushed for 29 at Benet, has the size to be a tight end.
RUNNING BACKS
If Jerry Seymour (5-6, 190) returns to the mix at some point this season, than CMU might be ahead of the game. Right now, running back remains its biggest question mark on offense.
The Chippewas' current plan is to replace the gifted Seymour with a committee approach that includes plenty of unproven talent.
Senior Spencer Lewis (5-10, 222) rushed 175 yards and one touchdown last season while backing up Seymour. He was the top rusher in the spring followed by red-shirt freshman Troy Doane (6-0, 215).
The rest of the workload figures to include three freshmen. Anthony Boykins (5-8, 180) from Skyline High in Dallas, Tex., and Ontario Sneed (6-0, 202) from Clinton Community (Ill.) were scheduled to arrive in June to begin training with the team.
Clifford Gilliam (5-7, 160) from North Shore in Houston also enters the picture, but with his speed figures to make his biggest impact as a freshman on special teams.
When the Chippewas use a fullback near the goal line, look for converted linebacker Victor Doman (6-1, 228), a sophomore, to see some action.
WIDE RECEIVERS
A spread offense needs receivers, and at one point last season the Chippewas had only five scholarship players at the position.
This season, CMU is looking for more than just bodies to fill out the roster -- it wants playmakers.
Seymour was the top pass catcher last season with 47, but the top receiver was Justin Harper (6-1, 191), who is back for his senior season after a 39-catch, 525-yard season that resulted in five touchdowns.
"Justin is a guy you can count on," Kelly said.
Also returning is junior Damien Linson (5-11, 175), who caught a team-high seven touchdowns with 37 receptions for 574 yards despite missing two games with injuries.
Junior Obed Ce'toute (6-4, 207) is a big target for Smith who causes match up problems. The Montreal native, who has been slowed by injuries, caught 13 passes for 166 yards a year ago.
Two young players that have a chance to shine are red-shirt freshman Darren Martin (6-4, 198) and sophomore Justin Gardner (6-2, 185).
Sophomore Jemmy Jasmin (5-8, 168) is a big-play guy who will have more of an impact on special teams than at receiver.
"We are ahead of where we were last year," Kelly said.
Two in-state freshmen expected to join the group this summer; Rockford grad Bryan Anderson (6-4, 190) and East Lansing's Jean Pitts (5-10, 163). "Brian could possibly help us in the red-zone [right away] with his size," said Kelly, who could also have Brooks join the mix.
At tight end, there are three potential options if senior Jacob Brown (6-2, 235), who red-shirted last season with a knee injury, can come back.
"He has good athletic ability and he can catch the ball," Kelly said.
The other options are senior Troy Peyerk (6-0, 232) and junior Dave Condeni (6-2, 234), who combined for six catches for 76 yards and one touchdown last season.
In-state freshmen Allen Ollenburger (6-4, 235) from Charlotte and Stevenson graduate Frank Zombo (6-4, 230) might have a chance to see some time at tight end as well. LeFevour could be the long-term answer here if he switches positions.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Chippewas had two linemen drafted, center Eric Ghiaciuc (fourth round) and tackle Adam Kieft (fifth) were both taken by the Cincinnati Bengals, but their best linemen might still be at Mount Pleasant.
Junior Joe Staley (6-5, 295) has the makeup of a left tackle and will get the chance to prove it this fall after moving from the right side to replace Kieft.
"He's a star in the making," said Kelly, who prefers leaner, athletic lineman to beefy players for his offense. "He has the potential to be one with his demeanor, skills, character and competitiveness."
The right tackle spot will remain in good hands with red-shirt freshman Andrew Hartline (6-5, 282) moving into the starting lineup. Kelly said he had to resist the urge to play Hartline as a freshman last season, and hopes his patience pays off.
"He's ready to play at a high level in the MAC," the head coach said. "We now have two young, athletic kids on the edge of our offense."
The two backup tackles are sophomore Brandon Zukoff (6-5, 282) and senior Jeff Jenerou (6-6, 301), who figures to start at left guard but could move outside if there's an injury. Jenerou started at guard last season.
At the right guard spot, junior Eric Karbowski (6-2, 301) and red-shirt freshman Adam Benke (6-5, 307) took their battle into summer workouts. Junior Drew Mormino (6-4, 302) makes the move to center after starting at guard last year. Red-shirt freshmen Mike Decker (6-1, 288) and Andrew Cribbs (6-5, 305), who also plays guard, are insurance at the middle spot.
"[Drew] has a lot of MAC starts and experience," Kelly said.
Two freshmen that join this unit; West (Mich.) graduate Adam Antonides (6-3, 260) and West Chicago product Jeff Gilbert (6-5, 280) appear headed for red-shirt seasons.
KICKERS
Senior Mike Gruzwalski (5-6, 194), a former freshman All-American, is back to handle the kicking duties, but he'll have competition again.
Heralded freshman Rick Albreski (6-1, 165) from Glendale Heights (Ill.) ended his high school career ranked third in the nation all-time in points by a kicker and fourth in field goals made (44).
Gruzwalski converted 23-of-27 PAT attempts last season, but was only 6-for-13 on field goals, with a long of 38 yards. He went 0-for-3 on 40-plus yard kicks
DEFENSIVE LINE
The overall defense was nothing to brag about at CMU last season, but the front line on defense was one area of strength. The biggest reason was the emergence of Dan Bazuin (6-3, 257).
There might not be another star on the line, but there are once again plenty of quality players up front. Junior Michael Ogle (6-2, 235), sophomore De'Onte Burnam (6-0, 250) and red-shirt freshman Antrione Archer (6-2, 215) spent the spring and summer fighting for the other starting end positions, and the two who miss out will provide quality depth there. Red-shirt freshman Evan Brownie (6-2, 250) also is a backup end.
Inside, it's the old guy and the young kid with senior Tony Thompson (6-1, 298) and sophomore Steven Friend (6-2, 284), who started as a true freshman and had 17 tackles and two sacks.
"Tony is a solid every down player for us, and will be our only senior in the front seven," Kelly said of Thompson, who finished with 34 total tackles and two sacks.
There's depth inside with senior Tez Williams (6-1, 261), sophomore Eric Tunney (6-3, 287), and red-shirt freshman Ronnie Ekdahl (6-2, 290). The coach staff has flirted with the idea of moving Tunney to center though.
There are three freshmen set to join the group in the summer in Melvin Black (6-2, 210) from Apopka in Orlando, Fla., Daimyeon Hoskin (6-5, 220), who played high school football with Brooks, and Larry Knight (6-3, 220) from Glenn Hills in Augusta, Ga.
LINEBACKERS
Even though CMU had more depth on the line last season, there was some talent at linebacker, too. Big-playmaker James King has moved on to the NFL, signing a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, but the linebacker corps should be in good shape.
Sophomore Thomas Keith (5-11, 236) is one of them. He led the team in total tackles last season with 95 in his first year as a starter.
Keith will rotate at inside linebacker with junior Leython Williams (5-11, 225), who played well in the spring, and junior Doug Kress (6-1, 232).
On the outside, senior Jason Smith will be joined by converted safety Isaac Brown (5-11, 197), a junior, and red-shirt freshman Jonathan Lapsley (6-1, 211) in battling for playing time.
Two newcomers, freshmen Harland Bower (6-4, 205) and Barron Miles (6-2, 210) from East Ridge (Fla.) and DdSoto (Texas) joined the program in the summer.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
No other unit took as big a beating last season as the secondary, but Kelly hopes a year of growing pains pays off this year.
"We lacked the ability to make plays there," he said.
Sophomores Ronnie Jackson (5-9, 168) and Raeshon Bell (5-8, 175) certainly played like rookies last season, but both figure to benefit from getting schooled while learning how to play the positions. Senior Marlin Maxwell (5-8, 179) is the third corner, and also can play roverback.
At free safety, sophomore Curtis Cutts (6-0, 210) won the starting job and red-shirt freshman Jason Ruger (5-11, 185) will back him up.
Senior Jesse Dailey (5-8, 185), red-shirt freshman Vince Hicks (5-8, 167) and senior Pacino Hicks (5-11, 192), who could start at rover, are also part of the mix.
The Chippewas did address their lack of playmakers in this unit by bringing in six defensive backs.
Aaron Carr (6-2, 195) from Grand Prairie, Texas, could be one of them with his size and skills at free safety. Sam Williams (6-4, 200) from in-state John Glenn is another talented freshmen arrival along with Antraz Burton (5-10, 180).
Josh Gordy (5-10, 180) is a free safety from Washington County (Ga.) while Brandon Jackson (6-0, 185) hails from Plantation High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The final piece to the group is Southridge graduate Reggie McNeal from Miami, Fla.
PUNTERS
Sophomore Anthony Mikulec (5-8, 208) filled the Chippewas' void at punter last season, but he will also have competition for his job.
Red-shirt freshman Mark Angelocci (6-2, 180) will try to unseat Mikulec, who averaged 37.5 yards per kick last year (13th in the then 14-team MAC) and had two kicks blocked.
SPECIAL TEAMS
One area that CMU had no problems with was blocking kicks. The Chippewas led the nation in blocks with 12, led by Bazuin with four. Smith had two blocks.
If CMU can come close to matching that this season, it will certainly give the special teams another lift.
Jasmin can make things happen along with newcomer Gilliam in the return game. The two players were expected to sort out their roles over the summer.
Linson returned punts last season and led the team with an 18.3 yards-per-return average and one touchdown that came against Southeast Missouri State. Harper is another veteran with return experience.
Junior Craig Knudson (6-0, 238) returns to handle the long-snapper job. If Albreski is as good as advertised, than the kickoff unit should get a boost with his strong leg.
Eastern Michigan
Is this the year?
Going into a new season, many teams might ask that question in regard to win winning a championship. The Eastern Michigan program has a different spin on it.
The Eagles are asking the question, "Is this the year we have a winning season?"
EMU is going into its 10th year without fielding a winner, with a 6-5 mark in 1995 the only think that saved them from a losing decade in the 1990s. Last year's 4-7 mark has been the high point of the 2000s so far.
The program seemed to take some steps in the right direction last year in Jeff Genyk's first year in charge:
• For the first time since 1986, EMU beat rivals Central and Western Michigan in the same season.
• The Eagles finished .500 in the MAC for the first time in six years.
• One of the EMU's players generated national attention. Kicker Andrew Wellock was a third-team All-American and runner-up for the Lou Groza Award.
But the biggest accomplishment Genyk accomplished in his first year was to teach the Eagles how to finish.
"It took us four or five games before we figured out how to take victory in the fourth quarter," the former Northwestern assistant said. "We got into a mode where the kids believed we could win games."
The Eagles might believe it, but now they have to go out and just do it. And the road to victory this season for EMU figures to be led by its offense, which returns seven starters from a unit that averaged 29.8 points per game last season.
The Eagles know they will have at least two key pieces to their spread offense back in senior quarterback Matt Bohnet and junior receiver Eric Deslauriers. Senior tailback Anthony Sherrell can make it three if he graduated by August to earn back his final year of eligibility.
"We know who we are and how we have to win games," said Genyk, who thinks he has between 16-17 solid players on offense and should be able to handle any injuries there with the depth. "I think we are injury proof."
Bohnet's 21 touchdown passes ranked him fourth in the MAC, and his favorite target was Deslauriers, who is the top receiver in the league back after catching 84 passes for 1,257 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Sherrell was also a solid contributor with 854 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns, which tied him for third in the MAC.
Maybe even more important than the numbers the trio put up is that Howard Feggins' spread offense is now fully installed. Last year, the Eagles only knew about 25 percent after the spring game.
"Last year we didn't even know what we had until the third or fourth game," Genyk said. "We found out we can be an explosive team last year."
EMU's defense is a little different story. The unit was one of the worst in the MAC last season, allowing a conference-high 41.6 points per game (14th) and 469.6 yards-per-game (13th), so maybe it's a good thing only five starters are back.
"On defense we are going to have seven new starters and be playing a lot of young players," Genyk said.
One place the Eagles will not have any new faces is on the coaching staff. Genyk returned the entire group from his first season and said the continuity there should benefit the team, especially with the younger players on defense.
The defense will have to grow up in a hurry with trips to Cincinnati and Michigan in the first month of the season along with a home game against Louisiana-Lafayette.
While EMU might have its hands full with Michigan, both Cincinnati and Louisiana-Lafayette are winnable games before the Eagles head into the MAC portion of the season.
The real test of the season, though, will come in October with back-to-back games on the road against Toledo and Northern Illinois -- the top two teams in the West division -- and then a home game against East division power Miami.
"That's a very challenging stretch," Genyk said. "If we want to contend for a MAC title we need to win two or three of those games."
If the Eagles can accomplish that, they should also be able to achieve their first winning season since 1995.
QUARTERBACKS
Last season, the Eagles had a battle of Bohnets at quarterback. Matt Bohnet (6-2, 230) won the job and went on to start all 11 games, finishing sixth in the nation in total offense with 293.70 yards per game while getting comfortable in the spread offense.
Bohnet completed 228-of-434 passing for 2,807 yards and 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for another 424 yards and even caught a pass for 11 yards.
As a first-year starter, Bohnet had some highs and some lows. Against CMU, he threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns, but in the season finale against NIU he threw five interceptions.
"He's a relentless worker and has improved his throwing motion," Genyk said. "He's going to give us a chance to win every game and compete for a MAC title."
The Eagles better keep him healthy because younger brother, junior Ken Bohnet (6-4, 219), has moved to tight end and the rest of the quarterbacks are young and inexperienced -- red-shirt freshman Tyler Jones (6-1, 198) and sophomore Korey Cranor (5-11, 190).
Jones impressed the coaching staff in the spring and figures to earn the backup job.
"He can be a special player," Genyk said. "He's a very athletic young man."
Four freshmen arrive in the latest recruiting class, including three players from Michigan -- Northern graduate Dontayo Gage (6-0, 180), Saginaw product Jermaine Jenkins (6-2, 190) and St. John's Andy Schmitt were all members of The Detroit News' Blue Chip list.
The fourth quarterback slated to arrive is Wayne Campbell (6-5, 205) from Charlat High in Port Charlotte, Fla.
RUNNING BACKS
If Anthony Sherrell (5-9, 193) does not return, the Eagles will have some talented, but unproven replacements to battle for the job.
Sherrell wouldn't be an easy guy to replace either, because he's a double threat out of the backfield (20 receptions, 183 yards, one touchdown).
Senior Nelson Drew (5-11, 208) and junior Pierre Walker (5-7, 190) spent the spring competing for the starting job. Drew rushed for only 87 yards on 20 carries last season, while Walker, who had a great spring, carried 46 times for 183 yards and one touchdown.
The other returning player at tailback is red-shirt freshman Travis McKinney (5-6, 171).
Even with the possibility of Sherrell coming back, the Eagles went out and loaded up on freshmen running backs, signing five. One of the top backs in the mix is Detroit product Terrence Blevins (6-1, 225), who also plays linebacker.
"Terrence Blevins is a very big get for us," Genyk told The Detroit News. "We feel he's the next Jerome Bettis. He's very big at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds. We feel he's a Big Ten player and we're going to give him the ball." Another solid recruit is Cleveland, Ohio standout Tim Conner (5-10, 185) from Glenville, who rushed for 1,509 yards and 24 touchdowns last season to earn all-state honors.
Texas native Olufemi Ogundare (5-8, 195) rushed for more than 1,100 yards despite battling some injuries at Bellaire High last fall.
The other two backs are Detroit product Cory Everson (5-11, 195) from Mumford and North Miami Beach's Dwayne Harrison (5-9, 195).
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
An area of strength on offense for EMU is at receiver, with returning starters Eric Deslauriers (6-4, 201) and senior A.J. Bennett (5-9, 196).
Deslauriers turned into a star for the Eagles last season, with three 10-plus catch games and two 200-yard plus games. In the four overtime game against CMU, he caught 14 passes for 207 yards and four touchdowns.
"He's a legitimate big-time receiver," Genyk said.
Bennett, who started seven games, was the second-leading receiver last year with 36 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns, but the Eagles need him to be more consistent.
There's a host of players vying for the third receiver spot, and maybe even push Bennett as the No. 2 guy.
Among them are sophomore Duan Bracey, who caught 25 passes for 266 yards last season but missed the spring with a shoulder injury, and junior return specialist Trumaine Riley (5-7, 161), who caught 20 balls for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
Sophomore Travis Lewis (6-2, 191), who was also slowed in the spring by a shoulder injury, and sophomore Mark Borders (5-11, 180) are also in the hunt.
Two newcomers at receiver are Dayton, Ohio native John Bonner (6-3, 185) from Chaminade Julienne and Cleveland product Jacory Stone (6-1, 185), who played high school football with Conner at Glenville.
At tight end, the Eagles have assembled an interesting collection of talent. Ken Bohnet is a former quarterback, while junior R.J. Montemayor (6-4, 240) is a transfer from Cisco (Texas) Community College.
Also in the mix is converted linebacker John Wester (6-1, 235), a senior who made the change in the spring. The fourth player is reserve sophomore Zach Lappan (6-3, 230).
Cooper City (Fla.) freshman Robert Fischman (6-3, 220) was expected to join the mix in the summer.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Both tackles are gone, but the middle of the Eagles' offensive line is sound with the trio starting all 11 games together last season.
Senior center Mike Romelli (6-2, 296) is the man in the middle, and has started 26 straight games dating back to his freshman season.
At guard, sophomore Khalid Walton (6-3, 314) returns to the left side, while sophomore Chris Thomas (6-4, 320) is back on the right side. Thomas, who can also play center, missed spring workouts with a foot injury.
"We have a very veteran unit there," Genyk said.
EMU lost a pair of 300-pound tackles, but the head coach prefers a sleeker lineman on the outside. He found two in senior Gemayel Cowser (6-2, 270), who moves into the left tackle position, and junior Courtney Ford (6-4, 261), who won the right tackle job.
The backup tackles are red-shirt freshman Jake Bleeker (6-4, 303) and junior Kevin Minor (6-2, 260), a converted tight end. The third guard will be sophomore Greg Egbuogu (6-3, 312), and red-shirt freshman Desi Mayner (6-2, 257) is the backup center.
Other linemen include red-shirt freshmen Brian Guimon (6-3, 286) and Ross Peterson (6-6, 185), and junior John Riske (6-5, 253).
Two Michigan linemen are part of the freshmen class: Andy Fretz (6-3, 250) from Central in Kalamazoo and Nick Toth (6-4, 295) from Chelsea, but neither figures to see the field in their first year.
KICKERS
It would be hard to improve on the production of Andrew Wellock (5-11, 168) from last season.
The junior is coming off a campaign that included 21-of-23 field goals made and 32-for-33 on extra points for 95 points. Wellock was a perfect 8-for-8 inside 29 yards.
"He's the best player on our team," Genyk said.
He's so good that the Eagles also use him for punting, where he averaged only 37.2 yards per kick in his first season handling that job, but did enough to earn the job again this season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The other line, along with the rest of the defense, is where the Eagles need to get better this season.
EMU was horrible against the run last year, allowing 191.9 yards per game (12th in the MAC), and managed only 19 sacks (11th).
When you put up those kinds of numbers, that usually means jobs are open the next season -- even if there's starters coming back.
Senior Jean Olivier Gagnon-Gordillo (6-2, 241) is the top returning player.
"He was steady for us," said Genyk about the defensive end who had 48 tackles and two sacks as a junior.
Junior Kevin Howe (6-2, 236) will start the season at the other end. Howe, who can run about a 4.6 in the 40, started four of the 11 games he appeared in last year and had 25 tackles and three sacks, which ranked second on the team.
The top backup is senior Matt Lisek (6-1, 254), who had 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks in seven starts last season.
At tackle, the Eagles will have two new starters, sophomore Jason Jones (6-4, 231) and sophomore Josh Hunt (6-6, 300), who gives EMU a presence in the middle. Jones is a converted tight end who added some bulk to his frame in the off-season.
Two other young players in the rotation inside are sophomore DeMarko Hughes (6-2, 308), who played five games as a reserve last year, and red-shirt freshman Chris Larkins (6-1, 262).
"These guys fit the mode [at defensive tackle]," Genyk said. "We just want them playing better November 1 than on September 1."
One newcomer who could jump right into the mix at end is freshman T.J. Lang (6-4, 270) from in-state Brother Rice. Lang is coming off a season that featured 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks and one fumble recovery to earn first-team all-state honors.
The other freshman is a local product, Shane Dillon (6-3, 340) from nearby Lincoln High. Dillon, a two-way player like Lang, had 35 tackles on defense last fall.
LINEBACKERS
One of the few players that turned in a solid season on defense was senior linebacker Kevin Harrison, who was second in the nation in tackles with 146. The Eagles' tackling machine is gone, but there are still plenty of stops to be made.
Senior Steve Bednarik (6-1, 229) is the veteran of the unit and is coming off a season where he finished fifth on the team in tackles with 69 in nine starts at middle linebacker.
However, Bednarik is going to have to earn a job this year as EMU has a host of players vying for playing time in the middle and on the weak side. The only penciled in starter going into the season is sophomore Darren Matthews (6-0, 200), a former tailback, on the strong side.
Bednarik will battle against junior Brandon Watkins (6-1, 246), red-shirt freshman Jason Headen (6-3, 195), sophomore Corey Riley (6-2, 216), and freshman Cortland Selman (6-1, 215) for one of the jobs. Selman was part of the 2004 recruiting class, but did not qualify academically.
"We need to keep getting better as tacklers, on defeating blocks and we must be a better team from a pursuit standpoint," Genyk said.
Freshmen could also jump right into the competition, and the Eagles landed some pretty good ones with their new class.
Daniel Holtzclaw (6-2, 220) set a school record at Enid High (Okla.) with 25 tackles in a game last fall and finished with 123. The other freshman is linebacker/safety Spenser Smith (6-2, 205) from Detroit's Mackenzie High. Smith was a star on both sides of the ball with 117 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions to go with 970 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Also part of the incoming group is sophomore Michael Richardson (6-1, 205), who arrives from Harper (Ill.) Junior College after a 78-tackle, three-interception season.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
One area where the Eagles have a few veterans on defense is in the secondary, and EMU was the MAC's worst pass defense (277.7 ypg) last year, that's a good thing and a bad thing.
Seniors Corey Parker (6-0, 180) and Rontrell Woodruff (5-10, 201) combined to start all 11 games at strong safety last season. Woodruff, who led the team with three interceptions and had 73 tackles, will take over the job full-time this year. Parker, who started three games, moves to free safety.
The other veteran in the secondary is senior cornerback Steven Lewis (5-8, 170), who started eight games and had 41 tackles.
"Those three seniors -- our defensives secondary will be the result of how well those three play," Genyk said. "They are a veteran group."
Sophomore Blake Smith (6-0, 176) appears to have the inside edge at the other corner position. Red-shirt freshman Victor Alejo (5-11, 164) and junior Geoff Pope (5-11, 182), and sophomore Terrell Brumfield (5-10, 180) add some depth there.
At safety, sophomore Zedrick Bryant (6-0, 181) was slowed by a shoulder injury in the spring. When he's back healthy he'll battle sophomore John Neely (6-0, 190), red-shirt freshman Jordan Bradley (5-9, 182) and converted quarterback Brian Ceckiewicz (6-2, 197) for backup roles.
Some of EMU's top recruits will also be part of this unit, including three speed burners from Florida. St. Petersburg Catholic graduate Everett Barney and Ft. Lauderdale Northeast's Todd Brown (5-11, 180) are the kind of playmakers Genyk wants on his defense along with Dwyer grad Chris May (5-11, 190).
Barney played only two games as a high school senior because of a knee injury, but he was a first-team All-Miami Dade County selection as a junior with 52 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Brown was slowed by a shoulder injury as a senior, but has 4.4 speed and strong leadership skills.
May was his team's MVP after making 44 tackles, seven sacks and three interceptions to go with 582 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. Smith and another local player, Sexton's Jacob Wyatt (6-0, 170) might also see some time in the defensive backfield.
SPECIAL TEAMS
With Riley, who also plays center field for the EMU baseball team, the team has its top kick and punt returner back from a year ago.
The jitterbug junior returned 20 punts for 160 yards and 36 kicks for another 646 yards. Genyk likes his experience back there, but could also throw in some of the freshmen on special teams.
Sophomore Jerry Topolinski (6-1, 229) earned a scholarship for his long snapping abilities.
Northern Illinois
The Chicago Cubs are not the only sports team feeling cursed in the state of Illinois these days.
Meet Joe Novak and the Northern Illinois football team.
Over the last three years the Huskies have upset Maryland, Alabama and Iowa State, been ranked as high as No. 10 in the BCS and No. 12 in the Associated Press poll, gone to their first bowl game in 21 seasons and won, and earned a share of a MAC West title three times.
But, just like a chance at the World Series has eluded the Cubbies, the Huskies have been denied a crack at a MAC championship.
The biggest reason could be summed up in one word -- Toledo.
The Rockets have owned NIU, winning 11 straight in the series, including last season's 31-17 victory that turned out to be the Huskies' lone blemish in the MAC.
More importantly, it cost them a trip to the conference title game as the Rockets held the tiebreaker edge.
Toledo also spoiled NIU's bid in 2003, and knocked the Huskies out of the bowl picture in the process.
"They've been the best team in the division," Novak said."Every year we don't get [a MAC title], it makes me more motivated and it makes the kids more motivated."
Even without the MAC championship, the Huskies are riding high into a new season after beating Troy State, 34-21, in the Silicon Valley Bowl. "Going to a bowl for the first time," Novak said,"to our kids and our people it was like winning the Rose Bowl."
NIU's 1-2 punch at tailback, Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris, rolled up a combined 204 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the victory. The good news for the Huskies is both players are back for another season. The MAC's leading rusher, Wolfe rolled up 1,656 yards and 18 touchdowns on 256 carries despite missing the Toledo game and leaving the bowl game early with a hip injury.
Harris, the Huskies' short-yardage back despite being the fastest player on the team, finished with 822 yards and four touchdowns on 174 carries.
"They complement each other very well," Novak said.
The Huskies already were a ground-oriented team, but they might have to use Wolfe and Harris even more early in the season with an unsettled quarterback situation, which appears to be the only hole on the offense.
The line lost one All-MAC first-team player in tackle Jake VerStraete, but returns senior center Brian Van Acker along with second-team players Doug Free and Ben Lueck on the left side.
The defense is also unsettled at linebacker and secondary with a host of unproven players looking to fill holes. That means a deep, talented front four will have to anchor the unit.
NIU ranked second in the MAC in red-zone defense last year, allowing opponents to go 32-for-45 inside the its 20-yard line.
"It's going to be the youngest team we've had," Novak said."We've lost 10 three-year starters."
The youth movement hardly means NIU is returning to its days as a bottom feeder in the conference. While a majority of the players lack game-day experience, there are plenty of good football players on hand.
"I'm not disappointed with the talent, just that some of them haven't played [at this level]," Novak said.
The Huskies have a veteran coaching staff returning to help educate the young players. Only two position coaches changed in the off-season, and one of the newcomers is a former standout tailback for NIU, Thomas Hammock. The 2003 graduate will coach the running backs while Derrick Jackson takes over as the defensive tackles coach.
QUARTERBACKS
Josh Haldi might not have drawn the attention other MAC quarterbacks have in the last few years, but he was an effective three-year leader for the Huskies.
"We didn't worry about that spot," Novak said.
That is until now. The biggest off-season question NIU coaches had to address was how to replace a player who led the program to a 25-8 record and a bowl victory during his tenure.
Junior Phil Horvath (6-2, 200) filled in for Haldi at times last season, including leading NIU to a 2-1 mark and a key victory over Bowling Green. Horvath completed 12-of-23 passes in the BGSU game for 191 yards, rushed six times for 32 yards and committed no turnovers.
"I'm not afraid to put Phil in there," Novak said.
While Horvath has proven to be a steady player, the other options at quarterback are rather appealing in red-shirt freshmen Britt Davis (6-3, 187) and Dan Nicholson (6-2, 187), both Illinois products.
Davis, who can throw a new wrinkle into the offense with his ability to run the option, earned all-state honors his senior season at Riverside-Brookfield after throwing for 3,237 yards and 31 touchdowns in a five-receiver offense. Nicholson, the top passer in the group, led Brother Rice in Chicago to the state semifinals while throwing for 1,960 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior.
Also in the mix is sophomore Zach Ullrich (6-0, 190), but he might have a hard time getting on the field with Davis and Nicholson around.
With NIU opening the season in the Big House at Michigan and then at Northwestern, Horvath might seem like the safest choice, but that doesn't mean he will get the nod.
"I'm not looking for who gives us the best chance win in week one, but who is going to help us win in week nine [when NIU is in the MAC schedule]," said Novak, who is enjoying the selection process."We went into this not ready to make a decision in the spring. It's been kind of fun, but I wish we didn't open with Michigan."
RUNNING BACKS
The Huskies seem to have no trouble replacing their running backs in their one-back offense. After losing record-breaking back Michael Turner, who actually replaced Hammock, to the NFL last season, junior Garrett Wolfe (5-7, 174) and senior A.J. Harris (6-1, 221) just picked up the rushing torch and ran with it, extending the string of 1,000-yard rushers to seven seasons with Wolfe's contribution.
The two backs work well together, and were a huge reason the Huskies led the conference in rushing last season with 2,858 yards, 28 touchdowns and an average of 238.2 yards per game, which made them the only team to rush for more than 200 yards per game. Both are capable of catching a few passes out of the backfield as well.
"With A.J. and Garrett, we've got a great change-up situation -- one with power and another with speed," Novak said.
Wolfe averaged 150.5 yards per game and a league-high 182.2 all-purpose yards.
The other running backs returning are not too bad either. NIU only lost one fumble all season between the entire group.
Senior Adrian Davis (5-5, 181) added 166 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries as the third option. He will be joined by red-shirt freshman Montell Clanton (5-7, 176) and possibly freshman Justin Anderson (6-3, 205) from Steinmetz in Chicago, who produced 840 yards and 12 touchdowns on 97 carries as an option quarterback last fall.
Sophomore Cas Prime (6-0, 229) and junior Foster Chambers (5-8, 207) add further depth to the position.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
For a team that doesn't rely on the passing game, the Huskies were relatively effective there last season. However, their most productive receivers, Dan Sheldon and tight end Brad Cieslak, are both gone.
The veteran back is senior split end Sam Hurd (6-2, 187), who ranked third on the team with 27 receptions for 298 yards and three touchdowns.
"He's a great receiver with great hands," Novak said."He's rangy, and good on the goal line with the fade route."
Sophomore Marcus Perez (5-10, 170), a flanker, and senior Shatone Powers (6-0, 183) look to join Hurd in the starting lineup. Powers caught 19 passes for 248 yards and four scores while Perez is coming off a season where he had 10 catches for 166 yards.
Junior Jarret Carter (6-2, 205) entered the mix for more playing time with a strong showing in the spring. Red-shirt freshman Greg Turner (6-1, 176) is another player Novak has high hopes for at receiver. Sophomore Matt Simon (6-1, 190) and senior Edgar Rodriguez (5-10, 177) are also on the roster.
If the young returning players step up, the three incoming freshman will likely be heading for a red-shirt year. That class includes Elkhart, Ind. product Justin Williams (6-1, 180), and two instate players, Morgan Park grad Orlando Moore (5-10, 175) and Urbana's Preston Williams (5-11, 170).
Moore, a first-team all-state player who runs a 4.4 in the 40, caught 10 touchdowns last fall.
At tight end, Cieslak is gone, but senior Pat Raleigh (6-4, 239), and junior Jake Nordin (6-4, 253) are both back. Nordin, who caught 14 passes for 122 yards, is a well-rounded player and enters the season as the starter.
Sophomore Brandon Davis (6-3, 260) has receiver speed and added some bulk since last season, but has yet to prove himself at the college level. His brother is Britt Davis.
Freshman Reed Cunningham (6-5, 240) was a first-team all-state selection at Pardeeville in Wisconsin.
OFFENSIVE LINE
With senior center Brian Van Acker (6-4, 287) and junior Doug Free (6-4, 287) returning, the offensive line was already in good shape, but things got even better when guard Ben Lueck (6-4, 310) was a granted a sixth year of eligibility.
"[Ben] is everything you look for in a lineman -- smart, tough, a leader and a technician," Novak said.
The trio, which started every game except for two that Lueck missed, helped pave the way for the Huskies to lead the MAC in rushing.
Van Acker earned all-conference honors in his first year as a starter while Free might be the best pro prospect on the Huskies. Free, a converted tight end, has started 22 consecutive games on the line after switching positions.
"Our kids call him 'Doug Freak' because he runs so well," Novak said."Doug is so athletic I think he could [still] be a tight end."
The right side of the line will have two new faces with senior Jake Ebenhoch (6-4, 295) at guard and junior Matt Rogers (6-4, 267) at tackle earning jobs there. Ebenhoch started two games for Lueck at left guard last season.
Depth should not be a problem; the starters have four versatile backups behind them. Senior George Daglas (6-4, 286) and red-shirt freshman Jon Brost (6-5, 300) lost out on the right tackle job, but can fill in at several spots on the line.
Sophomore Chris Acevedo (6-5, 305) will work behind Free, but could also see play elsewhere.
Red-shirt freshman center Ryan Tuggle (6-4, 258) and sophomore Matt Biondi (6-4, 323) are inexperienced, but provide depth.
The Huskies added further reinforcements with six freshmen in their recruiting class who can play on the o-line. The prize of the group could be tackle Ethan Gill (6-4, 265), who was ranked the 15th best recruit in Wisconsin while playing at Sun Prairie.
The Huskies stayed in Illinois to land center Eddie Adamski (6-4, 240) from Mundelein Carmel, guard Tim Mayerbrook (6-4, 285) from St. Patrick in Chicago, and guard Jacob Wertz (6-5, 315) from Lincoln Stevenson High.
Senior High (Minn.) graduate Tony Holmes (6-7, 310) and Brodhead-Juda (Wisc.) grad Kevin Skatrud (6-6, 295) completes the group.
KICKERS
Sophomore Chris Nendick (5-11, 160) used a strong freshman 2004 campaign to earn All-MAC honorable mention honors.
Nendick converted 16-of-21 field goal attempts, including 7-for-7 from inside the 29-yard line, and was 51-for-52 on extra points. He finished ninth in the nation in kick scoring with 99 points, the second highest total in school history.
Nendick had big shoes to fill replacing NIU record holder Steve Azar (104 points in 2003), but the pressure didn't bother him. Neither did the arrival of transfer junior Luke Biondi (5-5, 185) from Augustana (S.D.). Biondi's dad, Stan Biondi, was a punter for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1970's.
"I think Chris might have a little better leg strength and could be better than Azar," Novak said.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Last season the front four was the NIU defense's biggest question mark. This year, it's the team's biggest strength, with a solid rotation of eight linemen.
"We've got to be as dominant as we can be up front," Novak said.
Senior Quince Holman (6-3, 261) and junior Ken West (6-3, 235) moved into the starting lineup last season -- both started at least eight games -- and were two of the team's top linemen.
Holman, who plays tackle and end, had 34 tackles and led the team with a school-record 38 quarterback pressures. He also blocked a field goal against Bowling Green.
"He's really matured over the last six to eight months," Novak said."He's a big kid with natural quickness and explosion."
West started eight times on the end and recorded a team-high eight sacks. He set a school record with back-to-back three-sack games against Akron and Central Florida.
Inside, the Huskies have senior Martin Wilson (6-1, 279) and sophomore Adam Schroeder (6-4, 277).
Wilson, who has 16 career starts, is one of the strongest Huskies and can bench 415 pounds. Schroeder started six games last season and collected 20 tackles.
The next group of linemen includes juniors Eric Pittman (6-2, 272) and Brad Benson (6-3, 251) at tackle, and red-shirt freshman Larry English (6-2, 231) on the end.
Also in the rotation are sophomores Robert Oruche (6-2, 241) and tackle Zack Holycross (6-5, 268), but both sat out spring ball with injuries. Holycross started two games as a freshman and appeared in all 12 games with 17 sacks and three quarterback pressures.
Even with a young line, the Huskies added three more players with the addition of freshmen Anthony Antonacci (6-2, 235) from in-state Neuqua Valley, Brandon Bice (6-4, 225) from LaGrange Lyons Township, and Wisconsin tackle Adam Grimm (6-3, 230) from Homestead.
LINEBACKERS
Senior Javan Lee (6-2, 222) finished second on the team with 119 tackles, but he's going to be a little lonely at linebacker this season without teammate Brian Atkinson (137 tackles), a three-time All-MAC middle linebacker.
Lee returns to man the weak-side linebacker spot, but the other two spots were undecided after the spring.
Red-shirt freshman T.J. Griffin (6-0, 218) and sophomore Shedrick Mossman (6-1, 225) took their battle for the strong-side spot into summer workouts.
In the middle, senior Jason Hutton (6-1, 239) started two games in place of Atkinson last season, but now he needs to fill the position full-time. In one start against Ball State, Hutton made 13 tackles, had two pass deflections and two quarterback hurries.
Red-shirt freshman Tim McCarthy (6-0, 217) will back up Hutton to start the season while sophomore Bob McLearen (6-1, 232) plays behind Lee. Morgan Park freshman Phil Brown (6-1, 215) might jump right into the linebacker battles this summer when he arrives at DeKalb. Brown was ranked one of the top players in Chicago last season and recruited by Big Ten and Big 12 programs.
"We may have to go with some freshmen there," Novak said.
Other candidates from the freshman class are North Chicago graduate Josh Allen (6-0, 200) and DeLaSalle (Minn.) product Cory Hanson (6-1, 195). Both are what Novak dubbed"hybrid big safeties" that could see time at linebacker.
Freshman Zach Larsen (6-2, 230) from Northfield (Minn.) is another quality recruit that could join the fight in the summer.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Opponents will be seeing double in the NIU secondary with identical twins Adriel and Alvah Hanson (both 5-10, 175) slated to start at cornerback in their junior seasons.
Adriel Hanson started last season at strong-side corner and finished sixth in tackles with 81. He also had seven pass deflections and two interceptions. Alvah Hanson appeared in all 12 games and had 38 tackles and one interception.
"The only way I can tell them apart is their jersey numbers and one wears gold and the other silver," Novak joked.
Junior Andre Morris (5-8, 172) and red-shirt freshman Vincent Matther (5-10, 173) are listed as the backups, but some freshmen could be added to the mix.
One of those newcomers is Morgan Park grad Melvin Rice (5-10, 175), who is considered the Huskies' top freshman. The first-team all-state player was regarded as the No. 1 cornerback in Chicago, and did nothing to dispute that his senior season with 95 tackles, five interceptions and two blocked punts.
Another Chicago player, Bradley Pruitt (6-1, 175) from Hyde Park, had 75 tackles and three interceptions, including one he returned 100 yards for a touchdown, as a senior.
At safety, senior Ray Smith (6-2, 185) posted 114 tackles and forced three fumbles in his first season starting at strong safety. He will be one of the leaders back there without free safety Lionel Hickenbottom (5 interceptions) around anymore.
Junior Dustin Utsching (5-11, 189) replaces Hickenbottom after beating out sophomore Mark Reiter (6-1, 192) for the job in the spring. Sophomore Saul Ibarra (5-11, 198) backs up Smith.
Allen and Hanson could also play here along with freshmen strong safeties Jeff Fontana (5-11, 185) from Libertyville and Indiana product Spencer Williamson (6-3, 185) from Central High in Elkhart.
Free safety David Bryant (6-0, 195) joins the team from Ladue Horton Watkins in Missouri.
PUNTERS
The search for a new punter began in the spring and will continue into the summer.
Sophomore transfer Jason Baez (5-9, 168) and incoming freshman Andy Dittenbenner (6-1, 180) are vying for the job created by the departure of two-year starter Anthony Gallagher, who graduated.
Baez joins NIU from Bemidji (Minn.) State, where he averaged 38.7 yards per kick as a freshman and was chosen to the All-NSIC first team in 2003. Dittenbenner played high school ball at Normal University in Bloomington, Ill. He was an all-state punter who averaged 41 yards per kick as a senior
SPECIAL TEAMS
With the departure of Sheldon, there's an opportunity for someone to step up and take over the return jobs.
Perez could be that guy. He returned seven kicks for 145 yards last season. Wolfe and Harris also have some experience in the return game, and some of the newcomers could make an impact here as well.
One job that appears safe is long snapper, where senior Jason Labus (6-1, 240) has proven to be a capable starter.
Toledo
They call him "Toledo Tom," and with Tom Amstutz's impressive record the last four years, he could probably run for mayor in his hometown.
Since Amstutz took over at his alma mater in 2001, the Rockets have had four winning seasons, been to three bowl games, won three MAC West titles and two conference championships.
But when the Rockets take the field in the Glass Bowl on Sept. 1 to play Western Illinois, none of that will matter to their head coach. As far as Amstutz is concerned, UT will be back to square one even though they are a heavy favorite to win the MAC West this season.
"I look at each season as a new challenge," he said. "Each season is a clean slate. We have a tradition of winning here but that doesn't assure us of even one victory next year."
No, but the return of senior quarterback Bruce Gradkowski might lock up a couple wins. Provided that is, the third-year starter has recovered from a broken right throwing hand he suffered in the MAC title game against Miami (Ohio) last December after hitting an opposing player's helmet while making a pass. The hit broke a bone on the top of his hand, but after having X-rays, he returned to the game.
The hand was more of a problem against Connecticut in the Motor City Bowl, and after two off-season surgeries, Gradkowski did not take part in any contract drills in the spring to ensure he would be ready for the start of this season.
"It is definitely tough to not be able to go out there and play full-time like the rest of the guys," Gradkowski told The Toledo Blade in April. "But I realized that this was the way it needed to be so I could get healthy and be ready for summer workouts and next season. The way I am, though, I want to go against our defense and be out there competing on every snap."
Gradkowski is one of six starters back on an offense that averaged 33.2 points and 459.2 yards per game, which ranked third and second in the MAC, respectively.
If junior tailback Scooter McDougle and senior tight end Andrew Clarke can return from injuries as well, the Rockets will have eight players back with starting experience.
The veteran unit will run the same basic offense, but have a new offensive coordinator in John Shannon, who moves up from receivers coach to succeed Rob Spence, who left to take the same position at Clemson.
Former Eastern Illinois offensive coordinator Jon Carr was hired for Shannon's old job and is the lone new addition to the offensive staff. The defense returns eight starters, but will also have a new coordinator in former Miami head coach Tim Rose (1983-89). Former coordinator Lou West left in February to coach Indiana State.
"Everywhere he's gone the defense has improved," Amstutz said. "He has a lot of experience in college coaching and a lot of experience in the MAC."
If the Rockets have had a weakness the last few years, it has been on defense. They finished in the middle of the pack in most categories last year, but ranked last in red-zone defense, allowing teams to convert on 50-of-57 chances (87.7 percent).
UT also gave up 404 points -- the fourth highest in the conference -- and 126 of those points came in back-to-back losses to Minnesota and Kansas to open the season.
Rose, who was the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech last season, has a history of coaching 3-4 defenses, while under Amstutz the Rockets have been a 4-4 team. Both formations will be used this season as the Rockets look to close the gap between their high-powered offense and an average defense at best.
"We experimented with some things in the spring," Amstutz said.
Linebacker figures to be the strongest unit with All-MAC second-teamer Keon Jackson back for his senior season along with senior inside backers Anthony Jordan and David Thomas.
"They are the heart and soul of our defense," Amstutz said. "It all starts in the middle."
The front unit should also be improved after UT went with a heavy dose of freshman and sophomores there last season. The linemen will also have a new coach as defensive line coach Dennis Winston left in April to coach with Edmonton in the CFL. No successor had been hired before summer practices.
The Rockets have a little easier start to the season with home games against Western Illinois and Western Michigan instead of road trips to Minnesota and Kansas like last year. UT closes out the first month at Temple and Fresno State, which is one of four scheduled appearances on ESPN2.
UT ends the regular season with three straight games on ESPN2, starting with a trip to Ohio, then home against Northern Illinois before meeting rival Bowling Green on the road.
"It's a good rivalry," said Amstutz of the tradition with BGSU, which has a new look this year, having returned to the MAC East. That means the two teams could meet in consecutive games with the MAC title game the following week.
"I think it adds to it," Amstutz said.
The departure of the Falcons also increases the odds UT will repeat in a rebuilding West division. The Rockets lone challenger figures to be Northern Illinois, which has lost 11 straight games in the series.
QUARTERBACKS
If he's healthy, Bruce Gradkowski (6-2, 210) ranks among the top MAC quarterbacks and could be heading for a career on Sundays with a strong senior campaign.
For the second straight year, the Pittsburgh native had a 70-plus completion percentage (70.2) to become the first Division I-A quarterback to accomplish the feat.
Gradkowski finished 280-of-399 passing for 3,518 yards and 27 touchdowns to go with eight interceptions. He ranked fifth in the nation with a 162.2 passing efficiency and in passing yards, while finishing second in completion percentage and 10th in total offense (285.3 yards per game).
"He's just an outstanding football player," Amstutz said. "With his leadership and positive attitude [he makes the team better]."
Gradkowski also rushed for nine touchdowns and 191 yards in the Rockets' spread offense after carrying the ball for 504 yards as a sophomore.
The one low point in his season came against UConn, where he completed just 6-of-12 passes for 43 yards in the first half before leaving the game.
Sophomore Marques Council (6-3, 194) replaced Gradkowski in the bowl game and threw for 160 yards and two interceptions on 16-of-28 passing. He finished the season 27-of-48 passing for 315 yards and one touchdown, along with the two picks.
Council is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback again after beating out red-shirt freshman Clint Cochran (6-3, 200) for the job in the spring.
Freshman Brandon Summers (6-2, 195) should be in for a red-shirt year after arriving from Southfield (Mich.) High, where he threw for 1,428 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior. He was ranked 14th on the Detroit News' Blue Chip list and No. 19 on the Detroit Free Press Fab 50 list.
Untested red-shirt freshman John Goolsby (6-5, 207) played some in the spring with Gradkowski out and offers depth at quarterback.
RUNNING BACKS
UT has so many talented running backs on the roster it's almost a shame the team employs only a one-back set.
Even though senior Trinity Dawson (5-10) is penciled in as the starter going into the summer, the Rockets could use up to five backs during the season if everyone is healthy.
Dawson rushed for 999 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2003, but carried the ball only 84 times for 427 yards and three scores last season because of injuries, including hamstring problems. He did lead the team with 78 yards in the Motor City Bowl.
"He had an outstanding spring," Amstutz said.
Without "TD," other running backs had a chance to step up, and one of them was Scooter McDougle (6-1, 220), a junior who rushed for 620 yards and seven touchdowns.
McDougle, who was buried on the team's depth chart going into the season, rushed for more than 100 yards in the Rockets' three biggest games of the year -- Northern Illinois, Bowling Green and Miami in the MAC title game.
But, McDougle tore up his left knee in the Miami game after rushing for 167 yards, missed the Motor City Bowl and spring practices, and is a question mark going into the 2005 season.
"He's on schedule with his therapy," Amstutz said.
Another back who stepped up when Dawson went down was senior Quinton Broussard (5-9, 200), who finished second on the team with 507 yards and four touchdowns.
Sophomore Jalen Parmele (6-0, 210) and red-shirt freshman Richard Davis (6-0, 200) also received playing time in the spring and figure into the five-back rotation.
"They are both big, strong backs with good speed and the ability to make big plays," Amstutz said.
Parmele ran for 183 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, including a 60-yard, two-touchdown effort against NIU.
The rich got even richer in the backfield with the addition of freshman Dajuane Collins (5-11, 205) from Deptford in New Jersey. Collins was the Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year and a first-team all-state selection in New Jersey after rushing for more than 180 yards and 19 touchdowns.
"He's just a special guy," said Amstutz, who won out in the recruiting battle for Collins over Penn State, Syracuse, Maryland and North Carolina.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Gradkowski will have to look for new targets in a young receiving corps with the departure of two-time All-MAC standout Lance Moore (90 catches, 1,189 yards, 14 touchdowns), who signed with the Cleveland Browns as an un-drafted free agent.
He might not have to look very far, though. Moore's younger brother, Nick Moore (6-4, 190), is a red-shirt freshman and Gradkowski's new roommate, replacing his brother there.
"[Nick is] taller than his brother and has excellent hands," Amstutz said. One starter back is junior Steve Odom (5-10, 165), who finished second on the team with 54 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns. He will be joined by either red-shirt freshmen Trumaine Smith (6-3, 180) and Andre Redd (5-11, 185), or sophomore Andrew Hawkins (5-8, 165) in the starting lineup.
Sophomore David Washington (6-5, 220) could prove to be a huge target for Gradkowski. Red-shirt freshmen Kyronne Jackson (6-0, 208) and Rick Isaiah (5-9, 182) add further depth at receiver.
"It's time for the young players to step up and show what they can do," Amstutz said.
This is one area where one of three newcomers could make an impact. Freshman Robin Bailey (6-5, 195) is the latest receiver from in-state Westerville South to come to Toledo, following both Moores and Odom. Bailey caught 58 passes for 790 yards and 12 touchdowns to earn team MVP honors last season.
The Rockets also added junior transfer D.J. Nichols (6-3, 215) from Cerritos (Calif.) Community College and freshman Stephen Williams (6-5, 185) from Marshall High in Houston, Texas.
Nichols had 36 receptions for 543 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore at Cerritos, while Williams caught 39 passes for 835 yards and seven touchdowns in 2004.
The Rockets' offense could receive a big boost with tight end Andrew Clarke (6-4, 249) being granted another year of eligibility. The 2003 All-MAC first-teamer injured his hip in a strange accident last year when a chair collapsed on him.
Clarke, who sat out spring practice, caught 35 passes a year ago for eight touchdowns and 433 yards two years ago.
Juniors Josh Powell (6-5, 240) and Chris Hopkins (6-4, 264) played limited minutes last season but will be counted on to produce now, especially if Clarke has any trouble making a comeback.
Freshman Tom Burzine (6-5, 225) arrives from Connetquot High in New York to add some depth to the position.
OFFENSIVE LINE
UT returns three starters but will miss four-year starting left tackle Nick Kaczur, who was drafted by the New England Patriots, and center David Odenthal.
The guard positions are in the best shape with the return of senior Chris Wakeman (6-5, 290) and sophomore David Perkins (6-2, 290) at right and left guard, respectively. Junior Jesse Anderson (6-5, 285) figures to be the primary reserve for both guard spots.
Sophomore tackle John Greco (6-5, 315), who started 13 games at right tackle and was the team's rookie of the year, moves to left tackle to replace Kaczur.
Junior Jerry Aguwa (6-5, 290) will replace Greco on the right side and be backed up by junior Greg Luma (6-7, 318). Red-shirt freshman Sean Zabinski (6-7, 290) is another big body available for tackle duty.
Junior Hassan Adebesin (6-2, 292) used a strong spring to earn the job at center, beating out red-shirt freshman Andrew Decker (6-3, 270) and junior Aaron Albritton (6-2, 258).
The future of the UT offensive line arrives with six talented freshmen, including starting long-snapper Jeremy Mack (6-4, 225) from Center Grove in Indiana.
"We plan on starting him from day one," Amstutz said.
Among the other talented newcomers are Kevin Hobbins (6-7, 315) from Crestwood in Peterborough, Ont., and Shawn Glaser (6-8, 300) from in-state Hoban. Hobbins was considered by All-Star Football Canada to be the No. 1 tackle coming out of the country.
Sam Azner (6-7, 288) was an all-state selection at Wayne Hills (N.J.) and Buster Garrett (6-4, 275) arrives from Nease (Fla.). Kevin Kilgo (6-5, 270) from Stevenson (Mich.) was listed at No. 15 on the Detroit Free Press Fab 50 list.
KICKERS
Senior Jason Robbins (5-10, 158) will head into his fourth season handling field goals and extra points, while sophomore Mike Krispinsky (5-10, 170) returns for kickoffs.
Robbins was 9-of-10 on field goals last season and 55-for-56 on extra points.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Last season Toledo employed a host of freshmen and sophomores on the d-line. Only departed end Phil Alexander was a senior.
"We have a good, solid group there," said Amstutz, who lacks a star on the line and hopes the group can get the job done with a strong rotation.
Sophomore defensive tackle Tyree Pollard (6-4, 310) started 12 games as a true freshman and collected 19 tackles, with five for losses, and three sacks. Sophomore Alfred Martin (6-5, 255) also played in his first season and started in eight games and finished with 30 tackles.
Junior J.P. Bekasiak (6-5, 272) improved throughout the season and earned the starting job over Martin at tackle in the final two games of the year. He had 12 tackles and one sack.
Sophomore Andre Bouldin (6-4, 310) is another burly lineman who saw spot duty in seven games a year ago.
One or more of the group could shift to end in a 3-4 alignment, where they will be paired with junior Seth Thitoff (6-2, 225), who had 33 tackles in 10 starts before injuries knocked him out of the lineup.
Also battling for playing time on the outside are junior Sean Williamson (6-2, 287), and sophomores Bernard Faithful (6-3, 225) and Nick Lawrence (6-2, 225).
Two freshmen will join the mix in John Duhe (6-4, 230) from St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and Lyndon Gayle (6-4, 275) from in-state North High in Akron.
LINEBACKERS
The Rockets' three best defenders can be found here in Keon Jackson (5-11, 206), Anthony Jordan (6-3, 230) and David Thomas (6-2, 230). Jackson, who is a rover and will also see time in the secondary, had 67 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass break-ups last season. Jackson has a knack for making big plays in big games, with 15 tackles against UConn and an interception return for a touchdown against Miami.
Jordan and Thomas were double-trouble in the middle with 107 and 91 tackles, respectively, a year ago. Jordan's total ranked him 15th in the MAC. The fourth starter should be junior Mike Chamberlain (6-2, 196), a former JUCO player at American River (Calif.).
Other potential outside linebackers include sophomore Brandon Alexander (6-1, 190), red-shirt freshman De'Veon Harris (6-0, 200) and freshman Melvin Williams (6-0, 235) from Arthur Hill in Michigan.
Inside, sophomore Steven Morrison (6-2, 200) and junior Mike Alston (6-2, 205) add some depth along with sophomore Marques McFarlin (6-2, 226) and red-shirt freshman Lawrence McKissic (6-0, 200).
Three freshmen who join the mix are another St. Thomas Aquinas grad, Beau Brudzinski (6-1, 210), in-state Liberty product Keith Forestal (6-4, 220) and Beechcroft (Ohio) product Eric Heller (6-3, 225).
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary has both starting corners back with senior Antonio Malone (6-1, 186) on the left side and sophomore Nigel Morris (6-0, 164) on the right.
Malone has 129 tackles and five interceptions in two years as a starter. Morris shined in his first season with 76 tackles, three picks and 10 pass break-ups.
"They've both been steady starters for us," Amstutz said.
Junior Bo Martin (6-1, 198) is the third corner, and senior Jason Flowers (6-0, 174) can also handle the job.
Sophomore Tyrell Hebert (6-2, 180) won the free safety job in the spring, beating out sophomore Greg Hay (6-2, 215).
The top freshman coming in for UT is Keiron Brown (6-1, 185), the third member of the St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) to sign up. Another Florida product, Walter Atkins (6-1, 180), arrives from Deerfield Beach.
Two more secondary additions are Chris Faison (6-1, 175) from Lahser High in Michigan, and Ohio native Garry Hill (6-3, 180). Deptford (N.J.) safety Jeff Green (6-4, 215) and Chicago product Lester Richmond (6-2, 185) are also part of the recruiting class.
PUNTERS
Sophomore Brett Kern (6-3, 185) won the job as a true freshman and the Rockets have no plans to replace him this year.
Kern averaged 40.6 yards per punt to rank sixth in the conference. He placed 12 kicks inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Lance Moore's departure creates an opening in the return games as well. Odom figures to replace him on kickoffs -- after averaging 19.4 yards on eight returns last season -- and also on punts. Other candidates for the job include Parmelee, Hawkins and Morris.
The Rockets have had strong coverage units and ranked 11th in the nation last year in kickoffs, allowing 17.7 yards a return.
The addition of Mack, who will receive a scholarship as a long-snapper, will also boost the special teams. Mack had a perfect snap record in three seasons as the starter in high school.
Western Michigan
Bill Cubit remembers the glory days in Kalamazoo. Now his job is to bring them back.
After watching the Western Michigan program plunge to the bottom of the MAC West the last three seasons -- with a 1-10 record last year being the final straw -- the school decided to show head coach Gary Darnell the door.
The move opened the door for the return of Cubit, who guided the Broncos' offense to 30.4 points per game and a 22-12 record in three seasons (1997-99) as the offensive coordinator under Darnell.
The 1999 season resulted in a MAC West title for WMU and helped earn Cubit a coordinator's job with Missouri.
After additional stops at Rutgers and Stanford as an offensive coordinator, Cubit is ready for his first NCAA Division I-A coaching job. His task will be to revive a program that has gone 15-31 the last four seasons after posting a 31-15 mark the previous four years.
"We didn't like how things we going," said Cubit, who always held a special place in his heart for Kalamazoo, even after his departure. "We need to change the attitude out on the field."
Cubit hopes his passion for the game and enthusiasm becomes in infections with the Broncos.
"I'm just a 51-year-old kid that loves the game," he said.
He also loves offense, which will be his personal task of revamping at WMU with some help from offensive coordinator/receivers coach George McDonald, who worked under Cubit at Stanford as the tight ends coach. The duo will look to add more two-back sets to the offense and try to re-establish the ground game.
In looking to restore a winning tradition, Cubit dipped into the Broncos' past and brought in 1999 MAC West champion quarterback Tim Lester to work with the signal callers. He also added tight ends coach Jake Moreland, who also played on the 1999 team and spent time in the NFL with the Jets and Browns.
The offensive staff also includes offensive line coach Mike Sullivan, who spent the last four years with the Browns and will try to add some toughness to the unit at WMU. Brian Rock is the lone holdover from Darnell's staff and he moves from offensive coordintor to running backs/special teams coach.
"I want to have great teachers, people with passion for the game," Cubit said. "People who want to be here at Western Michigan."
On defense, Cubit has turned things over to former Illinois secondary coach Scott Shafer. The 15th-year coach is already familiar with the MAC, having spent four years as the defensive coordinator with Northern Illinois.
"He was the best defensive coordinator when I was in the league before," Cubit said.
The WMU defense needs some major assistance after allowing 39.6 points per game and a league-high 215.4 rushing yards per game last season.
"Our main objective is to stop the run," Cubit said.
Shafer will do the best he can with a 4-3 defense that appears a little light on talent going into the season.
Also joining the defensive staff are Steve Morrison, who was the outside linebackers coach at Michigan, on the defensive line, Chuck Bullough at linebackers and Paul Williams in the secondary.
"It's going to be a tough first year," Cubit said. "But I think we'll be OK and win our fair share of games."
QUARTERBACKS
After he won the job last season, senior Ryan Cubit (6-2, 210) enters the season with a firm grasp on the top spot, and it has nothing to do with the fact his father is the head coach.
Cubit earned the job after throwing for 1,887 yards and 14 touchdowns along with 12 interceptions in eight games, including six starts.
"He knows the system so we don't have to retrain him," said Bill Cubit, who coached his son at Rutgers for two seasons before both departed. "It's like having another coach on the field."
Senior Robbie Haas (6-2, 207) will serve as the backup. Haas, a 4.0 student, played limited minutes last season, but impressed the new coaching staff with his ability to pick up their system in the spring.
Red-shirt freshman Alex Engram (5-10, 195) experimented at defensive back in the spring but is back at quarterback, where he has struggled to understand the system.
Engram might have a hard time seeing the field with the arrival of two freshmen, Caleb Clark (6-2, 185) from Calgary, and Tim Hiller (6-4, 215) from Orrville High in Ohio.
Clark was a three-time team MVP at Bow Valley High, and threw for a combined 5,700 yards his final two seasons. He also had 83 career touchdown passes.
Hiller was chosen the Akron Beacon Journal Player of the Year after throwing for 3,029 yards and 30 touchdowns his senior season.
RUNNING BACKS
The WMU ground game used to turn out 1,000-yard rushers on an annual basis, but the last two seasons the rushing attack has struggled to produce. The Broncos ranked 12th (99.5 yards per game) in the MAC in rushing last season and had the fewest touchdowns on the ground with seven.
"We need to increase the running game," said Cubit, who plans to use more two-back sets, which also could include players from other positions, as he looks to balance out a pass-happy offense.
Senior Trovon Riley (5-10, 197) led the team with 691 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. He figures to open the season as the starter, but will be pushed for playing time by sophomore Mark Bonds (5-10, 227), who ranked second on the team with 234 yards rushing last year.
Another back that was expected to be part of the mix was senior Daniel Marks (6-0, 222), but he tore his ACL and MCL in the spring and will miss the season.
Marks' injury could open the door for freshmen Kirk Elsworth (6-1, 210) from in-state Goodrich High, or Miami, Fla. product James Jones (5-8, 185) from Chaminade-Madonna High.
Jones, one of six recruits from Florida, rushed for 1,736 yards and 20 touchdowns his senior season, while Elsworth piled up 2,867 yards and was chosen to the Associated Press All-State team and was No. 31 on the Detroit Free Press Fab 50 list.
Sophomore Lawrence Cannon (5-8, 204) and junior fullback Seth Quivey (6-4, 202) figure into the backfield mix as well.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
The Broncos don't need to look very far for a playmaker on offense with the return of senior Greg Jennings (5-11, 191), who is coming off a first-team all-conference season that included 74 receptions for 1,092 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"Greg's a real explosive guy who's still learning the position," Cubit said. "He wants to be a great player."
Jennings appears to be on his way to greatest after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons have him on the verge of re-writing the Broncos' record books. He takes a 23-game reception streak into the season and has 11 100-yard games on his resume.
Receiver is one of WMU's deeper positions.
Joining Jennings in the starting lineup figures to be sophomore Brian Jackson (6-4, 207), a big target who caught 19 passes for 224 yards in his first season.
Inside, the Broncos have two juniors in Joe Chapple (6-0, 182) and Justin LeMay (5-11, 183), who combined for 17 catches and 209 yards in limited minutes last year.
With a host of younger receivers, WMU did not add any more in its recruiting class. Instead, the coaching staff is looking for someone to emerge from group of sophomores Kelly Martin (6-2, 175) and Londen Fryar (5-11, 181), and red-shirt freshman Jamarko Simmons (6-2, 216) and Fernand Kashama (6-3, 208).
"The key for us will be the development of these guys," Cubit said. "They're all young and inexperienced."
Fryar is the son for former NFL receiver Irving Fryar, and Simmons returns to the receiver after experimenting at tailback in the spring.
The Broncos only other All-MAC first-team player back is senior Tony Scheffler (6-6, 250), who hopes to extend Cubit's number of tight ends in the NFL to five after the season.
"He has the chance to be a really good player, but I'd like to see him get a little more physical," said Cubit, who coached Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Alex Smith at Stanford last fall. "[Scheffler] runs better and has better hands [than Smith]."
Scheffler, also the starting left fielder for the WMU baseball team, caught a school-record 53 passes for 570 yards and three TDs as a junior. Junior Tyson DeVree opted to transfer to Colorado in the off-season, but the Broncos have plenty of candidates to replace his 25 receptions and 218 yards.
Senior Ross Farren (6-3, 252), sophomore Keith Schultz (6-3, 224) and red-shirt freshman Brandon Ledbetter (6-5, 198) all played well in the spring. Farren has proven to be the team's best blocker, while the undersized Ledbetter impressed the coaching staff with his physical ability.
Sophomore Mike Onaga (6-4, 257) and junior Michael Kempinski (6-3, 238) were expected to join that battle in the summer after missing spring practices with injuries.
Freshmen Matt Stevens (6-4, 240) from Warrenvile South in Illinois and Joe Gardner (6-4, 245) from West High in Wisconsin also could earn some playing time.
OFFENSIVE LINE
One position where Cubit would like to see an attitude adjustment is on the offensive line. The WMU head coach hopes the change will help get a stagnant ground game going again.
"They need to attack people and they need to get more physical," said Cubit, who brought in Sullivan to accomplish that goal.
The Broncos have some solid talent on the line, starting with sophomore center Robbie Krutilla (6-3, 310), a freshman All-America pick by The Sporting News.
Junior Dominic Moran (6-5, 300) appeared in all 11 games in 2004, but he will make the jump from guard to left tackle to replace Kyle Ras, who graduated. Sophomore James Blair (6-3, 330) moves into the starting lineup at left guard.
On the right side, senior Mark Ottney (6-6, 290) returns at guard after he lead the team in pancake blocks (eight) and knockdowns (21). Senior Brandon James (6-5, 288) starts at tackle for the second straight year after impressing the coaching staff in the spring.
In addition to opening holes for the running game, the unit will need to keep Ryan Cubit in one piece. Both jobs might be harder to achieve if one of the starters goes down, because the Broncos don't have a lot of experienced backups.
Sophomore Matt Williams (6-2, 267) can play tackle and center, while sophomore Chris Bartula (6-6, 267) can fill in at tackle.
The Broncos brought in three freshmen linemen, but their biggest assistance for the line should come from sophomore guard Brian Bailey (6-4, 300) from Garden City (Kansas) Community College.
Steve Ellingsen (6-5, 270) from Crown Point High in Indiana, Matt Lochman (6-4, 277) from Arrowhead High in Wisconsin and Cudahy, Wis. product Paul Wasikowski (6-4, 290) might be a year away from making a contribution.
KICKERS
Junior Nate Meyer (6-4, 225), a former walk-on, returns for his second season and looks to replace Robert Menchinger, who graduated, on field goals.
Meyer, who previously handled only kickoffs and had nine touchbacks, was 1-for-4 on field goals in his career, but the one he made was a 50-yarder against Nebraska. His strong leg figures to keep sophomore Mike Jones (5-11, 172) on the bench.
Freshman Brett Meldrum (5-10, 170) could provide some competition for the job this summer. He was a Detroit Free Press Dream Team member at Utica (Mich.) Eisenhower High and an all-state selection after converting 10-of-17 field goals, including a 47-yarder.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Safety in numbers might be the best way to sum up the Broncos on the defensive line, and the entire defense for that matter.
Without a star in the mix, WMU will look to shore up a run defense that allowed more than 200 yards per game a year ago.
"They are going to have to really play hard ever play," Cubit said. "We are going to have a defense by committee."
The anchor on the line is senior nose guard Paul Moersch (6-4, 291), who finished with 37 total tackles, one sack and two pass deflections.
Senior Joe Alvarez (6-1, 248) returns at defensive tackle and will be backed up by sophomore Dezmond Gray (6-4, 290). Red-shirt freshman Nick Varcadipane (6-2, 255) also figures into the rotation at nose guard or tackle. On the outside, the Broncos lost both starting ends, Jack Gitler and Ernest Osborne, but juniors Anthony Belmonte (6-2, 240) and Matt Ludeman (6-3, 218) are the top candidates to replace them.
"We need to generate some type of pass rush," Cubit said.
Belmonte was a backup last year and finished with 31 total tackles. Also in the hunt for playing time is sophomore Darryl McFadden (6-3, 251), who moves up from linebacker.
None of the reserve linemen have game experience except for Gray, so one of the five incoming freshmen could see some time this fall. First-team All-Prep selection John Russell (6-5, 245) spent last year at The Hun School in Princeton, N.J. after a standout career at Grayson High in Georgia.
Cubit is already excited about North High (Ill.) graduate Cody Cielenski (6-2, 295), who was selected the co-Defensive Player of the Year in his state by Rivals.com. Cielenski is Illinois' all-time sack leader with 43 and was a two-time all-state selection.
Fellow Illinois products Grant Nemeth (6-3, 260) and James Randall (6-5, 245) arrive from Warrenville South and Vernon Hills, respectively, while Andy Laue (6-5, 265) went to Barrington High. All three players were at least two-year starters at their respective high schools.
"We hope to be able to find eight guys [for a rotation] and keep them fresh," Cubit said.
LINEBACKERS
Another unit with lots of bodies but not many established players is linebacker.
Undersized junior Paul Tithof (6-1, 215) is the best of the bunch after posting 56 tackles, including 9.5 for losses, and four sacks last season at middle linebacker.
Tithof moves to the strong side this season and that creates a spot for senior John Behrens (6-1, 248) in the middle. Behrens did miss spring practice with a shoulder injury, but was expected back for summer workouts.
At the weak side, junior Darrell Copeland (6-1, 208), a converted safety, has the edge on the starting job. Cubit likes Copeland's speed and wants to have him around the ball more often.
Among the backups are junior Ameer Ismail (6-2, 230) and red-shirt freshman Cornelius Robinson (6-2, 191). Ismail is a former running back. Robinson is inexperienced, but has impressed coaches with his speed.
This unit is another area where a freshman or two figures to make an impact right away. Five newcomers will join the Broncos this fall, with in-state Justin Braska (6-5, 226) from DeWitt High at the top of the list.
Braska was the 20th-ranked player on the Detroit Free Press Fab 50 list after posting 132 tackles on a defense that allowed just 9.1 points. He played the entire season with a torn knee ligament, but is expected to play this fall.
Florida high school teammates Derrick Harris (5-10, 213) and Kevin Smith (6-2, 220) arrive from Coral Reef High. Harris was the team MVP after collecting 72 tackles. Smith set school records for sacks in a season (14) and a career (21), while also blocking three kicks.
Austin Pritchard (6-3, 215) from Lebanon High in Ohio and Michigan native Greg Marshall (6-1, 230) from Northern High round out the recruits. Pritchard had 90 tackles his senior season and also scored nine touchdowns at tight end.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Broncos continued to stock up on defense with a strong defensive backs class to add to its current crew.
At cornerback, junior Jimmie Vincent (5-9, 186) is penciled in on the left side after starting six games last season. Junior DeRae Allen (5-10, 184) has the chance to lock down the other side, with red-shirt freshman Desman Stephens (6-0, 175) also in the mix.
However, a pair of freshmen from Florida could end up with the job by the end of the year.
E.J. Biggers (5-11, 170) arrives from North Miami Beach High as a cover corner who recorded 16 interceptions in high school. Biggers, who runs a 4.5 in the 40, was chosen the Dade County Player of the Year and rated the 38th best corner in the nation by Rivals.com.
The other prized recruit is Northwestern grad Chauncey Thompkins (5-11, 180). Thompkins, who runs a 4.4 in the 40, did a little of everything in Miami, including play quarterback and return kicks.
Former junior college cornerback Brandon Henderson (5-10, 175) comes from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, where he red-shirted last season because of a shoulder injury. He has 29 career punt returns for touchdowns dating back to his high school career.
At safety, senior Kevin Ford (5-11, 197) has a proven track record with 172 career tackles and four interceptions. He will start at free safety, while sophomore Antwain Allen (6-1, 215) appears to be the man at strong safety.
The Broncos also have special teams ace Chad Feldpausch (5-11, 195), a junior, sophomore Scooter McIntosh (6-1, 205) and red-shirt freshman C.J. Wilson (6-2, 189) in the fold.
Biggers' high school teammate, Louis Delmas (6-0, 175), could see some action at safety. He collected 178 tackles and three interceptions in high school, and also set school record for kick and punt returns for touchdowns. Freshman Mark Metulynsky (6-0, 180) from Sandwich in Ontario was an All-Canadian first-teamer who also can play receiver.
PUNTERS
The Broncos lost one of the MAC's top punters in Adam Anderson (42.8 yards per punt), but sophomore Jim Laney (6-4, 199) has been waiting to take over the job.
Meldrum, who booted an 83-yard punt as a high school senior, could also vie for the job.
SPECIAL TEAMS
With Jennings and Bonds back, the Broncos have two veteran return men. Jennings is coming off a season where he averaged 14.8 yard per punt return and ranked third in the MAC. He returned two punts for touchdowns, including a 93-yarder against Northern Illinois.
Bonds took over on kick returns midway through the season and finished fifth in the league with 23.6 yards per return. Simmons could also return kicks.
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