It was obvious EMU could move the football last year, especially through the air. The defense, however, had issues. MAC stats showed Eastern No. 1 in passing offense (MAC games) with an average of 296.6 yards per contest. The Eagles were fourth in total offense (415.4 ypg). Defensively, however, they were last in both total defense (440 ypg) and scoring defense (39.6 ppg). Overall, Eastern Michigan mustered three wins in 12 games while going 2-6 in conference play. New coach Ron English can probably live with a little less offense if the final result is more wins. Although 15 starters return, 2009 will still be a challenge.

OFFENSE: With senior Andy Schmitt returning at quarterback, the Eagles should still be able to move the ball and score some points. “Andy has played a lot of football and he is certainly talented,” English said.

Finding enough quality receivers is the short term challenge facing EMU. Jacory Stone is the lone starter returning to a receiver position. He was third among MAC receivers in receptions per game (7.33 rpg). If the Eagles can plug in some decent replacements, the aerial success might well continue, even as the new staff begins to build a new mold. “We’re not going to run the spread option offense as much,” English said during the recent MAC Media day in Detroit. “Actually, we’re going to be a pro-style offense.”

Suffice it to say there is room to grow in the EMU running game. The Eagles (118 ypg) were 11th out of 13 teams in MAC play rushing stats. Senior Terrence Blevins and junior Dwayne priest will give English some power and speed with which to work. Blevins (6-1, 238) has the power. Priest (5-9, 186) is the speed. Others could also be in the mix. “We have three or four backs that I think are going to play. It will be interesting to see who takes that thing and runs with it.” English said. “Obviously, if you have a guy who is dominant, then you like to keep him on the field, but if you have guys that are close to each other, then you like to play more guys.”

Eagles runners, as well as Schmitt, will benefit from an experienced offensive line that returns four starters – tackle Bridger Buche, center Eric Davis, and guards Andy Fretz and Stephen Johnson. “One of the true cornerstones of any football team is the offensive line. Can they dictate the time of possession?” English said, adding “I like our offensive line …. I think we’re going to have some depth. I think we have talent there.”

DEFENSE: There is good and bad on the defensive side. While the unit has a number of experienced players returning, the Eagles struggled against the MAC West, which has several high octane offenses. English noted his team has picked up several junior college transfers, so that may help in the short term. One is Nate Paopao, who could help the linebacking corps. Middle linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw, the Eagles leading tackler and an All-MAC Second Team selection in 2008 is gone. Seniors Andrew Hatchett and Jermaine Jenkins, however, return to their OLB positions.

Linebackers had plenty of opportunites to make tackles last year as the team yielded an average of 5.2 yards per rush. Senior Brandon Downs and sophomore Brandon Slater are returning starters along the line. Brad Ohrman also logged time as a starter.

English would not only like to see an improvement against the run, he also wants the Eagles to put more pressure on the quarterback. That, in turn, could take some pressure off the secondary. Safety Ryan Downard should come back healthy after a broken arm in 2008, and Arrington Hicks returns to one corner. Both are juniors.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Joe Carithers made 10-of-14 field goals in 2008. Zach Johnson, if healthy, would handle punting duties. He battled some injuries last year.

Other: - English said he purposely avoided watching tapes of last year’s Eagle team because he preferred to evaluate players on what he saw in the spring.

- The Eagles new coach said he couldn’t tell much about the leadership qualities of his players yet, but suggested it might come out in a fall camp that “will be difficult and demanding.”