|
After finishing 0-12 in 2009, a few 2010 wins would go a long way for Eastern Michigan football players, coaches and fans. Head coach Ron English believes any victories also would be particularly appreciated by another important group - namely, the school's administration, which stepped up over the past year to make key improvements in the program's facilities.
"I am just so excited about the leadership of our university," English said at the recent MAC Media Day activities at Ford Field in Detroit. "We want to give them some tangible evidence that there is going to be a return on their investment. That is why it is so important to win games this year."
English indicated the facilities gap showed up in a number of areas, including injuries, during his first year at the helm.
"I think what happened is that at Eastern Michigan, the players have not been able to develop year-round," said English, who noted the school has recently put money into both indoor and outdoor improvements for the program.
"We can't ask more of our administration right now," he said. "Not only did we put up that indoor facility, but two brand new grass practice fields that are full-sized fields. They are going to be unbelievable practice facilities for us."
While the Eagles failed to register a "W" last season, they came close on several occasions. Among the losses was a 24-27 loss at Northwestern, a 29-27 versus Ball State and a season-ending 28-21 setback at Akron.
"A lot of those games we lost were close," said defensive back Latarius Thomas, a transfer from Louisville who will be available this season after sitting out a year. "It's the little things that do matter, ... so now we're focusing a lot on the little things that we took for granted."
English said the program has gone through a period of "transition" with players and six new coaches. "We've learned the important thing is to get everybody rolling in the same direction. Obviously, we weren't (before)."
Offensive lineman Bridger Buche, who sat out last season with an injury, is encouraged. "Everything is positive, and its going in the right direction," Buche said.
The 6-3, 312-pound tackle is one of six returning starters on offense. He will be joined on the line by senior center Eric Davis (6-2, 300), who started eight games last year, sophomore Andrew Sorgatz (6-5, 266, 11 starts as a true freshman) and tight end Ben Thayer (6-4, 240-pound senior).
Senior running back Dwayne Priest (5-8, 192) led the Eagles rushing attack last year, but his 633-total averaged out to 3.6 ypc.
Quarterback play remains something of a question mark for the Eagles. Sophomore Alex Gillett (6-1, 205) figures to open the season behind center. Gillett tossed three touchdowns in three starts as a freshman, but he also connected on seven interceptions. As a freshman, Gillett got the call after three-year starter Andy Schmitt was injured and backup Kyle McMahon was inconsistent.
Redshirt freshman Devontae Payne (6-1, 231) and Tyler Benz (6-3, 205, are likely to start the year as backups to Gillett.
Among the receiving targets is Thayer, who returns after registering 29 catches for 261 yards and two TDs in 2010. Junior College transfer Keondric Reynolds will join experienced returnees Tyrone Burke, Kinsman Thomas, Trey Hunter and Nick Olds - among others - as wideout options in the Eagles spread offense.
The Eagles finished a lackluster 10th in passing (152.1 ypg) among 13 MAC teams last year. On the other side of the ball, Eastern did manage to lead the MAC in pass defense, that becomes less impressive given the fact that opponents scored 39 rushing TDs and gained 6.3 yards per carry against EMU. The 276.8 ypg was good enough for last in the MAC.
Linebacker Andre Hatchett, who led the team in tackles last year with 113 stops, was lost to graduation. However
Linebacker Marcus English returns after recording 41 tackles with one interception last year. Tim Fort(6-0, 225,sr) figures at the strong side linebacking spot.
Javon Reese (27 tackles, 9 tfl), Brandon Slater (31 tackles, 3.5 tfl), and defensive end Brad Ohrman (19 tackles, 3.5 tfl) return along the line.
Senior Arrington Hicks (5-9, 170) had 32 tackles in 2010 and will line up opposite the Louisville transfer Thomas at corner. Willie Williams, a JUCO addition, will also strengthen the position. Senior free Safety Ryan Downard (6-0, 198), who owns nine career interceptions, and junior safety Martavius Cardwell (5-11, 195) provide a final line of defense.
"We're not where we need to be, ... but we're farther along than we have been," English said.
Eastern Michigan, especially if healthy, figures to be very competitive coming out of the gate as the Eagles open with Army (home) and Miami (away) before meeting defending MAC champion Central Michigan (home).
The Sept. 4 contest is the second consecutive opener between Army and EMU. Army won last year 27-14. Eastern follows with its first MAC game as it travels to Oxford to meet Miami. The RedHawks uncharacteristically have struggled in recent years and won just one game last year. Both EMU and Miami are extremely young squads |
