Central Michigan football team ‘locked in’ as season approaches
Now in full pads for the first time in four months, the Central Michigan University football team can feel opening night of the 2015 season creeping closer.
The action begins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3 when the Chippewas host Big XII powerhouse Oklahoma State under the lights of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The Cowboys are one of three daunting perennial college football winners CMU is set to face during the nonconference slate.
As they get more practice reps under their belts, the Chippewas gain a confidence they say is necessary to succeed.
“We are a Division I school just like those guys are,” sophomore running back Devon Spalding said. “We've all improved a lot since spring ball. I have the utmost confidence in our entire group."
Spalding is at the center of an intense competition in camp for CMU’s starting running back job. He and junior Martez Walker are regarded as the team’s most viable options based on performance last season.
On defense, upperclassmen Blake Serpa and Joe Ostman have been preaching a consistent message to younger members of their position group.
“We are just constantly talking about being aggressive,” Serpa said. “At first, sometimes the freshmen are not getting it. When they see the upperclassmen flying around it becomes pretty contagious.”
Ostman and Serpa combined for 107 tackles and seven sacks last season and kept constant pressure on the other team’s offensive playmakers.
CMU’s defensive line graduated standout nose tackle Leterrius Walton to the NFL. Walton made his preseason debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
“People are talking a lot about what we lost. You can’t replace guys like that,” Ostman said. “But we’ve got a lot of guys that are ready to step up and help this team. Our defense can be just as good or better as last year.”
First-year Head Coach John Bonamego said initially CMU’s defense started “a little ahead” this week, but starting quarterback Cooper Rush and the first-team offense came on strong starting Wednesday.
“If things get too one-sided you start worrying that you are not a balanced enough team,” Bonamego said. “I’m pleased with where we are at right now, but there is a long way to go. Guys are locked in. We are certainly trying to get in the right direction.”
Other practice notes:
--The Chippewas continue to practice a hurry-up style offense they call NASCAR at the end of each practice. The coaching staff seems largely pleased with the team’s progression on this.
--When given the opportunity to, Bonamego did not mention the names of any freshman that he was especially impressed with so far. He said many of CMU’s newest players are still getting their bearings on the field.
--CMU Football Media Day is at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Follow Central Michigan Life for updates from Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
