Football knocks rust off in first spring practice
The Central Michigan football team held practice Tuesday in the Indoor Athletic Complex for the first time since losing in the Quick Lane Bowl.
With just more than one month until the spring maroon vs. gold scrimmage at 1 p.m. on April 16, the Chippewas started practice at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday. CMU got back into its usual practice routine on the first day, aside from not wearing pads and hitting.
In 2015, Head Coach John Bonamego had barely been hired for a month before beginning spring practice. With a full season completed, Bonamego said he came into this year’s camp much more comfortable.
“At this time last year, there were still a lot of names I didn’t know and now I know them," Bonamego said. "The overall comfort level with the staff, routine, practice schedule and overall adjustments you make, there is a huge difference from years one and two."
The Chippewas will be led on offense by senior quarterback Cooper Rush, who threw for 3,848 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Bonamego said “the sky is the limit” for what Rush can accomplish and the team has high expectations for him.
“It was good to be back out here and knock the rust off," Rush said. "We had a lot of energy and guys flying around, it’s always fun.”
Sophomore running back Romello Ross rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in CMU’s bowl game, and opened the spring practicing with the first team.
“The experience is great, everything is going to come together. To get back out and get back to work is great,” Ross said. “I just got to keep it up and keep pushing forward and not lot anybody down.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chippewas have multiple starters to replace from last season, including leading tackler Kavon Frazier. CMU is returning two leaders in the defensive backfield in senior Tony Annese and junior Josh Cox, who ranked second and fifth in total tackles.
“It’s nice getting back on the football field," Cox said. "The defense was swarming the ball, I liked the defensive backs since that’s where I am."
Spalding still recovering from fall injury
Running back Devon Spalding, who will be a junior in 2016, remained out of practice Tuesday. He's still recovering from a fractured clavicle suffered on Oct. 3 in the conference opener against Northern Illinois.
CMU to hold Pro Day on Thursday
Twelve Chippewas and four players from Ferris State are expected to participate in Thursday's Pro Day.
NFL scouts are expected to attend the event, which includes measurements, tests in the weight room, running drills and positional drills.
Keep up with Central Michigan Life on Thursday for more on CMU's Pro Day
