Coaches, players talk fall practice, upcoming season at CMU Media Day
Rain forced Mid-Michigan media outlets to gather inside the Indoor Athletic Complex on Friday for Central Michigan's 2016 Football Media Day.
Head Coach John Bonamego opened the event by giving a statement and answering questions for more than 12 media members inside the conference room adjacent to the team's locker room at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
One of his main talking points was team leadership and how it has grown in his second year at the helm. Bonamego said he's encouraged by the way the seniors and underclassmen have come together.
“We’re always working to come together as a team," he said. "It’s about holding each other accountable. (We're) in the process of installing (our) offense and installing (our) defense. It’s about teaching each other the techniques that goes along with all of those phases.”
The team’s official depth chart has not yet been released, but Bonamego gave his thoughts on where players currently stand.
One question after this year's spring game was who will back up senior quarterback Cooper Rush. Bonamego said if the competition ended today, it would be the 6-foot-2, 205 pound redshirt freshman Jake Johnson.
Battling against sophomore Tommy Lazzarro, Johnson said he has embraced the competition.
“The key for me is just confidence,” the DeWitt native said. “Last year, I was going out there and it was a new offense. I wasn’t confident. After the spring game I gained a little more confidence and have taken that into camp.”
Bonamego said former basketball player Austin Stewart, the 6-foot-6 wide receiver, has played well in practice and will find his way onto the field with his athleticism.
After Bonamego spoke, media, players and coaches moved to the turf bay of the Indoor Athletic Complex for questions. The event was planned to take place outside at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Surrounded by cameras and microphones, Rush said the difference between this offseason and last year’s adversity-filled one has made him more relaxed.
“It’s just another level of comfort. The experience has been invaluable and I’m just trying to help everyone out with that,” Rush said. “Going into a second year with a head coach, you’re a little more prepared and know a little more to expect. It’s definitely an advantage.”
The Lansing Catholic alumnus trained at the Manning Passing Camp during the offseason. He said he has learned a lot about running the offense and being a leader. Rush also said he has been working to improve his arm-strength and footwork.
Running Backs Coach Gino Guidugli talked about the improvement his player group has seen since last year. Guidugli is excited about what the group can do this year.
“Last year we had some growing pains," he said. "It was Jahir’s (Hayes) first year in the program. It was Romello’s first year in the program. Devon (Spalding) was the veteran last season but got hurt. We were young last year but I think we are going to be all the better for it.”
Two weeks ago at Mid-American Conference Media Day, the team was picked to finish in fourth place in the MAC West Division. Bonamego said he doesn't pay attention to the rankings.
"Regardless of weather you are picked to finish first or fourth, you still have to play the season," he said
The team opens up the season at 7 p.m on Sept. 1 against Presbyterian at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
