Bonamego gives injury report, Colby has multiple defensive weapons
The 2018 season is officially right around the corner for the Central Michigan football team.
It's go time.
The Chippewas face off against Kentucky at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 from Kroger Field in Lexington.
Injury Report
CMU head coach John Bonamego listed a number of players as injured heading into the 2018 season-opener against the Wildcats.
Fifth-year senior Devon Spalding, a player who recently moved from running back to wide receiver, will not play. Neither will redshirt freshman Chuck Jones, as he is going through a hamstring injury.
Another is senior offensive lineman Clay Walderzak, who could return in the early stages of the season.
"He is making really good progress," Bonamego added.
Senior Logan Hesbrook, CMU's starting tight end, is currently day-to-day but in return to play protocol.
"I don't know if he will be ready by game time," Bonamego said.
The only other significant player Bonamego noted as injured is wide receiver Damon Terry.
From a health standpoint, Bonamego is pleased with where the Chippewas are at. Nobody suffered season-ending injuries in fall camp.
“We had guys who got dinged up, but we managed," Bonamego said. "Knock on wood, we didn’t lose anyone for a long period of time.”
Captains
Four players from Central Michigan's roster were named captains for the 2018 season.
The list included linebacker Malik Fountain, defensive end Mitch Stanitzek, offensive lineman Shakir Carr and wide receiver Devon Spalding - all seniors.
However, 16 different players were voted to be captain - nine seniors, four juniors and three sophomores.
“That’s a very positive sign as I look at that as how all our upperclassmen are viewed by the other players," Bonamego said.
Offensive Progression
Even with quarterback Tony Poljan and running back Jonathan Ward at the helm of CMU's offense, Bonamego believes the group still has work to do.
Right now, the fourth-year coach said the offensive is behind the defense in overall progression due to many new faces on that side of the ball.
Bonamego listed receivers Brandon Childress, Jamil Sabbagh, JaCorey Sullivan and Terry as players who have had excellent fall camps.
Looking to improve his receiver room, Bonamego wants to see more from redshirt freshmen Drayton Law and Julian Hicks.
"You have the young, freshmen group where I’m just waiting to see," Bonamego added. "I’m looking for two or three good practices in a row. I want to see those guys (Law and Hicks) string a number of practices together where we know we are ready to go.”
Defensive Progression
CMU defensive coordinator Greg Colby agreed with Bonamego that the progression on defense has been outstanding.
The defensive depth chart is set for the game against Kentucky, but Colby said to be prepared for multiple bench options at a few positions.
“We have a few third positions – like a third corner, third safety who is going to get a lot of playing time," Colby said. "We have 11 starters, but really have 14 or 15 guys who we can put out there at any time.”
Ward Ready for New Year
A season ago, Ward was just a sophomore looking to find his way on the field. Emerging as a star in 2017, he has more confidence in the playbook.
“It’s just been more days in the office to get better day in and day out," Ward said. "It’s a new year. We have a fresh slate, and anything is possible."
The Mid-American Conference media and coaches both predicted the Chippewas to finish fifth in the MAC West Division.
Ward is ready to prove them wrong and earn a MAC title for his program.
"A lot of people don’t have faith in us, but we have been working very hard in the offseason to be MAC champions," he said.
