2008 Woodie Awards
Ball State's publicity motivates Chippewas, even in spring
Jones: Outside factors humble, jump start progress
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Sports
But a strong spring practice has vaulted the sophomore running back into the No. 1 spot, Jones said.
"I'm learning how to lead the running back group - I've never done that before in college," Volny said. "I get an opportunity to be with the ones. I knew at the beginning of the spring that I wasn't going to be with the ones, but I had to step up and learn how to be a leader - compete against the others."
Jones said Volny is much-improved and deserves the title of No. 1. But he said it's not because others are performing poorly and the final depth chart will not be decided upon until the last week of practice before the opener against Eastern Illinois.
Along with seniors Ontario Sneed and Justin Hoskins, Jones said four incoming running backs could make an impact. Jahleel Addae and several others are expected to split time at slot receiver.
"I think it's one our most competitive positions," Jones said. "I've learned through the course that you can never have enough running backs. The pounding takes its toll. You've got to make sure you get everyone ready to play."
News and Notes
Junior wide receiver Bryan Anderson will miss the rest of spring practice with an unspecified shoulder injury. His right arm was in a sling at practice Tuesday. Jones said he is expected to return sometime this summer ... Defensive lineman Casey Droscha, Larry Knight and Jason Chomic are all injured and will miss the spring game ... Jones said he has never seen this many injuries during spring practice. "They've just been fluke things and things that happen," he said ... The team practiced for the first time outside Saturday in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The practice was full-pads, full-collision. Tuesday's practice took place in the Indoor Athletic Complex ... Volny said the defense is looking faster than last season. "We've got a lot of young guys - no Ike Brown, no Red Keith. But I can say that they're competing," he said ... Jones pulled an April Fools' joke of his own Tuesday. "I told the team that because of class conflicts, we were going to have practice (Wednesday) at 6 a.m.," Jones said. "Workouts would start at 5 and treatment at 4:30. They were in shock."
sports@cm-life.com
"I'm learning how to lead the running back group - I've never done that before in college," Volny said. "I get an opportunity to be with the ones. I knew at the beginning of the spring that I wasn't going to be with the ones, but I had to step up and learn how to be a leader - compete against the others."
Jones said Volny is much-improved and deserves the title of No. 1. But he said it's not because others are performing poorly and the final depth chart will not be decided upon until the last week of practice before the opener against Eastern Illinois.
Along with seniors Ontario Sneed and Justin Hoskins, Jones said four incoming running backs could make an impact. Jahleel Addae and several others are expected to split time at slot receiver.
"I think it's one our most competitive positions," Jones said. "I've learned through the course that you can never have enough running backs. The pounding takes its toll. You've got to make sure you get everyone ready to play."
News and Notes
Junior wide receiver Bryan Anderson will miss the rest of spring practice with an unspecified shoulder injury. His right arm was in a sling at practice Tuesday. Jones said he is expected to return sometime this summer ... Defensive lineman Casey Droscha, Larry Knight and Jason Chomic are all injured and will miss the spring game ... Jones said he has never seen this many injuries during spring practice. "They've just been fluke things and things that happen," he said ... The team practiced for the first time outside Saturday in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The practice was full-pads, full-collision. Tuesday's practice took place in the Indoor Athletic Complex ... Volny said the defense is looking faster than last season. "We've got a lot of young guys - no Ike Brown, no Red Keith. But I can say that they're competing," he said ... Jones pulled an April Fools' joke of his own Tuesday. "I told the team that because of class conflicts, we were going to have practice (Wednesday) at 6 a.m.," Jones said. "Workouts would start at 5 and treatment at 4:30. They were in shock."
sports@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
kdadnick
Alum/parent/daughter of profs emeritus
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:26 AM EST
Hey Chips -
We're behind you even if ESPN isn't. I know the voice of one fan doesn't rally a team, but when the Chips have another terrific season it will be the ESPN folks clamoring for your attention. (Continued…)
cmufan1987
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:32 PM EST
I think it is a joke that the commissioner of the MAC is seemingly discrediting the Chippewas after back to back MAC championships and two bowl appearences, including a bowl victory. (Continued…)
SHoc
posted 4/03/08 @ 11:03 AM EST
Pretty disrespectful for the MAC commish to leave out the most successful team in the conference over the past two years. We'll just have to see how many points ball state allows to an even better offense this coming year. (Continued…)
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