Spring game Friday
Greg Burghardt
“It will be the first time we have divided up our players, so it should be very interesting,” said Head Coach Mike DeBord. “The players look forward to playing in a game-like situation, so it should be fun.”
The game begins 10 a.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, weather permitting, with four 10-minute quarters.
While DeBord is pleased with the performance and leadership exhibited by his veterans during spring camp, he said there still is a lot of growing to be done from younger players.
|
The veterans already were divided into the two teams for the game. Team one is highlighted by quarterback Derrick Vickers, running back Kenan Lawhorne, offensive lineman Adam Kieft, defensive lineman Matt Wohlgemuth, linebacker Eddie Hillery and safety James King.
The second team will feature quarterback Jeff Perry, running back Terrence Jackson, fullback Adam Supianoski and defensive players Anthony Tyus and Jon Nelson.
The quarterback battle will be magnified during the game. Perry has surprised many with a spring camp, while incumbent Vickers, sophomore Kent Smith and junior Grant Arnoldink also are in the running. DeBord said he has determined a current No. 1 guy, but it is not set in stone.
“It’s something that we have been developing over the entire spring,” DeBord said. “We have a No. 1 guy right now, but we have the rest of the spring and all summer to play. I’m not going to announce it now, because we have to see what happens over the summer.”
The secondary is the focal point of the defensive side, as CMU’s defensive backs were near the bottom of the MAC in every category last season. The addition of former Ball State defensive coordinator Bill Bartolomeo and the emergence of safeties King and Mike Thomas give DeBord hope for this season.
“I fully expect King to step up and become an all-league performer this season,” DeBord said.
Cornerback is position brimming with youth, although Derrick Holloman, Marlin Maxwell and Jesse Dailey have stepped up over the spring. DeBord also expects junior Richard Kiel and sophomore Fabrice Raymond to return from spring injuries.
