Ostman, Coleman to lead senior-heavy defense for football team next season
With returning veterans on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary, the Central Michigan football team has the opportunity to have one of the top defenses in the Mid-American Conference next season.
At the annual Spring Game, the defense caused three interceptions and forced two fumbles. Joe Ostman, Josh Cox, Amari Coleman, Michael Steinhauer and Donny Krye are just a few names of players that are returning for their senior year with the CMU football team.
Along with the seniors, junior linebacker Malik Fountain, junior defensive lineman Nate Brisson-Fast, sophomore defensive lineman Mike Danna, sophomore defensive back Sean Bunting, and plenty others are returning on the defensive side of the ball for the Chippewas.
After the Spring Game, head coach John Bonamego shared some defensive players that stood out to him.
"I though Malik (Fountain) flashed a few times and (Sean) Bunting got one of the picks," Bonamego said. "We did a good job of getting the ball out and we've got some really good defensive players.
"I think we have a chance to be very good on defense again this year."
Linebackers
The linebackers are expected to be led by junior Malik Fountain who started all 13 games last season and averaged seven tackles per game. Because of his performance in the 2016-17 season, Fountain was named on the All-MAC First Team Defense and led the Chippewas in tackles.
Junior Alex Briones will help Fountain carry the linebacker group this season. Last season, Briones started nine games and finished tied for seventh in total tackles.
Secondary
Seniors Coleman and Cox are primed to lead the defensive backs next fall. Cox started all 13 games at cornerback last season and was named to the All-MAC Third Team Defense. He ranked fifth on the team with 54 tackles last season and snagged three interceptions.
Coleman started 12 of last years' 13 games and was named to the All-MAC First Team Defense. Last season, Coleman led the MAC in pass break-ups (15) and interceptions (4). Including returning two of those interceptions for touchdowns, Coleman recorded 48 tackles. He shared CMU's defensive player of the year award with Ostman.
"I definitely think that our defense is going to be one of the strongest that we've had here, hands down," Cox said. "At the end of the day it comes down to making plays and I think we have been making a lot of plays. We will see when the season starts."
Behind Coleman and Cox, junior Otis Kearney and sophomore Bunting have matured and are expected to get more play time this season. Kearney made five starts and appeared in all 13 games last season, recording 52 tackles. Bunting tallied two interceptions last year and appeared in all 13 games.
Defensive Line
Ostman is the senior who is expected to anchor the trenches on a loaded defensive line next season.
Ostman finished third on the team in tackles (69) and started all 13 games for the Chippewas. Ostman was named All-MAC Second Team Defense and led the team with nine sacks. Along with being second in the MAC in sacks, Ostman forced two fumbles last season.
"We have some strong players across the defensive line," Ostman said. "We are also getting some young guys that are stepping up, which is what you need since we lost Jabari Dean and Kelby Latta last year."
Mike Danna and Chris Kantzavelos are going to back up Ostman on the defensive line. Danna appeared in all 13 games last season, making one start. He recorded 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman last year. Kantzavelos made nine starts and appeared in all but one game for the Chippewas. The Barlett, Illinois native recorded 19 tackles including three for a loss and one sack.
"We have a little more experience on the outside, but the defensive line as a whole is going to make some good strides this spring," Ostman said. "Having Chris (Kantzavelos') experience on the inside will be essential for us."
Coach Bonamego also has high praise for sophomore defensive tackle D'Andre Dill who saw action in nine games last season.
What's Next
The regular season kicks off on Thursday, August 31 against Rhode Island at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
