STAFF REPORT
A late five-game winning streak propelled CMU to a bowl game last season. Given the Chippewas personnel losses, putting together that kind of stretch will be difficult.
One huge loss is quarterback Shane Morris, who performed admirably after transferring over from Michigan for one final season. With his considerable contributions, Central managed to finish fourth among MAC teams in passing yardage (255.7 ppg).
OEFENSE
Sophomore Tony Poljan . . .
A late five-game winning streak propelled CMU to a bowl game last season. Given the Chippewas personnel losses, putting together that kind of stretch will be difficult.
One huge loss is quarterback Shane Morris, who performed admirably after transferring over from Michigan for one final season. With his considerable contributions, Central managed to finish fourth among MAC teams in passing yardage (255.7 ppg).
OEFENSE
Sophomore Tony Poljan . . .
. . . appears to have plenty of physical tools (6-7, 237), but he will have to step up as the prime signal caller.
Here’s more on on the Chippewas:
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS (8-5, 6-2 MAC in 2017)
>> CMU’s receiving corps was hit hard by graduation.
>> There are plenty of seniors along the offensive line, which showed improvement last season. Shakir Carr tops that unit.
>> Junior running back Jonathan Ward (second team All-MAC) hopes the line can open some nice holes. He averaged 78.4 ypg last year, fourth best among MAC rushers. Given the skills of Ward and Poljan, the running game could get a lot of work this season. The question is, will it be tougher without the same passing threat?
Here’s more on on the Chippewas:
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS (8-5, 6-2 MAC in 2017)
>> CMU’s receiving corps was hit hard by graduation.
>> There are plenty of seniors along the offensive line, which showed improvement last season. Shakir Carr tops that unit.
>> Junior running back Jonathan Ward (second team All-MAC) hopes the line can open some nice holes. He averaged 78.4 ypg last year, fourth best among MAC rushers. Given the skills of Ward and Poljan, the running game could get a lot of work this season. The question is, will it be tougher without the same passing threat?
DEFENSE
>> Defense was a strength last year as Central finished fourth (all games, second MAC-only) in total defense.
>> DBs Amari Coleman and Josh Cox are gone, but Sean Bunting is back to anchor the secondary. Linebacker is a strength, with seniors Malik Fountain and Alex Briones anchoring that unit.
>> Three starters return along the defensive line.
MISC:
>> Jerrod Davis (Jr) showed a lot of potential when he ran his first kickoff return 98 yards for a TD. For the season, he averaged 26.7 yards per return.
>> Central Michigan’s road slate includes games at Kentucky, Northern Illinois, Michigan State and Toledo.
>> Defense was a strength last year as Central finished fourth (all games, second MAC-only) in total defense.
>> DBs Amari Coleman and Josh Cox are gone, but Sean Bunting is back to anchor the secondary. Linebacker is a strength, with seniors Malik Fountain and Alex Briones anchoring that unit.
>> Three starters return along the defensive line.
MISC:
>> Jerrod Davis (Jr) showed a lot of potential when he ran his first kickoff return 98 yards for a TD. For the season, he averaged 26.7 yards per return.
>> Central Michigan’s road slate includes games at Kentucky, Northern Illinois, Michigan State and Toledo.
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