CMU Linebackers Boast Experience

Aug. 17, 2000

MOUNT PLEASANT - Experienced is the best way to describe Central Michigan University's linebacking corps entering the 2000 football season.

All three starters have been regulars in the past and are counted on for big seasons this fall for the Chippewas.

Back for his third season as the starting outside linebacker is senior Ralph Sewell (Detroit/Denby). The 6-1, 185-pounder sat out spring ball with injuries after making 72 tackles in 1999, seven for losses of 25 yards. He caused three fumbles and recovered two.

"We're being careful with Ralph this fall," CMU head coach Mike DeBord said. "He's an experienced player and we want him healthy and ready to go this season."

Senior Casey Laughlin (DeWitt) also missed spring drills but is trying to make up for lost time. The 6-2, 215-pounder inside linebacker has been a starter on and off throughout his career.

"Casey is a solid football player who's working awfully hard this fall," DeBord said. "He just needs extra repetitions to catch up." Sophomore Darvin Lewis (Detroit/Renaissance) had a banner campaign in 1999 at inside linebacker. The 6-3, 225-pounder had a team-high five interceptions to go along with 76 stops.

"Darvin is an excellent football player who should continue to get better," DeBord said.

As a group, DeBord said, "They're starting to come together and understand what it takes to be a unit."

CMU opens the season at Purdue on Sept. 2 before hosting Akron in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) opener on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.