Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Receiving Corps Deep, Experienced
8/25/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 25, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT - Despite the loss of its top two pass catchers, Central Michigan University receiving corps appears in good hands.
"We've got depth and experience," said new head coach Mike DeBord. "It's a dependable group with a couple of guys capable of making big plays. These guys worked awfully hard during the summer to get where they're at."
Gone from last year's team are Jammarl O'Neal (59 catches for 1,085 yards) and tight end Mark Swetz (30 grabs for 407 yards). O'Neal failed to meet NCAA requirements and Swetz graduated.
However, the two starters at wide receiver this fall will be a pair of seniors who saw plenty of action in 1999 - Ira Gooch (Davenport, Ia./Ellsworth CC) and David Hannah (Clinton Township/Chippewa Valley). Gooch, who also ran for 438 yards when injuries forced him to tailback, had 26 receptions for 236 yards and Hannah 24 for 356.
"We have to get the ball to Ira," DeBord said. "He's got good speed and is a big-play threat. David should have a great senior year. He put in the extra time it takes. He runs great routes and catches the ball well."
The backups are experienced in senior Shelton Lewis (Houston, Tex./West Hills CC) and sophomore Rob Turner (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Pinecrest). Lewis had one catch for four yards last fall and Turner grabbed 11 for 121 yards. Two others who should play are sophomore Roderick Means (Inkster/Robichaud) and true freshman Steve Messam (South Bay, Fla./Glades Central).
NOTES--**The Chippewas will not hold any more scrimmages prior to the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Purdue (kickoff is 1 p.m. EST).
"We've been physical enough the first two weeks and now we have to heal and get ready for the season," DeBord said.
Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 28, at Central Michigan.
**The home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 9, against Akron (1 p.m. EDT).
**A couple of young Chippewas have made position changes this fall and have moved into the two-deep at their positions.
Redshirt freshman Kyle Tafelski (Clearwater, Fla./Countryside) moved from linebacker to fullback and is No. 2 there while true frosh Anthony Tyus (Lansing/Sexton) came in as a fullback but is now a backup at inside linebacker.
