Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Continues Spring Practice
4/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 2, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT -- It's the end of the second week of spring practice for Central Michigan football and the staff continues to see improvement.
One area of focus for the Chippewas has been their defense.
"Our defense made some improvements in Saturday's practice," said second-year head coach Mike DeBord. "The ability to have an active defense is an asset to playing well.
"I thought that our offense had some trouble on Saturday, especially running the ball. However, you want your defense to stop the offense in practice."
The defense returns nine of its 11 starters from last season, including the entire defensive line. The defense surrendered 267 rushing yards per game last year and that's an issue DeBord is trying to remedy before fall comes around.
"I think we've been too inconsistent on defense," DeBord said. "I have liked the play of Marvin Smith (Wellington, Fla./Jr.) and Cullen Jenkins (Belleville/Jr.) up front on defense but the others need to step it up."
The offensive side of the ball still has work to be done. It lost only four starters from last season and returns its starting quarterback, tailback and five of its linemen. The pass-driven offense averaged 179 yards per game in 2000. However, the running game suffered with a 92 yards per game average.
"It will be interesting to look at the tape from Saturday's scrimmage," DeBord commented. "I think our offense committed too many turnovers. We played almost two- games worth of plays and turned the ball over three or four times. That's too many.
"Our quarterbacks are progressing. I think that Derrick Vickers (Miami, Fla/So.) and Derek Gorney (Clinton Twp./Jr.) have been playing better. However, we're not physical enough at running back and that's a position we need to be tougher at." The Chippewas have not only tried to better its first-string players in the off season but have been working on getting its reserves some time on field as well.
"We have starters who need get better," said DeBord. "But, most important, our backups need get better as well. The second-string players are only one play away from being on the field."
The spring season has not left the Chippewas with too many bumps and bruises. The lone injury remains Darvin Lewis (Detroit/Jr.) who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
CMU returns to the field for practices on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All practices will be outside, weather permitting. The team may practice indoors at the IAC in case of bad weather.
