Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Have A Good Blend At Linebacker
8/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT - A combination of proven veterans and promising newcomers help make the linebacking corps for the 2001 Central Michigan University football team a solid unit.
"We have more depth at these positions and we'll be bigger and stronger," CMU head coach Mike DeBord said. "I look for us to play a lot better at linebacker this year."
Junior Darvin Lewis (Detroit/Renaissance) should be one of the better linebackers in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) this fall. The 6-3, 230-pounder was second in tackles for the Chippewas in 2000 with 113 and among the MAC leaders with 13 tackles for losses of 38 yards.
"Darvin has come back strong from shoulder surgery," DeBord said. "He runs well and is in great shape. We look for him to have a great year."
Redshirt freshman Anthony Tyus (Lansing/Sexton) and JC transfer Jovan Clarke (Miami, Fla./Highland, Kan. CC) will both see action behind Lewis. Tyus is a 5-10, 220-pounder and Clarke checks in at 6-3 and 230.
Lewis will man the Mike backer slot with senior James Westrich (Niagara, Wis.) a returning starter at Will. The 6-1, 225-pounder had 55 tackles last season and will be pushed by 6-1, 225-pound sophomore Ed Hillery (Rochester Hills/Rochester). Hillery played in 10 games last season and had 21 tackles as a true frosh.
Converted safety Finley Carter (Ft. Myers, Fla./Riverdale) won the starting slot at the Sam backer in the spring and will be backed by redshirt freshman James King (Oak Park/Western). The 5-10, 185-pound Carter had 41 tackles last fall.
At the Buck backer, 6-1, 210-pound redshirt frosh Jon Nelson (Lake Zurich, Ill.) and 6-0, 210-pound sophomore Derrick Wallace (Naples, Fla./Lely) will vye for the starting role in early drills. Wallace saw action in four games a year ago before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.
"On the inside, I've been impressed with Lewis and how he has battled back from a shoulder injury," said DeBord. "I also like Clarke's speed and how well he has taken to our coaching and Tyus, Hillery and Westrich are getting good reps in at practice too.
"Our outside linebackers are playing well also. You're going to see a much improvement in our defensive linebackers. We have more depth this year and we'll be able to keep them fresh."
There are no major injuries to report as the team makes its way through the first full week of practice.
"Players have the typical injuries you see in a training camp," DeBord commented. "There are some groin, hands and hamstring injuries. However, we can't let up on the players. We have to keep pushing them and make it through this week."
The Chippewas launch the 2001 season at home on Thursday, Aug. 30, against Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is Kelly/Shorts Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
