Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewa Special Teams Look Solid
8/21/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT - It's too early to tell for sure, but Central Michigan University head coach Mike DeBord feels good about his special teams for the 2001 football season.
"We've given a lot of attention to it in practice and we meet every night on it," DeBord said. "You'll never know until game time, though."
The Chippewas launch the 2001 season on Thursday, Aug. 30, with a home game against Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff in Kelly/Shorts Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
Sophomore Brian Brandt (Wasaus, Wis./West) is an outstanding young punter who should only get better. He averaged 39.5 yards a boot last season with 16 downed inside the 20.
Placekicking could feature a pair of men - senior Paul Savich (St. Clair Shores/Lakeview) and freshman Mike Gruzwalski (Shelby Township/Eisenhower).
Savich, who has connected on 28-of-45 career field goals, may be the long-distance kicker and Gruzwalski the short-distance man.
"Paul has the stronger leg and Mike has been a more consistent," DeBord said.
After four years of Zach Poff serving as the long snapper, finding a new man to get the ball to the kickers was a top priority. Redshirt freshman walk-on Josh Reardon (Sturgis) has won the battle. He's a 6-1, 220-pounder who also plays linebacker.
The Chippewas will look to a pair of returnees on their punt and kickoff returns - senior cornerback Tedaro France (New Haven) and sophomore wide receiver Dante McKnight (Trenton, N.J./Valley Forge Military). While France's only experience running the ball came after five interceptions last fall, McKnight returned 14 kickoffs for an average of 15.1 yards.
Additional Notes:
Central Michigan will likely go with as many as three men at fullback this season. "We'll probably play by committee," DeBord said.
Getting the most snaps in drills have been 6-0, 230-pound freshman Troy Peyerk (Kimball/Port Huron) and 6-3, 235-pound sophomore Adam Supianoski (Manistee).
Sophomore Terrence Jackson (Somerset, N.J./Franklin) saw action at fullback last season and could play there again in 2001 but is also working at tailback. He's a 6-0, 230-pounder who caught five passes for 103 yards a year ago.
Another sophomore, Kyle Tafelski (Clearwater, Fla./Countryside), is another fullback whose progress has been hampered by injuries.
