Central Michigan University Athletics
Defensive Line Laced With Veterans
8/16/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2002
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Focused, spirited, veteran, and deep.
That's what head coach Mike DeBord sees when he looks at his defensive line on the 2002 Central Michigan University football team.
"I like the attitude of this group," DeBord said. "We have experience, and we have a lot of guys who can play for us."
Spearheading the group are a trio of three-year senior starters in 6-1, 270-pound tackle Marvin Smith (Wellington, Fla./Suncoast), 6-2, 250-pound end Cullen Jenkins (Belleville) and 6-3, 260-pound end Matt Reynolds (Port Huron/Northern).
"Marvin is as dependable and solid as he's always been," DeBord said. "Cullen's motor has been in high gear, and his effort is great. He still needs work on technique. Matt is a much better football player, much more consistent."
Smith has 21 career tackles for losses of 64 yards while Jenkins has 18 for 72 yards and Reynolds 11 for 25.
The fourth starter this season is 6-4, 275-pound middle guard Jay Davidson (Frankfort). He played as a true frosh in 2000 and saw action in eight games in 2001.
The Chippewas also have four more veterans returning, three at end -- 6-1, 250-pound junior Ike Ajoku (Brooklyn, N.Y./Technical), 6-3, 245-pound sophomore William Brookshire (Twin Lake/Reeths-Puffer) and 6-5, 265-pound Matt Wohlgemuth (Lake Orion). Also back on the inside is 6-2, 270-pound sophomore Kalani Muragin (Orlando, Fla./Colonial).
"We don't lose much when we play different players," DeBord said. "That's the great thing about having depth."
One true freshman who has made his presence felt is 6-1, 285-pound Anthony Thompson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain).
"He's been the biggest surprise thus far in fall drills," DeBord said. "He had a great scrimmage earlier this week, and has the size we've been looking for inside. He'll see plenty of action this season."
***The Chippewas will hold their second scrimmage of the early drills this Saturday morning in Kelly/Shorts Stadium at 10 a.m.
***CMU launches the 2002 season on Thursday, Aug. 29, at home against Sam Houston State University at 7:30 p.m. The BearKats finished the 2001 season as the eighth-ranked Division 1AA team in the country by ESPN-USA Today after tying for the Southland Football League crown and finishing with a 10-3 record.
