Central Michigan University Athletics
Offensive Line a Strength for Chippewa Football
8/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2002
MOUNT PLEASANT -- When discussing his 2002 football team, Central Michigan University head coach Mike DeBord points to the offensive line as a strength.
"We had good play on the offensive line last season, and we have excellent experience returning," DeBord said. "What we have to create in training camp is depth. We need to start the season with eight players ready to go."
Although the Chippewas lost two starters from 2001 in tackle Matt Brayton and center Anders Hill, CMU returns four that were considered regulars last season -- tackles Paul Brieger (Almont/Sr.) and Adam Kieft (Rockford/So.), and guards Kyle Croskey (East Lansing/Sr.) and Derek McLaughlin (Berrien Springs/Jr.).
The anchor on the line is the four-year starter Croskey who checks in at 6-3 and 330 pounds for his final campaign in Maroon and Gold.
"Kyle is a great leader," said DeBord. "He leads by example. He sets the tempo with toughness, intelligence, and athleticism. He is the ideal lineman."
McLaughlin is a sturdy 6-5, 310-pounder. "Derek had a solid season in 2001, and we're looking forward more of the same this fall," DeBord said.
Kieft is a 6-7, 300-pounder who moves from right tackle to left this season while Brieger is a 6-4, 310-pounder who has played both guard and tackle in the past.
While 6-3, 295-pound sophomore center Eric Ghiaciuc (Oxford) is the lone regular without a start, that doesn't bother DeBord. "He had an excellent spring, and is a good football player," he said.
Providing depth will be 6-7, 297-pound redshirt freshman Jeff Jenerou (Manistique), 6-7, 315-pound junior Tom Langton (Westfield, N.J.) and 6-3, 285-pound sophomore Brandon Pitzer (Brighton). Langton and Pitzer saw limited action in 2001.
A couple of freshmen who will get a look include 6-4, 275-pound Drew Mormino (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson) and 6-4, 320-pound Robert Stanger (Hamilton, Ohio).
... ... ... ... If Brieger had any eligibility left, chances are DeBord wouldn't allow him to work. He's been injured each of the last two summers, injuries that slowed his progress in the fall.
In 2001, Brieger fell off a ladder and hurt his shoulder. This past summer, he dropped something on his foot and broke it. He's still in rehab.
"I told him he'd better stop working before something really happened," DeBord joked.
... ... ... ... Redshirt freshman Dean Zarafonetis (Grand Rapids/FH Northern) is questionable this season with a shoulder injury. The 6-4, 310-pounder was listed as a backup at guard.
