Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Heads Into Final Week Of Spring Practice
4/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 14, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- The Central Michigan University football squad heads into its final three practices of spring ball this week.
The Chippewas will be on the gridiron this Tuesday, Thursday, and will play a spring game this Friday, April 18, at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The game will start at 10 a.m.
"I think the athletes always look forward to the spring game," head coach Mike DeBord said. "There are no other opponents in the spring and the players really look forward to being in a game-like situation."
Heading into the final week of practices, the coaches look to iron out the inconsistencies that have taken hold during practice. Both the offense and defense have shown marked improvement this offseason but DeBord is looking for both teams to play its best at the same time.
"Our defense made a lot of progress on Tuesday and Thursday of this week but were inconsistent on Saturday," DeBord commented. "On the other hand, our offense struggled on Tuesday and Thursday but looked good on Saturday. It all depends on who shows up with the strongest attitude. That's very important."
In these final three practices, DeBord hopes to see a consistent level of attitude and performance.
"This team has to be consistent," DeBord said. "That is the biggest thing we have to work on."
One of the concerns from last season was the receiving corps. In 2002, the receivers accounted for 1,994 yards of offense, the third lowest total in the Mid-American Conference. While speed at wide out is the major concern, DeBord hopes that a healthy receiver corps, bolstered by the addition of Obed Cetoute-Genaille (Montreal, Quebec/Fr.) and the return of Scott Gibson (Jefferson, Wis./So.) and Willie Hill (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Sr.), will be a bigger threat on the field. Add the experienced Jacob Brown (Saginaw/Jr.) and CMU hopes to have speed and legitimate downfield threats in 2003.
"Gibson has had a good spring season until he got a little banged up in practice this week," DeBord noted. "But, Markus Naves (Grand Rapids/Fr.) has made a lot of progress this offseason and (Jacob) Brown has looked strong. However, the rest of the receivers have been inconsistent."
Another concern for DeBord heading into spring ball was the defensive backfield. Last year, CMU surrendered 264.4 passing yards per game. That was the second most in the MAC. Only Miami's 273.0 yards per game were more. However, DeBord has liked what he has seen thus far.
"This team is young on the corners but we are also strong at safety," commented DeBord. "I've seen some good plays from our defensive backfield this spring. I think it has improved with every practice this offseason."
However, if the second team steps up, the defensive backfield could be one of the strongest components of the defense.
"Our second group needs to show some more consistency," said DeBord. "But, once it steps up, I think we will be strong at back."
