Central Michigan University Athletics
Senior Matt Wohlgemuth Anchors Defensive Line
8/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Newly elected co-captain Matt Wohlgemuth anchors an experieced yet relatively young defensive line for the Central Michigan University football team in 2003.
The 6-5, 265-pound senior played defensive end in his first three seasons as a Chippewa but he's moved inside for his final campaign as a defensive tackle.
"Matt is the leader of that defensive line," said fourth-year head coach Mike DeBord. "He can play inside or outside at his size and quickness. He has a lot of strength and football savvy."
Wohlgemuth has been a "big play" guy in the past for CMU with 12 tackles for losses of 60 yards a year ago to go along with six QB sacks for minus 54 yards.
Working next to Matt inside will be 6-1, 290-pound sophomore Tony Thompson who played as a true freshman in 2002.
"Tony is a much improved football player," DeBord said. "He's playing with a lot more leverage." Thompson had 22 tackles, two for losses of five yards, a year ago.
Backing up both will be 6-2, 280-pound junior Kalani Muragin. He was in on 36 tackles last fall including two QB sacks for minus 21 yards.
"Kalani is a rugged competitor who has played a lot of football for CMU in his career," DeBord said.
Two others who could see action inside are sophomores Damon Petty (6-4, 270) and Caleb Anthony (6-4, 270).
Senior Ike Ajoku (6-1, 260) and junior William Brookshire (6-3, 250) have claimed the starting posts at end although redshirt freshman Daniel Bazuin (6-3, 250) will see plenty of action behind both.
"I have a lot of respect for Ike," DeBord said. "He's played over injuries and has stuck with the program. He's had a great training camp."
Ajoku missed the 2001 season and played only four games in 2002 because of injuries.
"William plays fast and he's powerful," DeBord said. "He runs to the ball and he makes plays."
Brookshire played in 11 games in 2002 as a reserve and made 17 tackles.
"For a redshirt freshman, Dan has learned how to play on the defensive line," DeBord said. "He runs well and will make plays."
The Chippewas open the season on Aug. 30 when they play at the University of Michigan at noon. CMU then returns to Kelly/Shorts for a pair of home encounters with New Hampshire (Sept. 6) and Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 13).
