Central Michigan University Athletics
DeBord Excited With Freshman Class
8/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 21, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University head football coach Mike DeBord has spent two weeks with his incoming freshman class and he's changed his opinion.
"It's not a good class," DeBord said. "It's a great one.
"I liked this class when we signed it back in February but after watching them in action, I see a lot of outstanding football players who will have great careers here."
While DeBord would prefer redshirting most of his yearlings, at least two will play in 2003 -- diminutive halfback Jerry Seymour and fleet tight end Joe Staley. A pair of gifted wide receivers could also see action in Jemmy Jasmin and Damien Linson as could strong-legged place-kicker Matt Foster.
. Seymour, nicknamed "Bam Bam," packs a solid 190 pounds on a 5-6 frame.
"He's quick, powerful and fast," DeBord said. "Defenders can't find him."
Staley, a 6-5, 225-pounder, was a sprinter in high school, running 21.9 in the 200 meters.
"Joe is a big-time football player," DeBord said. "He's got great speed and can catch the ball. I'm glad he's going to be with us for the next four years."
DeBord likes what he sees in Jasmin and Linson. "They have made great progress and could play," he said. "They run well and catch the ball."
Lonnell Bess, a 6-3, 220-pounder, is a third wideout who is blessed with great size. Foster is a preferred walk-on who may end up handling the kickoff duties.
In addition to Seymour, CMU has two rookie halfbacks in Isaac Brown and Ramono Flowers. "Ike is a tough runner with good feet," DeBord said. "Ramono has been injured so we haven't had much chance to evaluate him."
There are three new offensive lineman in camp that definitely have the size -- 6-4, 330 pound Desmond Harris, 6-5, 290-pound Michael Raffaeli and 6-5, 300-pound Brandon Zukoff.
"We moved Harris from the defense and we like his progress," said DeBord. " Raffaeli has been injured but we liked what we saw early and Zukoff has great feet."
DeBord is particularly pleased with a trio of linebackers in De'Onte Burnam, Thomas Keith and Leython Williams. "They will be great players for us," DeBord vowed. "They're quick and tough and will make plays."
Also on defense are linemen Anthony Rogers (6-1, 260) and Eric Tunney (6-3, 240), and safety Curtis Cutts. "All three are athletic with bright futures," DeBord said.
Nick Gildersleeve has been impressive in limited work at quarterback. "He has a good, strong arm," DeBord said. "He just doesn't know the system yet but that's to be expected."
The Chippewas open the 2003 season on Aug. 30 at Michigan at noon. CMU will open the home season on Sept. 6 against New Hampshire at 1 p.m.
