Central Michigan University Athletics
Spring Football Practice News and Notes
3/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 30, 2006
MOUNT PLEASANT - With the weather in mid-Michigan finally beginning to resemble spring, the Central Michigan University football team worked out for nearly two hours in Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Thursday.
News and notes from the Chippewas' fifth of 15 spring practice dates:
On the Front Line
On paper, the offensive line shapes up as one of CMU's strongest position groups entering the 2006 season. So far, the group has lived up to the high expectations during spring drills.
Four starters return from 2005 in left tackle Joe Staley, center Drew Mormino, right tackle Andrew Hartline and Eric Tunney. Tunney, who started all 11 games at left guard in 2005, makes the move to the right side in 2006. According to head coach Brian Kelly, competition is fierce for the open left guard position.
"Adam Benke, Mark Barbaglia, Andrew Cribbs and Adam Antonides are all battling for that spot," Kelly said. "Those are all young guys that we're giving a chance to perform. And, when Jeff Maddux gets here in the fall, he's going to compete for playing time as well."
Whoever wins that battle will join a battle-tested group up front.
"Our two seniors (Staley and Mormino) compare very favorably with Eric Ghiaciuc and Adam Kieft, so those are two NFL-caliber players we have on the line," Kelly said. "Plus, you combine that with the experience of Eric Tunney and the maturity and strength of Andrew Hartline, and we feel really good about the group we have returning there."
Finding Depth on the Defense
The defensive front seven returns six starters from last season's group that helped CMU lead the Mid-American Conference in rushing defense. Still, the coaching staff is seeking to add depth up front.
"We're seeking some depth at the nose guard position," Kelly said. "Ronnie Ekdahl is 300 pounds and is penciled in as the starter there, but we need to gain some depth behind him. Guys like Philip Telfer, Casey Droscha and Evan Brownie are in the mix there, and Chris Boss is going to be an important piece on the line as well.
Spring Standouts
Kelly has liked what he has seen out of the majority of the younger players early in spring camp, but a couple in particular have caught his eye.
"I think people are really going to like what they see out of Josh Gordy at the corner," Kelly said. "Aaron Carr is another guy who has really shown himself in the secondary.
"On offense, all three of our freshman quarterbacks have really competed and prepared themselves well," he added. "Bryan Anderson, at receiver, has also shown that he has a chance to compete for us."
Junior Day on Saturday
The CMU football program will host approximately 100 high school juniors on Saturday as part of its Junior Visit Day. The potential future Chippewas will have an opportunity to tour campus, meet the coaching staff and observe Saturday's practice, which will include a scrimmage session.
Looking Ahead
The Chippewas will practice four times next week, including a non-pad workout on April 7 to prepare for the April 8 spring game. The spring game will begin at 11 a.m. in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The coaching staff has yet to finalize the format for the scrimmage, but it will likely be a 90-minute session that features an offense-versus-defense format.
