Central Michigan University Athletics
Thursday Spring Practice Report
3/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT – Central Michigan University’s football team suited up for its sixth of 15 spring practice sessions Thursday. The Chippewas went through a spirited two-hour workout in full pads in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
First-year head coach Butch Jones came away from the session pleased with the effort of the defense.
“I liked the way our defense flew to the ball,” Jones said. “They came out with an attitude, and we had some great leadership on that side of the ball. The defense took a step in the right direction today.
“On offense we are still a work in progress,” he continued. “We’re making too many turnovers. Overall though, I liked our tempo. I thought we were really upbeat. Today was just another of many steps in putting this team and this program together.”
The defense especially impressed Jones when it held the offense out of the end zone on three consecutive plays from the 3-yard line near the end of practice. The defense intercepted a tipped pass, stopped Marcel Archer just short of the goalline and forced an incompletion before Duane Brooks completed a swing pass to Carl Volny, who weaved his way into the end zone.
“I thought the defense just competed hard all day,” Jones said. “Now they have something to build on. We saw some people start to step up on defense today.”
The defense returns seven starters last season and will welcome back senior linebacker Ike Brown, who was granted a medical redshirt season. The Chippewas recorded five defensive touchdowns in 2006, returning four interceptions and one fumble for scores.
Back in the Backfield
Arguably the most competition for playing time this spring is taking place in the offensive backfield. CMU fans are familiar with junior Ontario Sneed and sophomore Marcel Archer, who combined to rush for 1,099 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2006. Justin Hoskins, who will have junior eligibility in the fall, played at Notre Dame in 2004 and 2005 before sitting out last season to fulfill transfer requirements. Redshirt freshman Carl Volny is a former All-Broward County first team honoree who ran for 899 yards and 14 touchdowns during a senior season that was cut to six games by hurricanes in South Florida in 2005.
“That is a position with great competition right now,” Jones said. “Obviously Ontario and Marcel have played here, and now Justin is in the mix as well. The guy who has really stepped up the last couple of days has been Carl Volny. He has picked up his run reads extremely well and has shown he can be a very physical running back.”
Players of the Day
The coaching staff selected Carl Volny (offense), Sean Murnane (defense) and Andrew Hartline (special teams) as its players of the day.
Notable Numbers
Several Chippewas are expected to be sporting new jersey numbers this fall. The most notable change thus far has been Ontario Sneed, who has worn the number 28 during spring drills. Sneed wore 28 during his high school career.
Upcoming Schedule
CMU is back on the practice field Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The coaching staff will host its high school coaches’ clinic Friday and Saturday. The spring game is set for Saturday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
