Central Michigan University Athletics
Spring Practice: Previewing the Defense
3/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT - As Central Michigan opens its third week of spring football practice, cmuchippewas.com breaks down the Chippewas' defense for the 2010 season.
The Chippewa defense experienced a breakout season in 2009, ranking first in the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense (18.9 ppg), second in rush defense (122.9 ypg) and fourth in total defense (344.2 ypg). Nationally, CMU ranked tied for seventh in red zone defense and 17th in scoring defense. The Chippewas held four MAC opponents to 10 points or fewer, and their 48-0 win over Alcorn State was the first shutout for a CMU defense since 1996.
Those numbers were significant improvements from the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The Chippewas were 12th in the MAC in points allowed in 2007 and eighth in 2008 while allowing the most total yards of any defense in the conference both seasons.
Defensive coordinator Joe Tumpkin inherits five returning starters in 2010, including All-MAC first team linebacker Nick Bellore and All-MAC third team lineman Sean Murnane. CMU must replace a pair of starters at defensive end, one at linebacker and three in the secondary, but five of the team's top seven leading tacklers from a year ago return in 2010.
Murnane and John Williams return to the interior of the defensive line after both started all 14 games in 2009. The duo combined for 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. Daniel Jackson and Chris Reeves provided valuable depth in the interior last season. Ends Larry Knight, Sam Williams and Frank Zombo all have graduated, but Kashawn Fraser and Caesar Rodriguez return after seeing significant playing time as a sophomore and true freshman, respectively, in 2009.
Bellore and Matt Berning form one of the top linebacker tandems in the Mid-American Conference. The duo combined for 240 tackles in 2009. CMU returns plenty of depth at the position, with seven other players returning with game experience.
The secondary was hit the hardest by graduation, with corners Kirkston Edwards and Josh Gordy and safety Eric Fraser all departing. Junior safety Dannie Bolden is the lone returning starter in the secondary; he started 13 games last season, making 51 tackles and intercepting a pair of passes. Senior Bobby Seay Jr. played in all 14 games a year ago, making two starts. He ranked fourth on the team with 61 total tackles.
Vince Agnew played in all 14 games as a junior in 2009, starting twice at cornerback. He also has four career starts at the safety position. Jahleel Addae, John Carr, D.J. Scott, Lorenzo White and LaVarus Williams all will compete for playing time after earning varsity letters in 2009.
Click on the CMU Sports Zone video below to hear more from Tumpkin and Bellore.
Season Ticket Renewals Begin April 1: CMU season ticket holders are reminded that renewals for the 2010 season are being accepted beginning April 1. Contact the CMU Athletic Ticket Office online, in person at Rose Center or over the phone at 1-888-FIRE-UP2 for more information.
