By John Agovino Aug 22, 2006, 13:50 GMT
OFFENSE: Genyk returns seven starters this season on the offensive side of the ball, but two players not back are quarterback Matt Bohnet and running back Anthony Sherrell. Bohnet will be replaced by Tyler Jones who threw for just 245 yards and two scores in '05. Jones also has the ability to run the ball, finishing second on the squad with 267 yards and one TD. Jones might not put up the passing numbers of Bohnet, but he should more than make up for his lack of passing skills with his mobility and rushing yards. Jones will have options down field with the return of wideouts Eric Deslauriers and Travis Lewis. Deslauriers was the team's go-to guy last season, finishing with 75 catches for 874 yards and eight scores. As for the EMU ground game, Dwayne Harrison takes over for Sherrell and he has the ability to shine in the spread offense. As a true freshman, Harrison saw little action but rushed for 236 yards and one score. At 5-8, Harrison is small but has a solid frame at 206 pounds and with his combination of speed and power he will definitely give opposing defenses something to worry about. Another reason to believe Harrison is going to have a solid season is eight of the top 10 offensive linemen from last season return, including four starters.
DEFENSE: The Eagles have been atrocious against the run the past few years, but this season should be drastically different. The team returns three starters on the front line, including defensive end Kevin Howe who was a Second Team All- MAC selection in '05, logging 10.5 sacks. While the defensive line should be improved, the linebacking corps is the heart and soul of Genyk's unit. All three starters return with a year of experience under their belts. Michael Richardson, who finished the '05 campaign with 102 tackles, is the clear leader of the group, but sophomore Daniel Holtzclaw is probably the most talented. Last year as a true freshman, Holtzclaw recorded 91 stops, 5.5 TFLs and five interceptions. While the defensive front and linebacking corps look to be solid, the same can not be said for the defensive backfield which is returning just one starter in cornerback Duan Bracey. With three new starters and the loss of the team's leading tackler, safety Rontrell Woodruff, this is expected to be the biggest trouble spot for Genyk and the Eagles this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS: EMU's kicker/punter Andrew Wellock has been named to the First Team All-MAC squad two straight seasons and there is no reason to believe he won't be there again. Wellock averaged 38.5 yards per punt and connected on 18- of-25 field attempts with his longest coming from 52 yards out last year. The return game will once again be handled by Trumaine Riley. Last year Riley averaged 22.4 yards per kick return, but struggled on punt returns, churning out just 6.1 yards per attempt.
OUTLOOK: The Eagles should be improved on defense this season, however, that does not mean the team will be better overall. EMU will start the season with a new QB and running back and considering the team's first three games are on the road against Ball State, Michigan State and Northwestern look for the Eagles to stumble out of the chute. Genyk's troops do luck out and get Toledo and Northern Illinois at Rynearson Stadium, but anything more than five victories for the Eagles this season will be a shock.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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