Eastern Mich Eagles

Head Coach

Jeff Genyk	5th year
07-08	4-8
MAC	3-4
FCR	95

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - This could be the make or break year for Jeff Genyk, who’ll be entering his fifth year at the helm. They return 15 starters and will put points on the board, but can they stop anyone. The front four must generate more pressure and contain the running game for the Eagles to make any strides forward this season.

Quarterback - If Eastern Michigan is going to take the next step and get t the .500 mark it will be thanks to the emergence of junior quarterback Andy Schmidtt. He was solid last year but for the Eagles to improve in 08’ it’ll necessary for the team to score and win some shootouts as the defense is going to be hard pressed to stop anyone. Sophomore Kyle McMahon is waiting in the wings and the coaching staff is giving him the opportunity to show what he can do.

Running Backs - At running back the expectations are that senior Terrence Blevins is going to have a breakout season, he has size, he’s 226 lbs, and 4.5 speed but has yet to produce and has had turnover issues. EMU is deep at the position with sophomores Dwayne Priest, Jayson Jones and Maurice Goodrum and redshirt freshman Corey Welch all waiting in the wings. As a group there small, loaded with quickness and capable of big plays but still unproven.

Receivers - At wide receiver three of the top four receivers return but as a whole they are consistent but haven’t made the big plays that help spread the field. Junior Jacory Stone sophomore will be at the X position, he had 47 receptions last year but his 9.8 yards per catch needs to improve. The H spot will be a battle for playing time between senior Tyler Jones and junior DeAnthony White. Sophomore Tyrone Burke will be on the inside Z position, although smallish he’s not afraid to mix it up and he was outstanding this spring. The tight end spot will be between sophomore Josh LeDuc and JUCO Kyle Pollock.

Offensive Line - On the outside and the leader of the line is senior left tackle T.J. Lang and at right tackle is sophomore Bridger Buche. Also starting will be juniors Andy Fretz on the left and on the right Stephen Johnson at the guard positions, at center will be sophomore Eric Davis. Sophomore Dan DeMaster started eigth games last season and will see time as will senior Joe Charles. They were solid in pass protection last year and will improve in the run game in 08’, look for Buche to have a breakout year as his upside is huge.

Defensive Line - The D-Line returns two senior starters in defensive end Spenser Smith and defensive tackle Josh Hunt, but they lose two of their defensive leaders in Jason Jones and Eric Young. Joining them will be junior Brandon Downs on the other end and at tackle redshirt freshman Brandon Slater. Waiting in the wings are a trio a promising players in sophomores Adam Brockman, Tyler Palsrok and redshirt freshman Brad Ohrman. It’s a young group with some upside, they’ll be OK against the run and if they can generate a better pass rush the overall defensive stats will improve.

Linebackers - The defensive centerpiece and a strong candidate for MAC Defensive Player of the Year is senior Daniel Holtzclaw who’ll man the middle. He’s roams the filed and makes tackles, as evidenced by 330 career tackles, he has good quickness and he’s also solid in pass defense. On the strongside will be junior Andre Hatchett and sophomore Tim Fort on the and on the weakside will be senior Jermaine Jenkins. They rely on quickness and they’ll make tackles but need help from the front four or those tackles will often be downfield.

Defensive Backs - At the corner will be sophomores Arrington Hicks and Kevin Long, they possess outstanding quickness and there backups are former starters junior Derrick Hunter and senior Lyle Garrison. Both safeties return in free safety sophomore Ryan Downard and strong safety senior Jacob Wyatt. Great depth in the backfield, need to utilize their quickness and create turnovers.

Special Teams - Junior Zach Johnson was outstanding last season, he averaged 42.1 yards on his punts and showed his leg strength by hitting on a 50-yard field goal attempt. The placekicking will be a battle between Johnson and sophomore Sean Dutcher, who started much of last season. Kickoff returns will be in the capable hands of junior Dontayo Gage, handling the punt returns will be junior Nate Beard if he can improve on last year’s performance.

Schedule - Losses at Michigan St and Maryland are inevitable, but getting Toledo and Northern Illinois at home early may help. They won’t get over the hump in 08’, but they should be more competitive, the Eagles will get 3 wins this year.