2008 Eastern Michigan Eagles Preview

When most coaches talk about what it takes to turn a program around, they speak in terms of five-year plans. Jeff Genyk begins his fifth year in Ypsilanti hoping that his plan will pay off. EMU was 4–8 last year but showed promise at year’s end, winning two of its final four games, knocking off Central Michigan and Western Michigan. There can be no questioning the importance of this season for the Eagles. With their in-state rivals each having played in a bowl game within the two past seasons, it’s imperative EMU keeps pace.

Two Minute Drill

A Quick Look at the Eagles

After winning only one game in ’06, the Eagles took four last season, including two biggies over their in-state MAC rivals. Although the non-conference schedule includes a couple landmines (Michigan State, Maryland), winnable games with Indiana State and Army are also on the slate. The Eagles have to find a reliable running back out of the collection of hopefuls. Terrence Blevins could be the man, provided he holds onto the football. Andy Schmitt must become more adept at getting the ball downfield, although it would help if he had more potent weapons on the outside. The defense is reasonably strong in the secondary, although the Eagles need to be more opportunistic against the pass. But the acid test for the D comes along the front seven, where linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw needs help from Andre Hatchett, and the line must be able to put up a substantial fight at the point of attack. Jeff Genyk’s fifth year has the potential for success, but EMU needs its youngsters to step up and deliver. Of course, that’s the whole idea of giving a coach five years. He can get his people in place and let them succeed. This is the time for that to happen.

Quarterbacks

The Eagles are fortunate to have junior triggerman Andy Schmitt back after a solid ’07 season. His challenge this year is to become more adept at getting the ball downfield. He is strong on his feet, having rushed for 279 yards and six scores. With a season of experience behind him and a relatively experienced offensive line in front of him, expect Schmitt to take a step forward. If sophomore Kyle McMahon wants to challenge Schmitt, he must be more accurate.

Running backs

The departure of Pierre Walker (839 yards, 10 TDs) causes concern for a ground attack that topped 200 yards in each of the final four games. The Eagles were encouraged by the spring performance of senior Terrence Blevins, who showed power and speed. Blevins must control the fumbling problems that limited his action last year. The rest of the Eagle backs are of a diminutive nature, with 5'9" Dwayne Priest and 5'8" Jayson Jones the leading candidates for extended work.

Receivers

The Eagles return their top two pass-catchers from last season, Jacory Stone (47 catches 3 TDs) and DeAnthony White (33, 3). The juniors are steady performers with experience, but neither is a gamebreaker. Former quarterback Tyler Jones, who caught 29 balls last year, has the potential to be a more potent weapon as he becomes more familiar with his role. Dontayo Gage has some speed, and redshirt freshmen Trey Hunter and David Fox could see time. Josh LeDuc emerged from spring drills as the top tight end.

Offensive linemen

The left side of the front wall should be a strength. Senior T.J. Lang is a solid left tackle, while Andy Fretz is a two-year starter at left guard. There was some maneuvering during the spring on the other side. Junior Stephen Johnson, who started four times at right tackle, moved to the guard spot and took the job, while Dan DeMaster, who started eight times at right tackle, moved to the guard spot. Expect to see him swinging between the two positions. The man in the middle is Eric Davis, who started the final six games in the pivot and was quite successful.

Defensive linemen

Seniors Spenser Smith and Josh Hunt return and have the potential to be stalwarts. Smith made 35 tackles from the end spot last year, and Hunt had 30 stops. From there, though, things get a little shaky, and the departure of standout tackle Jason Jones, who had 19.5 tackles for a loss last year, is big. Tyler Palsrok played nine games as a true freshman in ’07 but had only three tackles. He’ll start at one tackle, while Brandon Downs is at the other end.

Linebackers

Middle man Daniel Holtzclaw is on the preseason Lombardi watch list after making a team-high 125 tackles last year. He can be the fulcrum of a strong linebacking corps, provided junior Andre Hatchett, who sat out spring drills to attend to his grades, can get things in order by August. Hatchett has great speed and made 98 stops last year. If Hatchett isn’t eligible, sophomore Tim Fort, a backup last year, will start. The other outside position belongs to senior Jermaine Jenkins, who moved from safety and has been a special teams standout.

Defensive backs

Although four starters return, there is a youth movement going on at cornerback. Sophomores Kevin Long and Arrington Hicks, who showed plenty of promise last year, have grabbed the starting positions, ahead of incumbents Lyle Garrison and Derrick Hunter. Garrison and Hunter will still see time and could push their way back into the starting lineup. The free safety spot belongs to sophomore Ryan Downard, who picked off six passes last year and has all-league potential. Strong safety Jacob Wyatt made 65 tackles and intercepted two passes.

Specialists

Zach Johnson is on the preseason Ray Guy watch list after averaging 42.1 yards per punt last year. He also handles placements but attempted only seven kicks last year, making five. He did, however, convert a 50-yarder. Gage averaged a solid 23.1 yards bringing back kicks and had a 90-yarder for a score. Priest is solid in that area, too.

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