2016 Roster predictions: Special Teams Edition
Some football fans believe special teams is not a big part of the game. Clearly, they are not true football fans.
Special teams is a tremendous part of the game, and often times you see games in which are decided by a single play on special teams alone.
Here are some expectations for the Central Michigan football team's special teams group this coming fall.
Kicker: Senior Brian Eavey
It's been a long road for the senior place kicker that did not see game action in his first two years as a Chippewa. In 2014 Eavey connected on 8-of-9 field goal attempts, ranking second on the team in points and really setting up a big season last year as a junior. Last fall Eavey took a huge step forward, appearing in all 13 games and earning Second Team All-MAC honors. He was 16-of-24 on field goal attempts and made all 38 of his extra point tries. He knocked down multiple kicks of 40 yards or more, including a career long 48-yard field goal against Toledo. Eavey will be expected to be a leader of the team this season and remain consistent in the kicking game. He is a true asset. As far as holding the ball, we should see RS Jr. wide receiver Mark Chapman come in to hold kicks as he did at some points last season, but only time will tell on who will be the placeholder.
Punter: Sophomore Cooper Mojsiejenko
We all know the story of the CMU punter from last season. Ron Coluzzi, the team's then-punter, decided to transfer just prior to the bowl game as he headed to Iowa. This season the team is expecting second-year player Cooper Mojsiejenko to step in as the team's punter this season. He was redshirted in 2014 and did not see any game action last season. Should he not work out at the position, the team will look elsewhere to fill the void. Much isn't known about Mojsiejenko, so it will be interesting to see how he performs early on. You may also see Mojsiejenko as the place holder on field goal attempts this season.
Kick/Punt returner: Sophomore Emmett Thomas
Thomas bursted onto the scene last year showing incredible speed and agility, earning him a spot as the team's kick returner as a true freshman. However, he was unable to break a long one all season, as his career-long return remains just a 31-yard return. However, every time he touched the ball fans felt he had a chance to go the distance, and the same will remain this season. He appeared in all 13 games last season returning 28 kicks for 567 yards for a 20.2 average, good enough for 6th best in the MAC. His other position is at the defensive back spot, where he recorded two pass breakups in his first career start against Akron on October 31st.
Backups: RS Jr. Corey Willis, Jr. Amari Coleman
Should Thomas struggle in the return game, it's possible we will see Corey Willis return some kicks and Amari Coleman could be used in the punt return game. The team has plenty of good athletes to see a chance at returning kicks.
Long Snapper: RS So. Luke Idoni
CMU lost its senior long snapper to graduation last season, and the team will look to redshirt sophomore Luke Idoni to fill that void. Idoni redshirted in 2014 and did not see any game action last season. Let's hope he can get the ball where it needs to be and there are no issues here.
The Central Michigan special teams were pretty average last season, but certainly have a weapon in place kicker Brian Eavey. Fans can expect this group to be even more improved with experience this year, and could help make an impact in many games this season.