Chippewas report: Notes, quotes

March 26, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Inside slant · Strategy and personnel

SPRING OBJECTIVES
Expect spirited competition this spring in the defensive secondary and among the linebackers. Josh Gordy and Calvin Hissong are among the top returning performers but can be expected to get a serious battle from some of the newcomers, particularly Lorenzo White Jr., as the coaching staff looks to solidify a shaky defense. The defensive line should also see serious competition for playing time, with DT Tredale Kennedy being one to watch as the spring unfolds. Offensively, the team is loaded again and there should be healthy competition in the backfield among the returning RBs -- seniors Ontario Sneed and Justin Hoskins, along with junior Marcel Archer and sophomore Carl Volny.

BUILDING BLOCKS
With junior QB Dan LeFevour once again at the helm of the Chippewas' offensive attack, the foundation is rock solid. LeFevour, whose record-setting 2007 performance paced the Chips' a second consecutive title, is a multi-threat performer whom the team looks to for direction and leadership. He has the ability to beat teams with his arm or his legs (he was the team's leading rusher in 2007). He has with another solid receiving group at his disposal, led by junior Bryan Anderson, 2007 MAC Freshman of the Year Antonio Brown, and emerging threat Kito Poblah. A player to watch who was limited last season because of injuries is sophomore WR Taylor Bradley, who averaged 11.2 yards per catch last season in abbreviated duty.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Last season, the Chippewas were brutal outside of conference play, going 1-4 and being outplayed badly in their games against BCS foes but showed plenty of chemistry in the ability to rebound in conference play. Looking at their 2008 schedule, which includes two three-game trips, the Chips will need to show some more of that resiliency. Non-conference games include trips to national title contender Georgia on Sept 6 and to Purdue on Sept 20 but an opener against Eastern Illinois on Aug 28 at home and a trip to Indiana on Nov 1 are winnable contests. The battle for the MAC West title could go well into the season with a home date against Ball State on Nov 19 being a likely battle to decide the division winner. Other key dates also include a home game Oct 18 against rival, and division contender Western Michigan and the final game of the regular season at Eastern Michigan on Nov 28.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This spring part of our process is developing new leadership and identifying who is going to step up to be a leader. Part of becoming a leader means suffering through adversity and coming out of it a stronger person." -- Coach Butch Jones.