Eagles report: Strategy and personnel

May 2, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Inside slant

2008 OUTLOOK: The Eagles are coming off a season in which they swept their in-state rivals and finished third in the highly competitive MAC West. To continue to make progress and make a move to the top of the division, the Eagles will be looking for sustained progress out of their offense, which came on strong at the end of the season, while looking to address some losses on the defensive side of the ball.

With improved depth and the possible emergence of some playmakers on defense, the Eagles appear to have their best chance in several seasons to finish with a winning record. The last time the Eagles finished over .500 was 1995, when they were 6-5.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Eagles averaged 36 points per game in their last three games of the 2007 season, and with a healthy Andy Schmitt returning as the starting quarterback for his junior season, they could be a difficult team to stop in 2008. Schmitt, who accounted for 20 touchdowns and was the Eagles' second-leading rusher in 2007, will need the running game to develop to take some of the load off of his shoulders. The Eagles lose last year's top rusher, Pierre Walker, but believe they have found answers in the combo duo of Terrence Blevins and Dwayne Priest, who have shown flashes but remain unproven as featured performers. With returning receivers Jacory Stone and Tyler Jones, the Eagles have an experienced receiving corps to go along with an offensive line that returns with significant game experience as well.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
While the Eagles defense, especially the defensive line, loses a couple of key components in Jason Jones -- a second-round NFL draft pick -- and Eric Young, the heart and soul of their defense returns in the persona of senior linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw. Holtzclaw topped the team in tackles in 2007 and was 21st nationally. A four-year starter and preseason Lombardi Award watch list candidate, Holtzclaw has developed into one of the nation's top linebackers. The Eagles' defensive secondary emerged last year with the development of DB Ryan Downard, whose six picks placed him second among all freshmen nationally last season. A slew of young players are getting a look on the defensive line, and this unit will bear watching -- their development will be key to determining the Eagles' defensive fortunes.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Dontayo Gage has the potential to become one of the most dangerous return men in the MAC. Gage has lightning fast speed and averaged 23.1 yards per KO return in 2007, including returning one kick for a 90-yard TD and figures to be a major weapon in the Eagles' return game again this season. Elsewhere, punter Zach Johnson, a Ray Guy Award candidate, was solid in 2007, averaging 42.1 yards per punt while also being forced to take over placekicking duties. While Johnson converted 5 of 7 FG efforts, including a 50-yarder in 2007, he and PK Sean Dutcher have struggled in the spring. EMU is hoping to add a scholarship kicker before the season starts to take the load off of Johnson.

ROSTER REPORT

--WR DeAnthony White suffered a fractured right hand late in the spring but is expected to be ready in time for the fall.

--TE Kyle Pollock is recovering from a fractured foot and is expected to be sidelined until fall camp.

--SS Chris May is recovering from a fractured arm.

--DE Corey Riley continues to recover from offseason bi-lateral knee surgery. He was unavailable in the spring and his availability in the fall has yet to be determined.

--WR Corey Welch suffered a dislocated shoulder but should be recovered in time for the season, probably sooner.

--DL Adam Brockman has left the program.