2008 Football season outlook
The Central Methodist University football team approaches the new year
with enthusiasm and optimism as the Eagles are set for their first season under the
direction of Head Coach Alan Dykens. New players, a new
football field and a new coach all build anticipation for a strong
showing in 2008.
Offensively, CMU will look to returning quarterback Brock Brockmeier for
leadership. Look for Brockmeier, a 2007 captain, to have a healthy ’08
campaign. Returners Cory Meyer and Adam Mikesch, as well as newcomers
Cory Rector, Logan Cornish and Josh Tipton, will also vie for the starting
nod and playing time as the fall unfolds.
The receiving corps will be anchored by newcomers Kevin Pike, Alonso
Spiller and Seth Bauman, in addition to returners Derek Lannigan, Chris
Janssen, Whalen George and Reggie Hatton at tight end and wide receiver.
These men should take some of the pressure off of the quarterback position as the offense
reorganizes.
Returners Rashaad Lee, Justin Gerald and Ryan Griffin will also bring
added stability to an offensive unit in transition. Lee is a returning
second team All-Conference selection and Gerald is an All-American
return specialist who will be asked to do multiple duties within the
Eagles' 2008
offensive scheme. After a great spring, look for Griffin to get
extensive playing time as the fall develops.
Up front, the Eagles will rely on returners Steven Keaster, Popi
Stevens, Matt Beaty and Ryan Turner. Last year’s backups BJ Frans and
Austin Crawford, as well as Chad Denningman, who moved from defense in
the
spring, will look to solidify spots during the preseason. A great group of
young offensive linemen, along with a strong recruiting class, have
created a heightened expectation up front.
Defensively, the Eagles will be faced with replacing a crew of players
who were mainstays for the last couple of seasons. With defensive
linemen All-American Justin Wisdom and Marvin Williams graduated, the
Eagles will turn to returners Michael Stromsness, Ryan Huckaby and Matt
Beaty; newcomers Patrick Siebels and Cortez Lawrence; and Cavelle
Cole-Neal, who moved from offense, to solidify this unit.
The Eagles return several starters on the rest of the defensive
side of the ball. Chad Smith, Ryan Boyer, Charlie Stevens, Mickey
Pitman, Ira Riggins and Touissant Peterson are all returning to bring
stability to the great defensive unit. Newcomers Cody McCann, Brett
Fitchpatrick and Matt Polowy, transfers Kyler Crawford and AH
Marshall, along with multiple other incoming freshmen, look to break
into a very solid unit that will vie for playing time and starting
positions.
The Eagles' special team responsibilities will be manned by Matt McClenahan and Tyler Padgett. McClenahan is a returning punter who
averaged around 38 yards per punt last year. Padgett will
hold down the place-kicking duties. Newcomers Rey Hernandez and Dustin
Payne will support the kicking corps, while Marshall Woodruff will help
with the punting.
Overall, the Eagles are aiming to make great strides in the 2008 campaign. The players are excited, the coaches are excited, the
administration is excited - and EAGLE PRIDE is returning to Fayette,
Mo.
Schedule and Results