Central Michigan The departure of Frank Zombo and his 25.5 career sacks is the biggest blow for the Chippewas front four. Fortunately, senior defensive tackle Sean Murnane returns for his last season, coming off ranking sixth in tackles (49) and second in sacks (3.5). Murnane’s tackle buddy is expected to be John Williams while junior Kashawn Fraser and sophomore Caesar Rodriguez will be asked to rush the quarterback.
Northern Illinois Senior Jake Coffman didn’t need an hour long special to announce that he changed his mind about returning for his final season as a Huskie. Coffman will tag team with sophomore Sean Progar, who was second on the team in sacks with six, while seniors Mike Krause and D.J. Pirkle will do the dirty work inside.
Western Michigan Junior college transfer John Rice might be hoping that the football genes from his uncle, NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, will be hereditary and help fuel success for the Broncos this season. He’ll pair up with freshman Travonte Boles to stop opponents’ running game. The pass rushers for Western Michigan are expected to include a combination of players rotating in and out.
Toledo Too bad there isn’t an eligibility rule for years at a position because Derrick Summers relished playing his first season as a nose tackle, recording a career-best four sacks after playing end and middle linebacker his previous three seasons. The Rockets’ senior defensive end tandem of Alex Johnson and Douglas Westbrook will look to skyrocket their 2009-2010 sack total of five. Juniors Johnathan Lamb and Malcolm Riley recorded only 16 total tackles last season.
Ball State Senior Robert Eddins carried the Cardinals front four last season registering a team high seven sacks and leading the line in tackles with 55. The vacancies left by Drew Duffin and Brandon Crawford, who combined for 88 total tackles and four sacks, will only make Eddins’ burden heavier. Junior defensive tackle Adam Morris is the only other definite starter for Ball State’s defensive line.
Eastern Michigan Brandon Downs erupted for 58 tackles and seven sacks in his final season as an Eagle. Eastern Michigan will definitely miss the undersized defensive tackle (6’1, 246 pounds). But with seven defensive linemen returning, Downs’ departure might not be as devastating as many expect. Junior defensive end Javon Reese and senior tackle Ryan Leonard played efficiently ranking second and third in tackles for loss while Brandon Slater recorded 31 tackles.