FIRE UP CHIPS!!!!

Floral Cotton Back Link... Don't delete this E! - Nebo

2011-10-12T13:56:00.001-07:00

www.floralcotton.com

CMU names Enos head coach

2010-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -- Central Michigan University has named Dan Enos as its new head football coach.

The university said in a statement Tuesday that Enos will be introduced at a news conference later in the afternoon. No details were released.

The 41-year-old Enos served as running backs coach at Michigan State during the past three seasons after coaching the quarterbacks in 2006. The Dearborn Edsel Ford High graduate also played quarterback at Michigan State from 1987-1990.

Enos succeeds former Chippewas head coach Butch Jones, who was hired in December as Cincinnati's new coach. Jones replaced Brian Kelly, who came from Central Michigan three years ago and left for Notre Dame.

Central Michigan (12-2) finished the season ranked No. 23 after defeating Troy 44-41 in the GMAC Bowl.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/ncaa/01/12/cmu-enos.ap/index.html#ixzz0cX3gQeUz

Brown Signs with Rosenhaus

2010-01-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

Antonio Brown hires agent, readies for NFL draft
By Daniel Monson || January 11, 2010
Tags: Antonio Brown, coaching search, Drew Rosenhaus, Football, gmac bowl, nfl draft

Antonio Brown did not waste any time celebrating his performance Wednesday in CMU’s 44-41 double-overtime win against Troy in the GMAC Bowl.

He has a dream to achieve.

The CMU junior wide receiver declared for the NFL draft Thursday night after catching 13 passes for 178 yards in Wednesday’s GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala. He totaled 403 all-purpose yards, including a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Brown said he has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus, a high-profile agent based in Brown’s hometown of Miami, and already has worked out each day since making the trip from Mobile after the bowl game.

“I just got a full-body breakdown so I’m working on my strength,” Brown said. “Talking with my agent; he’s doing really great work in getting my name out to teams and I’m just starting this process out.

“But my key thing right now is basically getting ready for the (NFL) combine, working hard physically and mentally and getting myself prepared to do Sunday battle — it’s my dream.”

Making the call

To make the decision, Brown said he consulted with former CMU head coach Butch Jones, now at the University of Cincinnati, and former wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, now the receivers coach at the University of Florida.

“I talked to those guys and got a feel for what they were telling me, then I weighed my options and I went to my notebook and my pen and pad, and prayed about it,” Brown said. “Having a great game was just icing on the cake because I wanted to finish in that CMU uniform giving it all I had.”

Brown also said a key to his decision to leave was interim coach Steve Stripling, who recommended he enter the draft. Stripling was not offered the head-coaching job at CMU and was named associate head coach and defensive line coach at Cincinnati on Friday night.

“He said he wouldn’t be the head coach, so that played back there in my decision,” Brown said. “I really respected him as a coach and I really took guidance and evidence from him to see what he thought about my decision.”

NFL hopes

Brown said he tries not to pay attention to projections, but has heard he might be selected in the third round of the draft, which will be held April 22-24 in New York.

“I don’t really focus on the rounds because it might not end up that way,” he said. “I might go second or first.”

Brown, who, at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds and whose 305 career receptions in his three seasons ranks first all-time at CMU, likens his style of play to NFL players such as the Redskins’ Santana Moss, the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson and the Bills’ Roscoe Parrish — speedy, smaller, multi-faceted guys who can return kicks as well as play slot receiver.

One of the knocks on Brown throughout his career has been that he shies away from contact, but he said he does not see that as a problem.

“I don’t think I have any problems with going across the middle. I think, in the NFL, it’s more mental,” he said.

“I just need to be sharp on my mentality and outworking my opponents, coming in early and staying late, really being a student of the game, breaking down film. I think I got all the attributes as far as speed and athleticism.”

He said doing the little things, such as eating right, getting enough rest and working hard, will pay off and he has the mentors to make the transition to the next level.

Growing up in Miami, Brown is a big Dolphins fan. Miami’s Wildcat formation would suit Brown, who was a quarterback in high school. But he said it does not matter what organization takes him.

“I feel like I can play anywhere. I’m just excited to have this opportunity,” he said. “Whatever team gets me, they won’t be let down. In the

Wildcat, they can throw, they can bring me in motion and get the sweep, they could send me deep, they could count on me as a return man.”

“It don’t matter what system, I’m just open for the opportunity, just get settled in and do my best.”

On several NFL draft projection Web sites, Brown is ranked anywhere from the 12th-best wide receiver to the 16th, out of more than 350 prospects.

“Of course I’m a Dolphins fan; I love the Dolphins,” Brown said. “I think it would be pretty sweet to have me and Ted Ginn, but I don’t know.

“I also like Detroit; hopefully they can win some games and I’ve been in Michigan for awhile, so I tend to watch the Detroit Lions.”

CMU career

Brown, who attended North Carolina Tech for one season before walking on at CMU, said the small-town atmosphere of Mount Pleasant helped him focus.

“It really prepped me as a man; just staying grounded, and being respectful. A lot of people at CMU really helped me — they really care about me,” Brown said. “Coming from Miami, it was kind of hard for me to adapt to time management, so at CMU I really learned true time management there.

“How to live in a small area, not be on the big scene and the big crowd, how to just get away and stay focused on what I got to do.”

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AP source: CMU coach to take over at Cincinnati

2009-12-16T13:10:00.001-08:00

AP source: CMU coach to take over at Cincinnati
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer

(AP)—Cincinnati has lured another football coach from Central Michigan.

A person familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday that Chippewas coach Butch Jones has agreed to a 5-year deal with the Bearcats to replace Brian Kelly. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.

This marks the second time in three years that the Bearcats turned to the Mid-American Conference school for their head coach. They hired Kelly after a three-year stay at Central Michigan, where his spread offense was one of the nation’s best.

Jones then succeeded Kelly at Central Michigan, keeping the high-powered offensive approach while building on his success. Central Michigan won the MAC title this season by beating Ohio and finished the season at No. 25, its first national ranking.

Central Michigan athletic director David Heeke, who said two weeks ago he expected other schools to ask for permission to interview Jones, did not return a message seeking comment.

Cincinnati (12-0) moved quickly to replace Kelly, who accepted Notre Dame’s coaching job last Thursday. Offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn, who has been Kelly’s assistant for the last 22 years, said Tuesday he hoped to get the job even though he had no head coaching experience.

Quinn was promoted to interim coach when Kelly left, given responsibility for getting the Bearcats ready to face Florida in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Bearcats are scheduled to resume practice Thursday.

It’s unclear whether Jones would coach Cincinnati in its bowl game. The Chippewas will play Troy in the GMAC Bowl on Jan. 6.

Jones’ offensive philosophy and his familiarity with the Big East worked in his favor. He was an offensive coordinator at Central Michigan before moving to West Virginia as an assistant to Rich Rodriguez in 2005-06. When Kelly left for Cincinnati, he got his job at Central Michigan.

While Jones was at West Virginia, the Mountaineers had one of the nation’s top offenses. Next season, Cincinnati will return the nucleus of an offense that is one of the nation’s best.

Jones was a candidate to replace Rodriguez at West Virginia two years ago after winning his first MAC title, then Central Michigan responded by giving him a two-year extension. The school recently offered him a five-year contract to stay in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Marshall was also interested in hiring Jones away from the Chippeawas this month.

Heeke said he expected to get phone calls from other schools after Central Michigan beat the Frank Solich-led Bobcats in the MAC championship game.

“I take it as a compliment when people want to talk to your coach,” Heeke said two weeks ago. “It’s been well documented that if you can have success in this league—as Butch has—you’re a good football coach because you have to do a lot with a little.”

Associated Press Sports Writer Joe Key in Cincinnati contributed to this report.

So here we are Chips Fans!

2009-12-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

11-2
Top 25
MAC's best team
Win vs BCS School on the road..

We plat a good (but will be an underdog) Troy team in the GMAC bowl and I believe we will beat them handley and end the season ranked 22nd or 23rd in the AP. I have a bad feeling that if Brian Kelly takes the ND job that Butch may be gone to Cincy before the GMAC bowl even happens.

We gotta hope that Bajikain will get the job offered to him. I am certain he would accept. Strangley enough, if Butch stays, Steve could end up taking the Head Coaching postion at Princeton. They have been in talks.

I don't buy the whole Marshall job thing with Butch. It would be a lateral move and he would be starting over. I think he realizes with a few more good years at CMU, maybe even just one, he could easily end up at a BCS school.

Bowl Predictions:

With Kelly:
CMU 38 - Troy 24

Without Kelly, but with Bajakain:
CMU 24 Troy 21

Without Either (Disaster)
Troy 28 - CMU 17

So, as I said...

2009-12-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Central was determained to win, and they did. Dan got his records and I am happy. Now, if Norte Dame didn't wuss out and skip their bowl game, we would have gotten to see either CMU or a good Ohio team play them in the Little Ceasers Bowl or the GMAC Bowl. I don't like the fact that the GMAC Bowl in Alabama is now the destination for the 1st place MAC team. Makes no sense. Should be in the Great Lakes Region.

I am going to makes some predictions sure to go wrong:

1) Dan will get drafted in the 2-3 Round this spring.
2) Antonio Brown will also get drafted early (I assume he will declare) Probably the 3rd round.
3) Bryan Anderson will mistakenly be drafted later, 4-6th round and most likley be the most productive pro from this group.

I would love to see Zombo and Bellore get a chance, but if they get drafted at all, it will be late.

Central Michigan coach Butch Jones is in demand...I hate to think about this!

2009-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Last Updated: December 05. 2009 1:00AM
MAC championship: Notebook
Central Michigan coach Butch Jones is in demand

David Goricki / The Detroit News

Detroit -- Central Michigan coach Butch Jones accomplished what he set out to do this season, guiding the Chippewas to the Mid-American Conference championship with a 20-10 win over Ohio Friday night at Ford Field.

Now, Jones has a little bit of time to deal with possible job openings involving his name.

Jones downplayed talk of his name being considered for openings at Louisville and several other schools, including Virginia and Kansas, saying Thursday: "Like I said earlier this week, I have not talked to any other school."

Jones' stock has never been higher. CMU (11-2) could earn its first top 25 appearance with a bowl win. The Chippewas, who went 8-0 in MAC play for the first time in school history, will find out which bowl they will play in Sunday (8 p.m., FOX).

"When you win people take notice because you don't win by chance," Jones said. "It's a compliment to our program the players, coaches, everyone involved."

Jones is 27-13 in three years in Mount Pleasant, leading the Chippewas to a 22-3 mark against conference opponents.

Ironically, it was Brian Kelly who guided the Chippewas to a 31-10 win over Ohio the last time the teams played in the MAC championship game at Ford Field in 2006.

Kelly left CMU before the '06 Motor City Bowl to take the job at Cincinnati, then led the Bearcats to a win over Western Michigan just weeks later in the International Bowl.

Kelly's No. 5 Bearcats are playing at Pittsburgh this afternoon in an attempt to win consecutive Big East titles. Kelly is one of the leading candidates for the opening at Notre Dame. If Kelly gets the job, expect Jones to be a candidate for the Cincinnati job.

Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong has emerged as the leading candidate for the Louisville job according to the Louisville Courier-Journal, with Jones and former Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer still in the discussion.

Central athletics director Dave Heeke said before Friday's kickoff he had not been contacted by any athletic directors for permission to talk to Jones.

He understands their interest in him.

"He's a great coach and he's been successful," Heeke said of Jones. "They (BCS athletic directors) know how difficult it is to be successful at this level because the coaches have to do it with less."

When asked if he has a short list of names just in case Jones departs, Heeke replied, "{It's a tough time for athletic directors right now.

"Sure, I have that 'What if' scenario, not necessarily a short list though."

Brown's decision
Jones' decision to stay or leave CMU could affect Antonio Brown 's decision.

Brown, a junior wide receiver, is the nation's active career leader in receptions (292) and one of the most dangerous threats in the college game.

Brown grabbed eight passes for 66 yards in the MAC title game and is just 25 receptions away from breaking the Division 1 record owned by Taylor Stubblefield (Purdue, 316).

"I haven't thought about that decision," Brown said of possibility passing up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. "I'll take a look at my options after the season and make the best decision for me.

"I give God the glory for my numbers. I just go out and do my assignments and let the numbers take care of themselves."

Jones recruited Brown while an assistant at West Virginia.

"I would have went to West Virginia if he stayed there," Brown said of Jones. "He's been a great role model for me.

"He's been like a father figure, a person I could depend on and trust. He's demanded the most out of me and developed me as a person as well as a player."

Great senior class
Quarterback Dan LeFevour and the senior class could depart with as many wins as any other senior class in Central history. The Chippewas have 37 victories with the MAC title win, one shy of the record held by the 1980 class (38).

CMU's senior class also has 30 wins against MAC opponents, ranking No. 2 in MAC history behind Marshall's earlier this decade (31, 2000).

david.goricki@detnews.com

Spartans UPSET!!!!

2009-09-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't post on AZ since I am such a homer...but....from yahoo sports:

Central Michigan stuns Michigan State 29-27

By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER, Associated Press Writer 17 minutes ago
Preview | Box Score | Recap

*
Buzz up!
*
Print

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP)—Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour became the Mid-American Conference’s all-time leader in total offense and led the Chippewas to a stunning, come-from-behind 29-27 win over Michigan State on Saturday.

Andrew Aguila made a 42-yard field goal for the Chippewas (1-1) with 3 seconds to play for the winning points.

LeFevour threw an 11-yard TD pass to Paris Cotton with 32 seconds left to pull Central within 27-26. On the 2-point attempt, Antonio Jones caught LeFevour’s high-arching pass, but he was out of the end zone.

The Chippewas then recovered an onside kick and drove into position for a 47-yard field goal, which Aguila missed.

But Michigan State (1-1) was whistled for offsides, giving Aguila another chance.

LeFevour, a senior, passed Byron Leftwich’s record of 12,084 yards during the game

QB- Cody Kater 3 Star Dual Threat

2009-08-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Signed LOI with Central.

Cody Kater of Montague, Mich.

Last season Kater was an All-Conference selection after passing for 2,300 yards and 29 touchdowns, and rushing for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In an interview with Scout.com's Midwest Recruiting Analyst Allen Trieu, Kater said:

“My ideal college would have a good location, an offense that I can do well in and that fits me good and great academics.”

Last season Kater was an All-Conference selection after passing for 2300 yards and 29 touchdowns, and rushing for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Being picked to win MAC matches Central Michigan football team's expectations - by Jeff Chaney | The Grand Rapids Press

2009-08-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

by Jeff Chaney | The Grand Rapids Press
Friday July 31, 2009, 10:28 PM

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour had 21 touchdowns last season. DETROIT -- For the second consecutive year, the Central Michigan University football team is the preseason selection to win the Mid-American Conference championship.

CMU received 18 votes from the 26-member media panel at the annual MAC Football Media Preview on Friday at Ford Field, 14 more votes than rival Western Michigan.

Last year's champion, Buffalo, and Temple received two votes each.

Central and Buffalo were the preseason picks to win the West and East divisions, respectively.

"We have great expectations for our football team, and this is good for the program, but we don't listen to those things," third-year CMU coach Butch Jones said. "To us, it's never how you start but where are you when you finish."

For the Chippewas, who won MAC titles in 2006 and '07, finishing last year was a problem. CMU lost its final three games to 8-5, (6-2 in the MAC West).

"Looking back, there were so many intangibles," Jones said. "As a coach and caretaker of a program, you need to research where things went wrong.

"We did suffer some injuries, we had seven out on defense at that time and we had a major flu bug in our bowl game, but how we ended last year has been a rallying cry for our program."

Leading that cry is senior quarterback Dan LeFevour, who, like his teammates, had to deal with injuries and the flu in December at the Motor City Bowl. He had 2,784 yards and 21 touchdowns passing, along with 592 yards and six touchdowns rushing, his lowest totals in three years as starting quarterback.

"We want to remember (how last year ended)," LeFevour said, "but we have to move on. Spring ball went well and we have had a great summer, so we are looking forward to the season."

LeFevour will direct a high-scoring offense that returns talented receivers in senior Bryan Anderson of Rockford and speedy junior Antonio Brown.

A slight concern might be the offensive line that has two converted tight ends at tackle in 6-foot-6, 253-pound junior Rocky Weaver and Jake Olson, a 6-8, 237-pound redshirt freshman.

The Chippewas' defense looks deeper and stronger this season. The unit that finished last in the MAC in total defense and eighth in scoring defense returns all three starting linebackers in seniors Tim Brazzel and juniors Nick Bellore and Matt Berning.

Senior defensive end Frank Zombo returns to lead the line and is ready for an attitude change for the defense.

"It's embarrassing, and I'm sick of the offense always winning games for us," said Zombo, who finished with 51 tackles and nine sacks. "We made it our goal to be in the top five in defense, and personally, I want to be the conference's top defense. We have a lot of talent and depth to do that."

MAC defenses will be put to the challenge again this year with a stellar group of quarterbacks under center in the league such as LeFevour, Eastern Michigan's Andy Schmitt and Western Michigan's Tim Hiller.

The Broncos host CMU on Oct. 17 in a game that could have championship implications.

But that is not what Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit wants to think about in August.

"We can't look at that game now, because we have a spell in our schedule where we play Buffalo and Toledo, and we need to take care of business there," said Cubit, whose team finished 9-4 last season. "The big thing for us is how you get yourself in position for that game."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2009-08-01T10:12:00.001-07:00

CMU's Dan LeFevour

2009-08-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

CMU coach Butch Jones

Breaking down the MAC

2009-07-26T06:17:00.001-07:00

Ok, so lets look at the MAC this year from a realistic prospective.

The only teams what have a legit chance to win it are:

Central Michigan
Akron
Temple
Ohio

I am not a believer in Bowling Green like some people project.

It is CMU's championship to lose honestly. If they stay healthy they should go at worst 7-1 they are fortunate to have Akron at home.

I really think they will beat either Arizona or Michigan State (hopefully both) and can certainly compete with Boston College. I would disappointed with an 8-4 finish (even with a MAC title) and think that 10-2 going into the MAC championship is possible. If that happens they could be Top 25 ranked with a 11-2 record going into the Motor City bowl. Which would be an achievement and I would be truly fired up!

Can they go 13-0 and make BCS bowl???? Very unlikely that they will beat Arizona, MSU, and Boston College even though they certainly can.

At least we don't play the #1 ranked team in the country this year!

Another Season Prediction

2009-07-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

This one comes from http://www.midmajormadness.com/2009/7/9/943238/2009-mmm-central-michigan

The Chippewa’s will be looking to capture another MAC title in the 2009 season. Failing to win their third straight MAC title last season, Coach Butch Jones and Central Michigan will be looking to reclaim their dominance in the MAC.
On offense, the Chippewa’s are returning their senior QB, Dan LeFevour who threw for just over 250 yards a game and had a pass efficiency of 155. Not only can he get it done in the air, but he is dangerous on the ground too. He was the leading rusher for his team last season with 590 yards.
The only troubles that LeFevour might face are injuries. He has had problems with both ankles, so as long as he stays healthy, the Chippewa’s could have one of the most dangerous signal callers in the game. The offensive line might be the weakest spot on the offensive side of the ball. They are inexperienced, lack depth and are injury plagued.
In the backfield, the Chippewa’s will be starting their sophomore back Brian Schroeder. He is young and inexperienced, but has a lot of upside if he can gain the confidence of his fellow teammates and stay consistent. Carl Volny and Paris Cotton are other backs that might be seeing some playing time depending on the success of Schroeder.
Central Michigan will be very strong at the receiver position. They will be experienced, talented and have big play ability. Bryan Anderson, Antonio Brown and Kito Poblah will be LeFevour’s top three guys in the air and it will be difficult for defenses to focus on all three of them during the course of a game.
Although the defense is returning a majority of their starters from last season, doesn’t necessarily translate into success. Last season they had one of the worst secondary’s in the nation, but their defensive line could be a bright spot. Sam Williams and Frank Zombo are returning and they had major contributions to a squad that was in the top 20 nationally in sack totals last season. In addition, their linebacking core is all returning including co-captain Nick Bellore, and senior Tim Brazzel.
Despite the past few seasons being awful for the defense, maybe this is the year with the experience and returning starters that they can gain some respect back. Even if they can improve a little bit in the secondary, that could do wonders for the rest of the confidence of the team and the defense and inspire another MAC title run.
’09 Prediction: 8-4

In coming freshman for 2009

2009-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Kennedy
ATH
5-7
147
-
Lauderhill, FL

Shamari Benton
DB
6-0
194
4.4
Birmingham, MI

Jeff Fantuzzi
OL
6-4
276
5.1
Macomb, MI

Adam Fenton
LB
6-2
204
4.7
Birmingham, MI

Will Schwarz
LB
6-4
212
-
Troy, MI

Alex Smith
LB
6-3
225
-
Barrington, IL

Kyle Zelinsky
LB
6-0
220
-
Bartlett, IL

Aaron McCord
DT
6-3
270
-
Detroit, MI

Cody Pettit
DE
6-3
235
4.88
Hamler, OH

Adam Schneid
OL
6-5
258
5.22
Avon Lake, OH

D.J. Scott
ATH
5-9
164
4.47
Frederick, MD

Bobby James
TE
6-4
235
4.65
Hobart, IN

Jason Johnson
DB
6-0
176
-
Durland, MI

Deja Alexander
WR
6-1
185
-
Jacksonville, FL

Galen Clemons
LB
6-3
243
4.7
Northampton, PA

Jon Czerwienski
OL
6-5
265
-
Roseville, MI

Eric Fisher
OL
6-7
260
-
Rochester Hills, MI

Jarrett Fleming
WR
6-5
215
-
South Bend, IN

Aaron Kaczmarski
DE
6-6
245
-
Merrillville, IN

Dominic Mainello
OL
6-5
245
4.9
Covington, KY

Evan Ray
DB
6-0
190
4.5
Detroit, MI

Malek Redd
RB
5-6
164
4.35
Clarksville, MD

Caesar Rodriguez
DE
6-2
208
4.8
Miami, FL

Zurlon Tipton
RB
6-0
195
4.48
Sterling Heights, MI

Cody Wilson
WR
5-11
165
-
Rochester Hills, MI

Justice Akuezue
DE
6-3
204
4.5
Ann Arbor, MI

Davon Muse
RB
5-8
160
-
Baltimore, MD

A.J. Westendorp
QB
6-2
208
4.72
Holland, MI

Leron Eaddy
DB
5-10
185
4.57
Clarksville, MD

Tim Phillips
ATH
5-5
168
4.45
Louisville, KY

Central Michigan - Team Notes

2009-07-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/mac/cmu.htm;

"Central Michigan - Team Notes";
INSIDE SLANT
Holding the longest active streak in the conference with four straight winning seasons, the Chippewas possess the tools to make some noise on the national level in 2009. The Chippewas return 18 starters from last year's 8-5 squad, which made a third straight bowl appearance.
Third-year coach Butch Jones dealt with injuries to the offensive and defensive lines during spring camp. The main movement centered on the offensive line. The injuries forced Jones to move tight end Rocky Weaver to right tackle and Jake Olson to left tackle. The Chippewas entered last season filled with a deep supply of talented tailbacks, but the competition for carries is a wide-open field heading into this season, with Carl Volny, Paris Cotton and Bryan Schroeder the main candidates.

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour headlines a solid offensive unit featuring the likes of wide receivers Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson. The Chippewas signed 30 players in the 2009 class, but three players enrolled early to get an early start. Offensive lineman Jeff Fantuzzi had a solid spring, even taking snaps with the first team.
Jones focused on improving the pass defense during the spring session. The defense gave up 393 points and 5,509 total yards in 2008. The Chippewas finished 118th in pass defense last year. "I'm very optimistic," Jones said of the secondary improving.
The Chippewas have used the motivation of losing to Florida Atlantic in the Motor City Bowl game to avoid overconfidence heading into next season. Central Michigan lost its last three games last year and opens the 2009 season at Arizona and Michigan. Despite returning nearly every key player from last year's team, Jones stayed away from getting carried away with high expectations.
"As a coach, you're never satisfied," Jones admitted. "Everything has been a gradual process, but I really liked our attitude and our work ethic all spring."
NOTES, QUOTES
--QB Dan LeFevour is close to breaking several all-time conference records. The senior needs 27 touchdown passes to pass Marshall quarterback Chad Pennington as the all-time conference leader in conference history. LeFevour is 383 total yards shy of becoming the all-time MAC leader in total offense, and 2,437 passing yards away from the conference's career leader in passing.
--WR Antonio Brown made headlines with his play at receiver and special teams last year. The junior will be a marked man in 2009, forcing the CMU staff to be creative to fully utilize Brown.
--WR Bryan Anderson enters the season with one catch in 40 straight games, representing the longest active streak in the nation. Anderson needs 81 receptions to become the MAC's career leader in catches. Anderson is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, forcing him to miss most of spring practices.

SPRING MOVERS:
RB Paris Cotton -- After rushing for 101 yards last year, the Miami native showed off his running and catching ability in the spring, putting him in contention for a starting spot.
DB Dannie Bolden -- Earned the team's Most Improved Player on Defense Award after his performance in the spring.
RB Jahleel Addae -- Could be a surprise player in the conference after an impressive showing during spring camp. He lined up at slot receiver and handled tailback duties in the spring game.
DE Kashawn Fraser -- The sophomore recorded three sacks in the spring game. Fraser
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I expect a lot from our defensive line. We are young and have good talent. We are thin numbers wise, but by no means by talent." -- CMU coach Butch Jones on his defensive line.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
2009 OUTLOOK: The Chippewas should extend their streak to five straight winning seasons and four consecutive bowl games. Barring an injury to senior quarterback Dan LeFevour, the Chippewas should be one of the best teams in the conference. The Chippewas return 18 starters and be hungry after a late-season collapse in 2008. The Chippewas enter this season with three straight losses and open on the road against Arizona and Michigan State. The defense holds the key to whether the Chippewas have a breakout season and make waves on the national level.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The offense was the hardest hit by graduation, losing five starters. However, quarterback Dan LeFevour and receivers Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson return to cause havoc for teams in the Mid-American Conference. Finding a reliable tailback to take the pressure of the passing game is a priority. The loss of three-time ALL-MAC lineman Andrew Hartline and injuries to several offensive linemen is another aspect to watch entering fall practices.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense played a key part in Central Michigan losing its last three games last year. The Chippewas finished 118th in pass defense in 2008, forcing the coaching staff to make some changes. The defensive line and linebacking corps should show dramatic improvement from last season. All three starting linebackers return, and the addition of veteran assistant coach Steve Stripling helps the defensive ends.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Antonio Brown earned the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year Award in 2008, leading the nation in punt returns with a 20.5 yard average on 20 returns. The rest of the key special teams performers return from last year, giving the Chippewas one of the best units in the conference.

ROSTER REPORT:
--WR Bryan Anderson sat out most of the spring practices to rehab from shoulder injury.
--LB Nick Bellore, who recorded 148 tackles last year, is moving from middle linebacker to outside linebacker.
--QB Ryan Radcliff won the backup role, beating out Derek Rifenburg in the spring.
--CMU coach Butch Jones received a one-year extension in the offseason, extending his contract to 2013.
--Steve Stripling joined the CMU coaching staff as associate head coach. Stripling will work directly with the defensive ends.
--Rocky Weaver moved from tight end to right tackle in the spring.

Dan on the cover of USA Today College Football Preview

2009-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

http://themorningsun.com/articles/2009/06/23/sports/srv0000005662692.txt

Dan LeFevour's name and image has been linked to success in the state of Michigan.Now, LeFevour is branching out on the national level, thanks to his recent appearance on the cover of USA Today's College Football 2009 Preview, which hit newsstands on Monday."I think this is a great thing for Central Michigan and our program," LeFevour said. "It is a great honor to be a part of that."LeFevour headlines a group of six senior quarterbacks that the publication features inside the magazine. Both LeFevour and head coach Butch Jones were interviewed for a feature story that appears on Page eight.USA Today sent a photographer to CMU's campus to conduct a photo shoot with LeFevour in May.

Along with the cover shot, a one-quarter page photo accompanies the feature story.LeFevour joins senior quarterbacks Max Hall (BYU), Tim Tebow (Florida), Todd Reesing (Kansas), Daryll Clark (Penn State) and Colt McCoy (Texas) for the feature. The preview magazine also includes predictions for each conference and previews of each team in the country."I knew I was going to be part of the regional cover but I thought it was going to be with the other quarterbacks," LeFevour said.This marks the second time LeFevour has been featured in USA Today. The national newspaper profiled him last August along with the CMU billboard at Comerica Park in Detroit.Another recent accolade LeFevour received in the national light was in Phil Steele's College Football Preview 2009.

The publication lists LeFevour as the fourth best quarterback in the nation behind McCoy, Tebow, and Sam Bradford (Oklahoma).LeFevour is also named as a Fourth Team Preseason All-American in the magazine and Central Michigan is projected to win the Mid-American Conference championship and has CMU ranked as the 43rd best team in the country.

"I think coming off three pretty good seasons that I knew there was going to be some preseason attention," LeFevour said. "For me, I am just looking at this season like I do every season, I just have to do my job to help our team win a championship. I don't worry about where I rank in the nation, I worry about being able to beat Western Michigan and Ball State and play for a MAC title at the end of the year."LeFevour enters his senior season holding nearly every passing statistic in the CMU record book.

With the clock ticking down on his college career, LeFevour is taking each day in stride."I know there is no 'next year' now and I know that I have a little over 10 games left in my career," LeFevour said. "Things have went by quickly but I have enjoyed every minute of my time at CMU and I look forward to another great year."CMU opens the 2009 season on Sept. 5 at

http://themorningsun.com/articles/2009/06/23/sports/srv0000005662692.txt

Chips on ESPN

2009-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Central Michigan University football program announced that the ESPN family of networks will air three additional games this fall.

The Chippewas' games against

Michigan State (Sept. 12); ESPN or ESPN2
Eastern Michigan (Oct.10) ESPN Plus or nationally on ESPN GamePlan
Bowling Green (Oct. 24) ESPN Plus or nationally on ESPN GamePlan

Previously announced television appearances include:-
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Toledo at CMU, ESPN2
Wednesday, Nov. 18: CMU at Ball State, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Friday, Nov. 27: Northern Illinois at CMU, ESPNU or ESPN360

CMU opens the season at Arizona on Sept. 5

2009 Season is coming

2009-06-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

We are all getting excited for the MAC season. I am for one, confident that the Chips can take it...as long as the young O-Line can hold..The D is back and solid, and the offense is potent as usual. I am happy about how Butch is handling things. I just wish they would come play Navy again, so can get a chance to see them live...