2002 Statistics

written by Dave Bagchi

There is a lot of optimism on the offensive side of the ball for the Broncos. Despite 2002's early struggles, the Broncos ended with 89 points over their final three games. Returning this season are the two main catalysts in QB Chad Munson and RB Phil Reed. The unheralded senior Reed rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 TDs. He is a straight-ahead runner with excellent spin moves and has shown soft hands (15 receptions). WMU runs the one-back, but expect backup RB sophomores Trovon Riley and Daniel Marks to get their share of playing time. In those last three games, both backs emerged - Riley with 109 yards versus Central Michigan and Marks with 93 against Eastern Michigan. Coaches rave about Marks, a 225-pounder who found his way to Kalamazoo all the way from Miami. But overall, the Broncos ran the ball just over 45% of the time, gaining just over 1,600 yards. They should invest in these upcoming backs more, giving the entire crew more than 32 rushing attempts per game.

Chad Munson took over in week six and never looked back. His 328-yard performance against (then unranked) Bowling Green proved his worth. A pocket passer with a strong arm, Munson at times was interception prone, finishing with 17. The coaches know Munson is a playmaker, making us all expect big things. The Broncos have depth at quarterback with fifth-year senior Jon Drach, last season's starter before Munson. Drach is a scrambler with good decision-making capacities (only four INTs in 151 throws). The pair combined for nearly 3,000 yards in 2002 as the pass-happy Broncos threw about 55% of their plays. They need to have an ostensible rotation, allowing each to come in to keep it fresh and unpredictable. Alone, neither is good enough to take them to the next level, but together they might.

Returning four seniors in the receiving core typically is not considered a weakness. In the Broncos' case, there is more to this book than the cover. The losses of all-conference WR Jermaine Lewis (17.2 yards per catch) and TE Mobolaji Afariogun (team-leading five TDs) leaves a big question mark. Back is 6'4, 223-pound senior WR Antonio Thomas. The problem - he averaged 9.8 yards per catch. He will be flanked by two inexperienced players vying for the starting spot in 6'3 junior Tyrone Walker and 6'3 Brandon Johnson. Coaches are most excited about 6'3 senior go-to-guy Kendrick Mosley getting his opportunity to shine as the third WR. Mosley can do a little bit of everything (reverses, punt-returns) but has never before been "the man" on offense. At TE, the Broncos will try to replace Afariogun by committee. Sophomore Tony Scheffler will get the bulk of the receptions, while juniors Anthony Kiner and former linebacker Erik Oleson will handle most blocking duties. This position is vital without any fullbacks upon which to rely and a line that is going to need help.

Last season the Broncos gave up the most sacks in the MAC, 50. Offensive line coach Mike Cummings has the tall order of having to replace all but one starter. And that starter, 6'6 junior OG Kyle Ras, has but one year of starting experience. Converted DL junior Chad Wangerin will play one OT, and under-weight 6'8 sophomore Walter Stith (a former TE) will take bookend tackle spot. Senior Charles Missant is expected to start at center while the early pick is sophomore Mark Ottney to take the other OG position. The group will obviously have to gel quickly for Munson and Reed to have any success. But this is one of those patch-work units that has potential both ways. They will either scrap their way to marginal success, or they will flop and be the focus of most offensive woes.

RB Philip Reed

written by Dave Bagchi

Despite its high conference rankings, allowing 30+ points in 6-of-12 games and a -12 TO margin were two stats that show how far the Broncos defense still has to go. The two largest question marks on defense will be how to replace a graduation depleted linebacking core as well take the pressure off Jason Babin with improved play along the defensive front from some new faces.

The Broncos return three starters in a secondary that was first in the MAC (21st in all Div 1-A) in pass defense. Junior DB Tony Carr and senior Sam Reynolds combined for 22 starts, 97 tackles and 5 interceptions. Carr is a lock to start after a breakout 2002. This fall will mark a transition year at the other corner spot where a bevy of juco players are primed to make their contributions. Highlighting this will be freshman Jimmie Vincent and junior Willie Pope (expected to beat out Reynolds by season's start), both products of Coach Darnell's recruiting prowess in Florida. Several years ago, the Broncos modified its defense to include an extra safety in place of an outside linebacker. This 4-2-5 formation is anchored by a former walk-on, all-MAC senior Jason Feldpausch. 2002 was a breakout season as Feldpausch had 104 tackles, 3 INTs, 8 passes defended and 5 forced fumbles in garnering team defensive MVP honors. He will be complimented by hard-hitting sophomore FS Kevin Ford and junior SS Scott Robinson.

The Broncos also finished second in the conference in sacks and first in total defense (330.7 ypg). The star of this unit and just the 9th Bronco in school history to be named an All-American is DT Jason Babin. Babin finished fourth in the NCAA in sacks with 15, second in tackles-for-losses with 26 and was named MAC defensive player of the year. He is a 3rd-team Preseason NationalChamps.net All-American for 2003, an honor placing amongst the best in our eyes.

Graduation(s) at LB have left question marks. Expected 2003 starters junior Willie Miller and sophomore Josh Behrens are both banged up, but both are expected to be ready. Waiting in the wings are redshirt freshman Paul Tithof and a trio more of JC and walk-ons, lead by junior Dan Steinau. Steinau, Anthony Belmonte and Steve Robbins all saw extensive action during Spring ball, and will be prepared if Miller and Behrens are not ready. The bulk of these guys are little, giving optimism to opposing OCs. They have no chance against any bigger teams, not with their smallish down-linemen.

Graduated senior Chris Browning was key in taking the pressure of Babin along the front. Undersized senior Hausia Faleofa and senior Jon Jones will get the starts at DT. Babin will be flanked by inexperienced and basically untested line-mates. Trial-by-fire will be an understatement with Michigan State and Virginia two of their first three tilts.

DE Jason Babin