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That's a pretty bold statement from a coach who has won just eight games in three years. Former East Carolina defensive coordinator Tim Rose was brought in to repair the Eagles' woeful defense that allowed 519.9 yards and 47.2 points per game in 2002. "Everywhere Tim Rose has gone, he has been able to turn around the defense dramatically," Woodruff said. OFFENSIVE KEYS: Eastern Michigan returns eight starters from a unit that averaged a respectable 23.8 points per game, but the Eagles will have a difficult time replacing the three starters who are not coming back. EMU graduated its quarterback (Troy Edwards), a 1,000-yard rusher (Ime Akpan), and a 1,000-yard receiver (Kevin Walter). Jeff Crooks, who started one game and played in three others in 2002, is the heir apparent at quarterback, but he will be pressed by Chinedu Okoro.Akpan is gone, but for the first time in Woodruff's tenure, there is quality depth at running back. This unit may lack star power, but the collective efforts of Ashantti Watson, Nelson Drew, Anthony Sherrell and Kaliym Hazel should better last year's 113.8-yard average. They will be playing behind an offensive line that Woodruff says "is the strongest unit on the team." Tackle Tom Kaleita is the best player on a veteran offensive line and has all-conference potential. Chris Roberson is the team's most explosive receiver, and Chris Talley averaged 14.8 yards per catch in 2002. The tight end/H-back position is solid with Kevin Zureki and Wes Kesner. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Rose was brought in to repair a defense that was the worst in college football last fall. The Eagles gave up 519.9 yards and 47.2 points per game.Rose does have some talent to work with. Middle linebacker David Lusky is a big-time player who finished second last year in the MAC with just under 12 tackles per game. The Eagles have greater depth -- and more physical strength -- along the defensive line. And they'll need both if they hope to improve on last year's MAC-worst 294.1 yards rushing allowed per game. Free safety Jerry Gaines is the best defensive back in a unit that has speed but lacks size. SPECIAL TEAMS: David Rysko, a second-team all-conference pick, led the conference in punting last year with a 41.6-yard average. Brian Klaban is vying for the placekicking spot his brother Eric occupied last year. Talented true freshman Andrew Wellock will be pressing him.FINAL ANALYSIS: Despite some obvious shortcomings -- most notably a defense that surrendered a MAC-record 566 points last season -- Woodruff is confident his program had made the necessary strides to escape the Western Division cellar. He points to three key factors: improved team strength -- 20 EMU players can bench press over 400 pounds, 20 more than when Woodruff took over four years ago; increased team speed -- 23 players run the 40 in 4.5 or better; and more experience -- the 2003 roster features 35 upperclassmen, more than any time in recent memory.Eastern Michigan must take advantage of a favorable schedule that features two Division I-AA foes in the first two weeks of the season and seven home games for the first time in school history. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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