WMU QuarterbacksLettermen Returning 1; Lettermen Lost 0
Starters Returning 1; Starters Lost 0
Western Michigan returns a very unique duo in 2012. Both Alex Carder and Tyler Van Tubbergen return after having thrown at least six TDs in a game last season. The Bronco offense is geared around its aerial attack and having two potent arms running that offense is a luxury not many teams have next season. Carder re-wrote the record book with 3,873 yards, including five games over 400 yards. When Van Tubbergen had his chance, he helped WMU put 68 points on the board on the home finale.
WMU Running Backs
Lettermen Returning 3; Lettermen Lost 0
Starters Returning 1; Starters Lost 0
WMU has its entire stable of running backs returning in 2012. Brian Fields nad Tevin Drake saw the bulk of the carries during their respective sophomore years but this duo, along with Antoine Scriven accounted for 11 of the Broncos' 17 rushing touchdowns. Despite not putting up big per game numbers, both Fields and Drake average better than four yards per carry at 4.1 and 5.6 yards per carry, respectively. The WMU running back is not just a ball carrier but an option for the passing game out of the backfield as well. Fields caught 13 balls for 111 yards in 2011 and had a career long reception of 40 yards at Connecticut. Whether it is running the ball, catching the ball or blocking, WMU has experience in the backfield in 2012.
WMU Wide Receivers
Lettermen Returning 2; Lettermen Lost 4
Starters Returning 0; Starters Lost 3
Whenever you lose 78.7 percent of your receiving yards, 72.9 percent of your receptions and 75.0 percent of your receiving TDs from one season to the next it is going to be noticed. WMU said good-bye to Jordan White, Chleb Ravenell and Robert Arnheim. Eric Monette is the Broncos' leading returning receiver in 2012. As has been the case in the past, it is time for a new receiver to step up. It happened when Steve Neal left. It happened when Greg Jennings left. It happened when Jamarko Simmons left, and will happen now. WMU has a large group of receivers returning in 2012 and it was the largest group recruited in this year's signing class. It will be interesting to see who makes strides during spring and fall camp. Monette and Josh Schaffer have the game experience and the redshirt freshmen have the drive to prove themselves.
WMU Tight Ends
Lettermen Returning 3; Lettermen Lost 1
Starters Returning 1; Starters Lost 0
WMU returns three letterwinners at the tight end position, which is a group looking to re-introduce itself in 2012. Clark Mussman and Blake Hammond have the game experience and talent to be a formidable option in WMU's passing attack and new position coach Steve Casula will be working with this group in his first season as a coach with the Broncos after serving as the program's graduate assistant in 2010 and 2011.
WMU Offensive Linemen
Lettermen Returning 5; Lettermen Lost 1
Starters Returning 4; Starters Lost 1
Depth at the offensive line position is key and Western Michigan has that entering the 2012 spring season. There are 17 offensive linemen suiting up this spring for the Broncos, something that should make second year coach A.J. Ricker very happy. WMU opened last year with two guards that had not played one down of Division I college football but under Ricker's guidance, one of thos lineman started all 13 games and had the most offensive snaps of any lineman. The Broncos return four of five starters with all of them averaging over 70 snaps a game in 2011.
WMU Defensive Linemen
Lettermen Returning 8; Lettermen Lost 1
Starters Returning 3; Starters Lost 1
The 2011 MAC Defensive Player of the Year is no longer on the line for WMU but the remaining three starters, Freddie Bishop, Travonte Boles and Paul Hazel do make their return in 2012. This is a unit that played better in 2011 and only looks to continue to improve under new defensive coordinator Rich Nagy and with the gained experience of Demetrius Anderson. The three starters accounted for 20.0 tackles for loss in 2011 and 8.0 sacks. The 2012 recruiting class looks to bolster an already strong and experienced defensive line coached by Lou Esposito.
WMU Linebackers
Lettermen Returning 2; Lettermen Lost 1
Starters Returning 1; Starters Lost 1
The linebacker position has been an area of change for Western Michigan over the past couple of seasons, moving from three to two throughout both campaigns. The one mainstay was always the leadership of Mitch Zajac. Youth replaces seniority in 2012 as the likes of Desmond Bozeman and Devon Brant are joined by Terry Easmon and Jake Minster from the junior college ranks to help provide pressure in the backfield and assist the back end with coverage in the flats. This group will be coached by the NCAA's career leader in tackles, Tim McGarigle, so Bronco fans should be very excited for the quality and quantity of hits from this group in 2012.
WMU Defensive Backs/Rovers
Lettermen Returning 9; Lettermen Lost 4
Starters Returning 3; Starters Lost 2
Youth proved to be beneficial for the Western Michigan defensive backfield in 2011 as Donald Celiscar and Rontavious Atkins moved into starting roles and proved worthy of those spots, accounting for 45 and 40 tackles, respectively. The duo also accounted for three interceptions and five pass break ups. The Rover position, a linebacker and safety hybrid, has produced top tacklers for the Broncos over the past two seasons and Johnnie Simon is the latest, coming off 114 stops a year ago. Trevor Ishmael also showed his skill at the position, providing depth in the middle of the Bronco defense. Returning for his senior season is Lewis Toler, who had 59 stops and four PBUs as a junior.
WMU Special Teams
Lettermen Returning 1; Lettermen Lost 2
Western Michigan not only lost both its starting kicker and punter after a four-year period but also the program's all-time leading scorer and most consistent PAT kicker in John Potter. This spring will be a test for the next kicker and punter to take the field for WMU as Ben Armer's 41.0 yards per punt is also a need heading into the season. The kicking game starts with the snap and that is one area where WMU has experience returning this spring. Kirk Nakama returns for his junior season in 2012 after having made every field goal, PAT and punt snap during his sophomore campaign.
WMU Spring Football Schedule - All Practices held at Waldo Stadium/Seelye Athletic Center
Friday, 3/16 - 2:30-5:15 pm - Helmets
Saturday, 3/17 - 9:15-11:30 am - Helmets
Tuesday, 3/20 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Non-Tackle
Thursday, 3/22 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Non-Tackle
Saturday, 3/24 - 9:15-11:30 am - Pads/Sit Scrim (50%)
Tuesday, 3/27 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Non-Tackle
Thursday, 3/29 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Sit Scrim (50%)
Saturday, 3/31 - 9:15-11:30 am - Pads/Scrimmage
Tuesday, 4/3 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Sit Scrim (50%)
Thursday, 4/5 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Sit Scrim (50%)
Saturday, 4/7 - 9:15-11:30 am - Pads/Scrimmage
Tuesday, 4/10 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Non-Tackle
Thursday, 4/12 - 7:30-10:20 am - Pads/Sit Scrim (50%)
Friday, 4/13 - 2:30-5:15 pm - Helmets
Saturday, 4/14 - 12 pm (Spring Game) - Pads
