Ball State University Athletics
Q&A - Football's Defensive Coordinator Jay Bateman
March 01, 2012 | Football
Q: You are entering your second year at Ball State, how are the players responding to your defensive philosophy?
A: We are pretty pleased with how things are going this winter. For some of our older players this is the first offseason they have had with the same defensive structure and position coach so we think that will really help us as we move forward. It's pretty easy to look at some of our film from last year and see what we need to improve on and we are happy with how we have started that process.
Q: Ball State graduated a number of starters on the defensive side of the ball, how will you use the spring season to evaluate the returning players?
A: Everyday is an evaluation. Whether they are in the weight room with strength coach Dave Feeley and his staff or during our morning sessions. We are constantly evaluating. We think we have some talented young guys that will need experience so our 15 practices in the spring will be vital.
Q: There was a lot of graduation on the defensive line, but Ball State also redshirted a number of freshmen at that position. How would you evaluate the defensive line as we enter the spring season?
A: There is no question Andy Puthoff and Adam Morris were warriors for our program. It will be hard to replace their leadership and toughness. However, we believe we have such better depth at defensive line with the handful of young men we were able to redshirt and adding Osazuwamgn Igbinosun, Matthew Mosley and Jonathan Newsome to the mix should make it a real competitive spring. I also expect Nathan Ollie to improve upon last year's all-conference campaign and really become a difference maker for us.
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths and weaknesses of the defense in 2012?
A: We truly believe we will be faster, stronger and more athletic. A large portion of that improvement is due to the work these kids have put in with Coach Feeley. We also think since this is the second year in our system that will pay off for the players and coaches. We are also excited about our depth. We are going to be able to play a lot of different players and combinations and we are excited to see some of our young guys cut it loose. Losing three guys that were voted captain by their peers off of the 2011 squad leaves a void in experience and leadership. But we fully expect some of our juniors and sophomores to step up. It is now their time to lead. We can promise you this - you will see a more physical, tougher unit out there this year.
