Ball State University Athletics
Football Announces Preseason Two-Deep
July 27, 2015 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – In anticipation of the Mid-American Conference Football Media Day this coming Wednesday in Detroit, Ball State head coach Pete Lembo has released the 2015 preseason depth chart.
On offense, the Cardinals are loaded with returnees in the trenches. All five starters from 2014 are back, including senior center Jacob Richard who is on the Rimington Trophy Fall Watch List for the top center in the nation.
One of the strengths of the Ball State offense should be its wide receiver unit. Senior Jordan Williams, senior Chris Shillings and junior KeVonn Mabon have combined for 249 career receptions, 3,292 career receiving yards and 24 touchdown catches.
Sophomore Jack Milas heads into preseason practice as the top quarterback. Milas, who started six games in 2014, threw for 326 yards and four touchdowns in the 32-29 win at Central Michigan.
The running back position will need to be filled after the departure of the team's all-time leading rusher, Jahwan Edwards. Sophomore Darian Green and junior Teddy Williamson are two of the likely candidates to carry the load. Both players saw action a year ago, but only combined for 36 carries.
The defense, which forced at least two turnovers in seven of the eight conference games last year, features seven returning starters. All three starting linebackers from 2014 will suit up again this fall. Middle linebacker Zack Ryan led the team with 91 tackles and six tackles for loss as a sophomore. Outside linebacker Ben Ingle will look to earn a starting spot for a third straight year. Ingle equaled a personal-best with 14 tackles against Toledo in 2014.
Senior tackle Darnell Smith anchors the defensive line. Smith, a 2014 All-MAC selection, led the Cardinals with four sacks last fall and also ranked among the team leaders in tackles for loss, quarterback hurries and forced fumbles.
Lots of new faces will fill the defensive secondary as junior Tyree Holder is the only player returning from the unit with at least six starts. Holder posted two interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 2014.
Summer Additions: Ball State has added a pair of new players to the roster this summer. Terin Solomon spent the 2014 season playing at Riverside City College in California. In high school, Solomon was an all-state player and earned his league's defensive MVP award. He is expected to compete for playing time at safety.
Kadin Booker is joining the team after competing for one year at Monroe College in New York. The offensive lineman helped his high school team, Burlington City (N.J.), advance to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years in 2013.
