Ball State University Athletics
Cardinals Release Updated Depth Chart for Season Opener
August 27, 2016 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – It's just six days until the Ball State football team begins the 2016 season at Georgia State. Head coach Mike Neu has released the team's depth chart for the opening game.
On offense, sophomore Riley Neal is expected to start at quarterback. He was one of just six true freshmen to pass for at least 2,000 yards in 2015. There is plenty of depth at running back where junior Darian Green sits atop the pack. Sophomore James Gilbert and senior Teddy Williamson will likely see action in the backfield as well. Freshman Malik Dunner had an impressive preseason camp and could force his way into the mix.
The wide receivers are led by two-time All-MAC selection KeVonn Mabon. He enters his final year on the team ranked 10th on the school's all-time receiving yards list with 1,890. Another receiver to keep an eye on is junior Jordan Hogue. He only finished with 11 receptions last year, but was a favorite target during August camp.
New and old faces make up the offensive line. Junior Vinnie Palazeti is sliding over from guard to center this season. Veterans Drake Miller on the left side and Steven Bell on the right will fill the tackle positions. Sophomore Alex Joss and junior Pat Maloney, both new starters on the line, are slated to line up at the guard positions.
Ball State's starting linebacker group could be the strength of the defense. All-MAC performer Sean Wiggins and fellow senior Aaron Taylor are the top outside linebackers. Senior Zack Ryan, who has 250 tackles in 37 games the last three seasons, is in the middle.
Senior Corey Hall could be a breakout performer in the defensive backfield. After missing the majority of last season with an injury, Hall has made the move from corner back to safety. He has made plenty of standout plays from the safety position during camp. Fellow senior Martez Hester will join Hall at the other safety position. Hester was the only player to start every game on defense in 2015.
The defensive line will lean on outside rushers Joshua Posley and Anthony Winbush to pressure the opposing quarterback.
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Season tickets as well as single game tickets are now on sale. Fans can visit BallStateSports.com (click here), call 888-BSU-TICKET or visit the Stoops Buick/GMC Ticket Center inside Worthen Arena to purchase tickets.
