Photo by: Kyle Crawford
Football Program Announces ‘Tough Cardinals’ for 2020
August 07, 2020 | Football
Brandon Martin, Bryce Cosby earn honor for third consecutive season
MUNCIE, Ind. -- With the opening of fall camp this week, the Ball State football program announced its now-annual list of Tough Cardinals.
Three years ago the football staff created the distinction to recognize the nine players who most exemplify the program's eight pillars of "tough" – discipline, effort, attitude, passion, competitive toughness, physical toughness, perseverance and influence on others.
For linebacker Brandon Martin and safety Bryce Cosby, make it 3-for-3.
Those two have heard their names announced for the distinguished honor at the beginning of fall camp each year. Martin, who was No. 2 on last year's Tough Cardinal list behind now-Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Danny Pinter, claimed the top spot for 2020.
A Wuerffel Award candidate for his work in the classroom and community in addition to his on-field abilities, Martin is ready to help anchor the Ball State defense this year after battling back from an injury that limited him to only one game a season ago.
"Brandon has had several injuries here during his time at Ball State, and he just continues to get back up; he continues to fight," head coach Mike Neu said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the hardest worker, in being a tremendous leader. He is an unbelievable role model for every one of our guys. He has every quality you could ever look for in a young man. I've been very fortunate to be able to coach him and to be involved with him on a daily basis."
The 2020 Tough Cardinals feature three additional repeat members – quarterback Drew Plitt, linebacker Christian Albright and receiver Antwan Davis. The list also includes offensive lineman Curtis Blackwell, cornerback Antonio Phillips, running back Caleb Huntley and linebacker Jaylin Thomas.
Players are selected by a vote of Neu, the team's coordinators, strength and conditioning staff, seniors and leadership council. The nine winners wear a "TC" patch on their uniform for Tough Cardinal.
"When I look at that list, those guys do things the right way on and off the field, buying into the academics first and foremost, buying into being the hardest worker on the field, off the field, in the weight room," Neu said. "They set the example for the young players that come into our program, just kind of taking them under their wings and letting them know, 'this is how we do business.' There are probably more guys on our team who are deserving of that, but when you only have nine and that's the standard that you've set, it's an unbelievable group of guys."
Here is the full list, in order, of the Tough Cardinals for 2020 …
1. Brandon Martin, R-Jr., ILB
2. Curtis Blackwell, Sr., OL
3. Bryce Cosby, Sr., S
4. Drew Plitt, R-Sr., QB
5. Antonio Phillips, Sr., CB
6. Christian Albright, Sr., OLB
7. Caleb Huntley, Sr., RB
8. Antwan Davis, Gr., WR
9. Jaylin Thomas, R-Sr., ILB
The Ball State football team completed its second practice of fall camp Thursday evening. After some shuffling to the schedule as leagues adjust their plans for 2020, the Cardinals are slated to open the season Sept. 12 at Iowa State. Click here for information on football tickets for the upcoming season.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Three years ago the football staff created the distinction to recognize the nine players who most exemplify the program's eight pillars of "tough" – discipline, effort, attitude, passion, competitive toughness, physical toughness, perseverance and influence on others.
For linebacker Brandon Martin and safety Bryce Cosby, make it 3-for-3.
Those two have heard their names announced for the distinguished honor at the beginning of fall camp each year. Martin, who was No. 2 on last year's Tough Cardinal list behind now-Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Danny Pinter, claimed the top spot for 2020.
A Wuerffel Award candidate for his work in the classroom and community in addition to his on-field abilities, Martin is ready to help anchor the Ball State defense this year after battling back from an injury that limited him to only one game a season ago.
"Brandon has had several injuries here during his time at Ball State, and he just continues to get back up; he continues to fight," head coach Mike Neu said. "He takes a lot of pride in being the hardest worker, in being a tremendous leader. He is an unbelievable role model for every one of our guys. He has every quality you could ever look for in a young man. I've been very fortunate to be able to coach him and to be involved with him on a daily basis."
The 2020 Tough Cardinals feature three additional repeat members – quarterback Drew Plitt, linebacker Christian Albright and receiver Antwan Davis. The list also includes offensive lineman Curtis Blackwell, cornerback Antonio Phillips, running back Caleb Huntley and linebacker Jaylin Thomas.
Players are selected by a vote of Neu, the team's coordinators, strength and conditioning staff, seniors and leadership council. The nine winners wear a "TC" patch on their uniform for Tough Cardinal.
"When I look at that list, those guys do things the right way on and off the field, buying into the academics first and foremost, buying into being the hardest worker on the field, off the field, in the weight room," Neu said. "They set the example for the young players that come into our program, just kind of taking them under their wings and letting them know, 'this is how we do business.' There are probably more guys on our team who are deserving of that, but when you only have nine and that's the standard that you've set, it's an unbelievable group of guys."
Here is the full list, in order, of the Tough Cardinals for 2020 …
1. Brandon Martin, R-Jr., ILB
2. Curtis Blackwell, Sr., OL
3. Bryce Cosby, Sr., S
4. Drew Plitt, R-Sr., QB
5. Antonio Phillips, Sr., CB
6. Christian Albright, Sr., OLB
7. Caleb Huntley, Sr., RB
8. Antwan Davis, Gr., WR
9. Jaylin Thomas, R-Sr., ILB
The Ball State football team completed its second practice of fall camp Thursday evening. After some shuffling to the schedule as leagues adjust their plans for 2020, the Cardinals are slated to open the season Sept. 12 at Iowa State. Click here for information on football tickets for the upcoming season.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Players Mentioned
OLB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
S
/ Football
WR
/ Football
RB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
QB
/ Football
ILB
/ FootballThis Week in Ball State Sports // Mike Uremovich, Ally Becki, Qua Ashley & Kelli Miller Phillips
Thursday, September 18
Football // Together: Episode 4. Produced by Ball State Sports Link
Thursday, September 18
Football // Celebrating Coach Uremovich first win
Wednesday, September 17
Football // Kiael Kelly Singing Fight Song after WIN
Wednesday, September 17