QB
#10 Wenning, Keith QB 6-3 224 Jr. Coldwater,
Ohio (Coldwater)--12 games played, 12 starts.182 yards rushing and 3 TD.
287-449 passing for 2786 yards and 19 TD. 2 punts for 30 yard average.
#05 Page, Kelly QB 6-3 223
R-Sr. Sunnyvale, Texas (Mesquite)--3 games played. 4-7 passing for 70 yards. 6
carries for 25 yards.
#16 Medaris, Brooks QB 5-10 189
R-Jr. Muncie, Ind. (Delta)--2 games played. No stats in 2011.
#?? Mann, Ozzie QB 6-1 221 Fr.
Hartford City, Ind. (Delta)--Incoming
freshman.
After starting all 12 games in
2011 as a sophomore, Keith Wenning is the projected starter this fall for the
Cardinals in 2012. Wenning threw for 2786 yards and 19 touchdowns and has the
ability to throw for 3000+ this fall.
Backing up Wening is senior Kelly Page who found his way into 3 games
connecting on 4 of his 7 pass attempts. Junior Brooks Medaris saw game action
in 3 games and looks to only play if Wenning and Page both go down. Freshman
Ozzie Mann looks to be redshirted this fall.
RB
#38 Edwards, Jahwan RB 5-10 230 So. Matthews,
N.C. (Butler)--12 games played, 7 starts. 178 carries for 786 yards and 11 TD.
11 catches for 43 yards.
#06 Williams, Toney RB 6-0 223
R-Jr. Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton)--Transfer from UT. Eligible in 2012.
#45 Donigan, Dwayne RB 5-5 178 R-Sr.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Broad Ripple)--11 games played. 58 carries for 191 yards
and 2 TD. 2 catches for 12 yards. 3 tackles.
#03 Scott, Barrington RB 5-11
212 R-Jr. Fort Wayne, Ind. (Snider)--9 games played, 5 starts. 89 carries for
370 yards and 1 TD. 6 catches for 25 yards and 2 TD.
#04 Banks, Horactio RB 5-10 177
R-Fr. Chicago, Ill. (Simeon)--Redshirted in 2011.
The Cardinals were the definition
of run by committee in 2011 with three returning running backs that had 50 or
more carries in 2011. Led by sophomore Jahwan Edwards who led the team with 786
yards on the ground, senior Dwayne Donigan (191 yards) and junior Barrington
Scott (370 yards) look to spread those carries around again in 2012. The wrench
in that situation is junior Toney Williams who transferred from Tennessee in
2011 and will be eligible this fall. Williams has the talent to become a big
time performer for the Cardinals and could steal many carries from all three
other running backs in 2012.
TE
#88 Fakes, Zane TE 6-3 227 R-Jr. Plainfield,
Ind. (Plainfield)--12 games played, 10 starts.18 catches for 155 yards and 1
TD.
#84 Orr, Derek TE 6-5 228 R-So.
Marshallville, Ohio (Smithville)--No stats in 2011.
#89 Schneider, David TE 6-2 245
Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio (Moeller)--7 games played, 1 start. 4 catches for 70 yards
and 1 TD. 1 tackle.
#40 Curry, Dylan TE 6-5 261
R-Fr. Frankfort, Ky. (Western Hills)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Brunner, Sam TE 6-2 226 Fr.
Washington, Mich. (Romeo)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Raby, Michael TE 6-2 260
Fr. Sheridan, Ind. (North Central)--Incoming
freshman.
Junior Zane Fakes started all but 2 games in 2011 with a solid 18
catches for the Cardinal offense providing some help in the middle allowing the
outsides to be more open for wide receivers. Junior Davis Schneider is the only
other tight end with experience but will be pushed for playing time by
sophomore Derek Orr and redshirt freshman Dylan Curry. It is possible to see
all 4 on the field in different situations throughout the season.
WR
#85 Tomlinson, Jack WR 5-9 180 Jr. Westerville,
Ohio (South)--11 games played, 7 starts. 43 catches for 394 yards and 2 TD.
#03 Snead, Willie WR 5-11 191 So. Belle Glade,
Fla. (Muskegon, Mich.)--11 games played, 4 starts.28 catches for 327 yards and 2
TD. 1 tackle.
#81 Ryan, Connor WR 6-1 188 R-Jr. Westlake, Ohio
(St. Ignatius)--12 games played, 2 starts.23 catches for 234 yards and 1 TD. 1
carry for 6 yards. 10 tackles.
#02 Smith, Jamill WR 5-8 138
R-Jr. Muncie, Ind. (South)--No stats in 2011.
#87 Owens, Jacolby WR 6-3 212
R-Fr. South Holland, Ill. (Thornridge)--Redshirted in 2011. 1 game played.
#80 Shillings, Chris WR 6-1 206
So. Columbus, Ind. (North)--6 games played. 1 tackle.
#82 Belle, Shane WR 6-2 193 R-So.
Cleveland, Ohio (Glenville)--3 games played. 1 tackle.
#83 Gardner, Trey WR 6-4 205
R-Fr. Petersburg, Va. (Dinwiddie)--Redshirted in 2011. 3 games played.
#41 Scaringe, Jared WR 5-9 174 R-So.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Scecina)--1 game played. No stats in 2011.
#86 Summers, Ryan WR 6-0 165 R-So.
Columbus, Ohio (Olentangy)--No stats in 2011.
#?? Williams, Jordan WR 6-2 219
Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (North Central)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Turner, Stewart WRCB 5-9
168 Fr. Orrville, Ohio (Orrville)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Mabon, KeVonn WR 6-3 208
Fr. St. Louis, Mo. (DeSmet Jesuit)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Scott-Emuakpor, Efeoghene
WR 6-3 182 Fr. East Lansing, Mich. (East Lansing)--Incoming freshman.
Led by juniors Jack Tomlinson and
Connor Ryan as well as sophomore Willie Snead, the Cardinals return an
efficient but not explosive receiving corps in 2012. The big three contributed
94 catches and 5 touchdowns while mostly playing behind starters and could
easily all have 50+ catches in 2012. Smith, Owens, Shillings, Belle, Gardner,
and Scaringe look to all compete for playing time and at least three of those
players will have to step up and play some significant minutes for the
Cardinals offense this fall. With 4 incoming freshmen, anything can happen and
one of those freshmen may shoot up the depth chart and make some plays in 2012.
OL
#72 Lowry, Cameron LT 6-6 293 R-Sr.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike)--9 games played, 5 starts.
#70 Hansel, Jordan LG 6-4 326 Jr. Covington, Ky.
(Simon Kenton)--9 games played, 9 starts. 3 tackles.
#73 Manick, Dan C 6-4 286 R-Sr. Dyer, Ind. (Lake
Central)--12 games played, 12 starts. 1 tackle.
#79 O'Brien, Kitt RG 6-5 319 Sr. Walton, Ind.
(Lewis Cass)--12 games played, 12 starts. 2 tackles.
#77 Holtz, Austin RT 6-5 304 R-Sr. Holt, Mich.
(Holt)--9 games played, 6 starts.
#?? Smith, Josh OL 6-2 280 Fr.
Plainfield, Ind. (Avon)--Incoming
freshman.
#75 Page, Matthew LT 6-6 293
R-Jr. East Chicago, Ind. (Central)--8 games played, 1 start.
#63 Sparrow, Chris LG 6-1 303
Sr. Scotts, Mich. (Vicksburg)--8 games played, 3 starts.
#65 Schlachter, Jalen RG 6-6
311 R-Fr. Corunna, Mich. (Corunna)--Redshirted in 2011.
#61 Hoke, Taylor C 6-1 296
R-So. New Albany, Ind. (New Albany)--No stats in 2011.
#64 Raffin, David OL 6-3 293
R-So. Chesterton, Ind. (Chesteron)--No stats in 2011.
#71 Ford, Bryan OT 6-3 298 So.
Southfield, Mich. (Southfield Christian)--No stats in 2011.
#?? Bell, Steven OL 6-4 278 Fr.
Cincinnati, Ohio (Indian Hill)--Incoming
freshman.
#62 Richard, Jacob C 6-1 276
R-Fr. Carmel, Ind. (Weston (Conn.)--Redshirted in 2011.
#74 Rayburn, Tyler OG 6-3 288
R-Fr. Columbus, Ind. (East --Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Eaton, Miles OL 6-3 306 Fr.
Vandalia, Ohio (Butler)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Miller, Drake OL 6-4 272
Fr. Sturgis, Mich. (Sturgis)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Stefanski, Connor OL 6-4
280 Fr. Waukesha, Wis. (West)--Incoming
freshman.
Led by seniors Dan Manick and
Kitt O'Brien who both started all 12 games in 2011, the Cardinals offensive
line looks to be a strength coming into the 2012 season. Fellow senior Cameron
Lowry looks to start at left tackle after making 5 starts in 2011 with junior
Jordan Hansel (9 starts) at left guard and senior Austin Holtz (6 starts) at
right tackle. All 5 linemen need to stay healthy with only two reserve linemen,
Page and Sparrow, having any game experience on the college level. Incoming
freshman Josh Smith is a highly rated recruit that could earn himself some
playing time as a reserve as well.
DL
#05 Newsome, Jonathan DE 6-3 245 R-Jr.
Cleveland, Ohio (Glenville)--No stats in 2011.
#52 Miles, Nick DE 6-2 259 So. Mebane, N.C.
(Eastern Alamance)--10 games played. 16 tackles, 1 for loss.
#92 Ollie, Nathan DT 6-1 296 Jr. Chicago, Ill.
(Mount Carmel)--12 games played, 12 starts. 42 tackles, 10 for loss. 6 sacks, 1
pbu, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.
#97 Jarrett, Donovan NT 6-3 317 Sr. Hamilton,
Ohio (Hamilton)--11 games played. 7 tackles, 2 for loss. 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#93 Cox, Joel DT 6-1 284 Jr.
Greenwood, Ind. (Center Grove)--12 games played. 13 tackles. 1 blocked kick.
#96 Mosley, Matthew DE 6-2 248
R-So. Chicago, Ill. (Morgan Park)--No stats in 2011.
#91 Hinton, Chris DL 6-1 247
R-Jr. Brownstown, Ind. (Central)--No stats in 2011.
#90 Hogue, Harold NT 6-0 262
R-Jr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral)--1 game played. 1 tackle.
#94 Igbinosun, Osazuwamen DE
6-2 245 Fr. Rahway, N.J. (Rahway)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Johnson, Wes DE 6-3 202 Fr.
Grand Rapids, Mich. (Grand Rapids)--Incoming
freshman.
#98 Anderson, Ian DT 6-3 281
R-Fr. Pfafftown, N.C. (Reagan)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Smith, Darnell DT 5-11 263
Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Woosley, Aaron DT 6-3 274
Fr. Baltimore, Ohio (Lancaster)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Zaramo, Carlutorbantu DT
6-3 296 Fr. Richmond Heights, Ohio (Brush)--Incoming freshman.
#35 Noel, Keenan NT 6-1 263
R-Fr. Columbus, Ind. (North)--Redshirted in 2011.
The defensive line has less
experience that many other positions on the Cardinals roster with only 5
returning players having any game experience and only 1 ever making a start in
2011. Defensive tackle Nathan Ollie started all 12 games and contributed 42
tackles and an impressive 6 sacks in the middle and must be the leader of the
defensive line in 2012. Senior Donovan Jarrett and sophomore Nick Miles
combined for 23 tackles with Jonathan Newsome redshirting in 2012. Backups
include Cox (13 tackles) and Hogue (1 tackle) as well as 7 redshirt and true
freshmen. Expect 1 or more freshmen to get significant playing time in 2012.
LB
#47 Martin, Tony LB 6-0 222 Sr. Park Hills, Mo.
(Central)--12 games played, 7 starts. 73 tackles, 3 for loss. 2 pbu, 2 pd, 1
forced fumble.
#08 Freeman, Travis LB 6-0 238 Sr. Cleveland,
Ohio (Glenville)--12 games played, 11 starts. 134 tackles, 6 for loss. 4 sacks,
1 interception, 1 pbu, 2 pd.
#42 Boyd, Julian LB 6-2 213 So.
Roswell, Ga. (Roswell)--9 games played. 17 tackles.
#48 Cruz, Justin LB 6-0 225 Sr.
Fleming Island, Fla. (Fleming Island)--7 games played. 19 tackles, 3 for loss.
#58 Lee, Kenneth LB 6-2 219 Sr. Indianapolis,
Ind. (Lawrence Central)--No stats in 2011.
#46 Ayers, Michael LB 6-1 218
R-Fr. Elks Grove, Calif. (Laguna Creek)--Redshirted in 2011.
#26 Bailey, Avery LB 6-0 212
R-Fr. Cleveland, Ohio (St. Edward)--Redshirted in 2011. 3 games played. 2 tackles.
#?? Greene, Bo LB 5-11 222
R-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Ben Davis)--Redshirted in 2011.
#53 Ingle, Ben LB 6-0 220 R-Fr.
West Harrison, Ind. (LaSalle)--Redshirted in 2011.
#50 Toothman, Trent LB 6-0 233
R-Fr. Salem, Ohio (Salem)--Redshirted in 2011.
Seniors Travis Freeman and Tony
Martin lead a linebacker corps that is light on experience with backups from
2011. Freeman led the team in 2011 with a staggering 134 tackles and 4 sacks
with Martin adding 73 tackles from his outside linebacker position. The
question for the linebackers is who will step up in 2012 as the other
linebacker and take some of the pressure off of Martin and Freeman. Boyd, Cruz,
Lee, Ayers, Bailey, Greene, Ingle and Toothman will all fight this summer and
fall to earn spots behind Freeman and Martin and possibly get that coveted
third linebacker spot for the Cardinal defense.
DB
#06 Pinkston, Jason CB 6-1 185 Sr. Cleveland,
Ohio (Glenville)--8 games played, 8 starts. 32 tackles. 1 interception, 3 pbu,
4 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.
#24 Garrett, Jeffery CB 6-0 227 Jr.
Indianapolis, Ind. (Ben Davis)--11 games played, 11 starts. 66 tackles, 2 for
loss. 1 interception, 6 pbu, 7 pd, 2 blocked kick.
#29 Jones, Brian SS 5-10 194 R-So. Chicago, Ill.
(Morgan Park)--12 games played, 2 starts. 33 tackles. 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#37 Calloway, Christopher FS 5-11 196 So.
Bradenton, Fla. (Palmetto)--9 games played, 1 start. 6 tackles.
#36 Patterson, Eric CB 5-10 194
So. Tampa, Fla. (H.B. Plant)--7 games played. 16 tackles.
#30 Wade, J.C. SS 5-10 200
R-So. Madisonville, Ky. (North Hopkins)--6 games played. 2 tackles.
#22 Cooper, Quintin CB 5-7 182
Jr. Clayton, Ohio (Northmont)--3 games played, 1 start. 12 tackles, 1 for loss.
1 pbu, 1 pd.
#28 Dawson, Andre CB 6-0 189
R-Sr. Lewis Center, Ohio (Olentangy)--12 games played, 2 starts. 1 catch for 7
yards. 21 tackles. 3 pbu, 3 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#13 Dehaney, Armand CB 5-6 167
Sr. Maple Heights, Ohio (Walsh Jesuit)--11 games played, 7 starts. 51 tackles,
2 for loss. 1 sack, 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#25 Pauling, Chris FS 5-9 186
Fr. High Point, N.C. (T.W. Andrews)--Incoming freshman.
#49 Fazio, Joseph FS 5-11 207
R-Jr. Cedarburg, Wis. (Cedarburg)--11 games played. 8 tackles.
#20 Lee, Keith CB 5-8 180 Jr.
Walton, Ind. (Lewis Cass)--No stats in 2011.
#16 Hawkins, Curtez S 5-10 183
R-So. St. Louis, Mo. (McCluer)--1 game played. No stats in 2011.
#39 Kish, Brandon S 5-10 198
R-Jr. Amherst, Ohio (Steele)--4 games played. 1 tackle.
#?? Conaway, Darius CB 5-11 164
Fr. Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Holder, Tyree CB 5-11 157
Fr. Thonotosassa, Fla. (Tampa Catholic)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Hester, Martez S 6-2 174
Fr. Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Hurley, Dae'Shaun S 6-0 186
Fr. Chicago, Ill. (Julian)--Incoming
freshman.
#?? Taylor, Aaron S 5-11 182
Fr. Lawrenceville, Ga. (Central Gwinnett)--Incoming freshman.
The Ball State Cardinals have the
greatest depth on the defensive side in 2012 in the secondary led by junior
cornerback Jeffery Garrett who averaged 6 tackles per game as well as blocking
2 kicks in 2011. Senior Jason Pinkston handles the other cornerback spot and
started 8 games with 4 tackles per game with one interception. The safeties are
sophomores Brian Jones and Chris Calloway who combined for 33 tackles with
Jones making more of an impact in 2011. Backup corners Patterson (16 tackles)
Cooper (12 tackles), Dawson (21 tackles) and Dehaney (51 tackles) all look to
get in the rotation with Dehaney pushing Pinkston and Garrett for playing time
as a starter. Backup safeties Wade (2 tackles), Fazio (8 tackles), and Kish (1
tackle) are much less prepared to play with the starters but must be ready in
case Jones or Calloway struggle or are injured this fall. With 6 incoming
freshmen, it is very possible to see one or two freshmen get some playing time
this fall.
P
#18 Kovanda, Scott P 6-3 207 R-Sr. Hartland,
Mich. (Detroit Catholic Central)--12 games played. 1 carry for 68 yards. 1
catch for 7 yards. 61 punts for 43.5 yard average with 22 inside the 20 and 12
over 50 yards. 2 were blocked.
Senior Scott Kovanda returns to
punt after an impressive junior season that saw him connect for 43.5 yards per
punt even with 2 of his attempts being blocked in 2011. Kovanda also had an
impressive 68 yard rush on a fake punt and even registered a catch for 7 yards
on the season. If Kovanda can jump his yards per punt up 1 or two yards, he
will catch the eye of NFL scouts and could follow up his career with the
Cardinals with a stay in the NFL.
K
#14 Schott, Steven PK 6-0 171 R-Sr. Massillon,
Ohio (Washington)--12 games played. 15-20 field goals, 13-14 from inside the 40
yard line. Long of 44 yards. 37-37 extra points. 2 tackles.
#31 Secor, Scott PK 5-8 158
R-So. New Lenox, Ill. (Lincolnway Central)--12 games played. 1 carry for 28
yards. 3 punts for 36.3 yard average. 1 inside the 20 yard line. 56 kickoffs
with 5 touchbacks.
#27 Puhr, Jason PK/P 5-9 188
R-Fr. Smyrna, Tenn. (Blackman)--Redshirted in 2011.
Senior Steven Schott comes back
to kick for the Cardinals after connecting on 15-20 field goals in 2011
including an impressive 13-14 from inside the 40 yard line. Schott gives the
Cardinals the option to take an almost regular three points when getting in the
red zone but needs to improve his accuracy from 40+ yards to be the special
teams weapon that Ball State needs him to be.
LS
#57 Mack, Garrett LS 6-3 199 R-So. Indianapolis,
Ind. (Center Grove)--11 games played. 5 tackles.
A solid but understated performer
for the Cardinals, sophomore Garrett Mack should be very good for the Cardinals
in 2012. Mack just need to work on his speed of getting the ball to the punter
to give Kovanda just that split second longer to get his punts off without
pressure.
Overall, the Cardinals must avoid
the last season swoon that destroyed their season in 2011 losing 3 of their
final 4 games and going from 5-3 to 6-6 and missing out on a bowl game. With a
season opening conference game versus EMU to start the season, it is of utmost
importance for the Cardinals to win with games at Clemson, at Indiana, and home
versus USF following the season opener. The Cardinals do luck out and get NIU
at home but must go to Toledo and Miami OH. The best case is 7-5 with a bowl
berth and the worst case is 4-8 with another season sitting at home.
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