Wednesday, August 28, 2013

11 SIAC Teams in 11 Days: Central State University Marauders

WILBERFORCE, OHIO  --  When finding the recipe for success, Central State University head football coach EJ Junior should not have to look no further than two decades ago, when the program was the poster child of Black College Football. Under the direction of legendary head football coach Billy Joe and former Tuskegee head football coach Rick Comegy, the Marauder football team experienced much success in the NAIA and Division II during the 1980's through mid 1990's.  In 1983 the Marauders were Division II runner's up and NAIA National Champions in 1990 and 1992. The program also reached the same heights in 1995.

(COURTESY CSU ATHLETICS)
Consequently, the program was dropped in 1997, but returned in 2005. Now that Central State has taken off its training wheels, the program will look to place its stamp in its first season competing as a member of the SIAC.

"Being from the south and playing college football in the south, the style of play never left me," said Junior, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama. "I am very old school so our plan is to be very physical in all phases of the game."

Junior's philosophy should mirror the array of budding talent he has on his football team this season. Spearheaded by dual-threat quarterback Michael Wilson, a senior who accumulated over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns passing and rushing last season, Central State will offer many matchup problems for opposing defenses next season. Sophomore tight end Zach Thomas had 45 catches as a freshman and was named to the First Team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) team. The 6-foot-5 phenom, along with receivers Steven Heard and Jeremy Turner will be primary targets for Wilson. Seniors Kyle Jackson and DeQuan Slaughter anchor the offensive line that will return all five players. Terrell Clement and Jordan Hughes will provide the team with a 1-2 combo out of the backfield for Central State.

Matching the prospect of the offense's success, Central State's swarming defense, which returns six starters. Defensive end Jorden Paige, a Preseason All-SIAC selection, along with Justin Wood-West will lead the defensive line that ranked 3rd in the GLVC last season. Safeties Joseph Blount, another Preseason All-SIAC selection and Derryon Smith will be impact players, who will shepherd the inexperience of Devin Polzot and Trezz Shipmon Jr. in the defensive backfield. The biggest void will come in the absence of 2012 GLVC Defensive Player of the Year Darius Wilson, who was lost to graduation. Robert Martin and Blake Riley return to give the team some experience at the linebacker position.

Senior Gracewell Mahbena K/P returns and will be challenge by redshirt freshman Dustin Bryan for the kicking duties and Sr. Special Teams captain Paul Sains returns with Sophomore Aaron Wade as kick and returners

2013 Marauders At Glace
Head Coach: EJ Junior (5th Season)
Last SIAC Championship: 1st Year in Conference
Last Playoff Appearance: 1995
Players to Watch: QB Michael Wilson, TE Zach Thomas, DL Jordan Page, DB Joseph Blount

Strengths: Wilson is arguably the best All-Around player in the conference and can be a human-highlight film if not contained.  The rest of the offense will be just as strong as their leader. The true testament will be how the team will be able to adjust to the style of play in the SIAC.

Schedule: The Marauders will travel 7 of their 11 games on the road with one of the toughest schedules since football returned to CSU.  Besides playing conference foes Benedict, Kentucky State, Morehouse, Miles, Lane, Tuskegee, and Stillman, CSU will also face the likes of Tennessee State, West Texas A&M, West Alabama and Johnson C. Smith.

DateTimeOpponentLocationH/A 
The Dayton Classic
9/7/2013 1:30PMBenedict College McPherson StadiumHome                          
9/14/2013 1:30PMKentucky State University McPherson StadiumHome                           
Chicago Classic
9/21/2013 4:00pm CTMorehouse College Chicago, ILNeutral                          
Gateway Classic
9/28/2013 2:00pm CTTennessee State University St. Louis, MONeutral                          
10/5/2013 3:00pm CTWest Texas A&M University Canyon, TXAway                          
10/12/2013 1:30PMMiles College McPherson StadiumHome                          
10/19/2013 2:00pm CTLane College Jackson, TNAway                          
10/24/2013 6:30pm CTStillman College Tuscaloosa, AlabamaAway                          
11/2/2013 1:00pm CTTuskegee University Tuskegee, AlabamaAway                           
11/9/2013 1:30PMJohnson C. Smith University McPherson StadiumHome                          
11/16/2013 6:00pm CTUniversity of West Alabama Livingston, ALAway                          


COURTESY CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & THESIAC.COM

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