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.

Date	Time	Opponent	Location	H/A
The Dayton Classic
9/7/2013	1:30PM	Benedict College	McPherson Stadium	Home
9/14/2013	1:30PM	Kentucky State University	McPherson Stadium	Home
Chicago Classic
9/21/2013	4:00pm CT	Morehouse College	Chicago, IL	Neutral
Gateway Classic
9/28/2013	2:00pm CT	Tennessee State University	St. Louis, MO	Neutral
10/5/2013	3:00pm CT	West Texas A&M University	Canyon, TX	Away
10/12/2013	1:30PM	Miles College	McPherson Stadium	Home
10/19/2013	2:00pm CT	Lane College	Jackson, TN	Away
10/24/2013	6:30pm CT	Stillman College	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	Away
11/2/2013	1:00pm CT	Tuskegee University	Tuskegee, Alabama	Away
11/9/2013	1:30PM	Johnson C. Smith University	McPherson Stadium	Home
11/16/2013	6:00pm CT	University of West Alabama	Livingston, AL	Away

COURTESY CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & THESIAC.COM