INTRO PLAYERS COACHES OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORDS STAFF HISTORY 2013 MWSU SEASON PREVIEW THE GRIFFON DEFENSE An estimated seven starters return to a defense that was one of the best in Griffons history. In 2012, the Griffons gave up just more than 20 points a game and 5,369 total yards – roughly 1,500 total yards less than the Griffons’ offense tallied. The Griffons also had 20 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries to give the ball back to the offense. DEFENSIVE LINE Three of the starting four defensive lineman graduated, including four-year starter and NFL drafted David Bass. However, the Griffons can still be dominant up front. Taking over Bass’ position is John Oglesby (6-3, 295, Jr.), a JUCO transfer from Bakersfield College. Playing opposite of Oglesby is Janis Matulis (6-4, 270, So.) who played in 13 games last season as a reserve. “You’re not going to replace David Bass, but we don’t think there’s going to be that much of a dropoff of D-Line play, if at all,” Partridge said. The interior lineman include last year’s starter Austin Baska (6-4, 283, Sr.), a solid defensive guard who played through several injuries last season despite starting every game, and Abranas Elliott (6-4, 290, So.) Mackenzie Wischmann (6-6, 225, Fr.) may also see a lot of playing time in his first season. “Baska is a beast…Elliott is a stud. Every one of those kids across the board are first team All-MIAA caliber D-Lineman in this league. And we like both those back-up kids. We feel like we’re deep at D-Line.” LINEBACKERS Perhaps the most experienced group, the Griffons have several talented players that will see the field this season at the linebacker spot. Middle linebacker Yomi Alli (6-0, 225, So.) returns to lead the defense after tearing his ACL last season. Allis is quick and physical, and has a nose for the football. The outside linebacker core, which includes Nick Williams (6-4, 242, Sr.), Stephen Juergens (5-11, 205, Jr.) and Wallace Carter (6-0, 245, Sr.), remains solid as well. The four combined for 250 tackles last season. “They’re real experienced; they’re a very cerebral bunch. Very smart,” Partridge said. DEFENSIVE BACKS The Griffons return half of their starting defensive backfield from last year. MIAA Freshman of the Year Mike Jordan (6-0, 200, So.) will be looked upon as one of the leaders on the defense. Jordan recorded four interceptions for two touchdowns and five pass breakups his freshman season. “(Jordan) is long, he tackles, makes plays on the ball. He’s got very deceptive speed because he’s a strider,” Partridge said. Starting opposite of Jordan is Marcus Thompson (6-0, 180, Sr.), a solid reserve for the Griffons the past three seasons who now has a chance to shine as a starter. The safeties include secondyear starter Marc Harrison (5-11, 208, Jr.) and either Meshack Kennedy (5-11, 195, Jr.) or Kalan Brooker (6-0, 200, Jr.), who will battle it out for the starting strong safety position. SPECIAL TEAMS The Griffons will see both their starting punter and place kicker back this season. Taylor Anderson (5-10, 165, Jr.) and Scott Groner (6-4, 200, Jr.) will be both strong points to the Griffons this season. Anderson made a school record 80 consecutive extra points, while Groner had 15 punts go inside the 20-yard line last season. John Schmiemeier (6-0, 180, Sr.) will be the backup for both spots. “I really feel great about our kickers,” Partridge said. The return game will see a mixture of players, including Crockom, Libby and/or Spencer. None of them returned kicks or punts last season, but all have the speed and athletic ability to give the Griffons field position and spark a big play if needed. “We’ll be good there…We have enough good athletes that somebody is going to be good there.” Missouri Western Two-Deep - Defense/Special Teams DE SLB 45 John Oglesby 6-3 295 Jr. 46 Nick Williams 6-4 242 RSr. 90 Mackenzie Wischman 6-6 225 RFr. 33 Wallace Carter 6-0 245 RSr. DG MLB 43 Austin Baska 6-4 283 RSr. 5 Yomi Alli 6-1 225 RSo. 99 Kurt Petroll 6-3 285 RFr. 41 James Schoonover 5-11 215 RSo. DN WLB 78 Arbanas Elliot 6-4 295 RSo. 15 Stephen Juergens 6-0 205 RJr. 94 Brody Berrie 6-1 300 RSo. 24 Jarred Henry 6-2 225 Sr. DE RCB 97 Janis Matulis 6-4 270 RSo. 13 Marcus Thompson 6-0 180 RSr. 90 Mackenzie Wischman 6-6 225 RFr. 7 Sam Brown 6-3 170 RSo. SS 21 Meshack Kennedy 5-11 195 RJr. 11 Kalan Booker 6-0 200 Jr. FS 8 Marc Harrison 5-10 200 RJr. 35 Kirk Resseguie 6-2 195 RJr. LCB 23 Mike Jordan 6-0 200 RSo. 25 Elroy Douglas 5-11 180 Sr. SPECIALISTS PK 17 Taylor Anderson 5-8 165 Jr. 96 John Schmiemeier 5-9 195 Sr. Punter 34 Scott Groner 6-5 180 Jr. 96 John Schmiemeier 5-9 195 Sr. Holder 34 Scott Groner 6-5 180 Jr. 3 Tyron Crockom 5-11 165 RSr. Snapper 57 Alex Molloy 6-0 205 RSo. 45 Jon Oglesby 6-0 295 Jr. Punt/Kick Returners 3 Tyron Crockom 5-11 167 RSr. 9 Derek Libby 5-9 170 RSr. 26 Raphael Spencer 5-9 190 RSo. Page 39 ELITE FACILITIES
Missouri Western Football Media Guide 2013
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