by Kalamazoo Gazette

BY JAYSON BUSSA

jbussa@kalamazoogazette.com

(269) 388-8400

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University football coach Bill Cubit says of all the positions in football , offensive line is perhaps the most difficult for a freshman to crack the lineup.

Kalamazoo Christian High School graduate John Buwalda is quickly learning why.

"(Offensive line coach Bob) Stanley is teaching me a lot and a lot of the older guys are stepping up and helping me," the 6-foot-9, 313-pound true freshman said. "I understand there is a lot to learn and I don't want to go out there if I'm not ready, and don't want to be put out there unless I'm ready. I mean, I want to see the Broncos win."

Buwalda is the latest in a growing cast of former area high school standouts who are all in an identical situation at WMU -- learning the college game, improving and yearning for any chance to get on the field.

For Buwalda, hard work in the weight room while mentally "catching up with the college game" is the quickest path to playing time, Cubit said.

"It's just so hard," Cubit said about offensive linemen acclimating to the collegiate ranks. "Pass protection is usually the hardest (thing). They don't do it in high school as much and we throw the ball a lot. What we've seen so far, he's got some potential."

Not only is Buwalda putting in the time and effort, he's doing it with a giddy smile as a member of the team he cheered growing up.

"I'm very excited to be a Bronco," said Buwalda, beaming after enduring Tuesday afternoon's practice. "My dad played here. My mom and dad met here. My sister just graduated here. I grew up coming here to the games. I love the Broncos. It's amazing to be one finally."

After redshirting his freshman year and recording one carry for one yard last season, Jaron Deshazor is battling for work on special teams in 2009. Deshazor remains low on the depth chart in a crowded offensive backfield, but Cubit said the Portage Central graduate's determination might be the attribute that gets him on the field.

"He's going to have to be on some of the special teams in order to make the bus," Cubit said. "He is making a push for that. We'll probably determine by next week where he is at. He has been doing a good job of understanding his role on special teams and showing some promise there."

Home-grown players bide time

Deshazor said knowing that the speedy tandem of Brandon West and Aaron Winchester will get the bulk of the carries doesn't faze him.

"I really don't look at any depth chart or anything like that," Deshazor said. "I just come out here and practice and give my 100 percent effort and want to give my all to wherever I best fit."

Wide receivers E.J. Riley and Eric Monette, both out of Portage Central, redshirted and made the scout team last season. Even after the Broncos lost prominent receivers in Jamarko Simmons and Schneider Julien, and tight end Branden Ledbetter, the freshmen didn't climb much on the depth chart. Still, Cubit said he expects both will get the chance to play before they leave WMU.

"When I was in high school, I didn't play hardly at all freshman and sophomore years," Monette said. "I started playing a little more my junior year and my senior year, I played all the time. I'm viewing it with a lot of optimism. Being patient is what you have to do."

Jason Polmanteer, a redshirt freshman from Gull Lake, has moved from linebacker to defensive end this season. Linebacker Joe Smith (Mendon) also returns after a redshirt season. Cubit said both are improving and wield positive attitudes.

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