Ball State
Ball State

Ball State Team Report

Updated: April 26, 2012 02:31 EST

Ball State wants to be a more explosive team next season, especially on offense. The Cardinals were unexpectedly strong in several areas last season, but they lacked reputable deep threats in the pass and run games.

An emphasis on those areas in spring practice appears to have produced results, if the spring game is an indication.

Among the big plays in the spring game were a 55-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Kelly Page to Antonio Heard and three long passes from starting quarterback Keith Wenning.

Wenning hit Willie Snead for a 59-yard score in the second quarter, tossed a 60-yard touchdown to Jamill Smith in the third period, and threw a 44-yard gain to Connor Ryan in the fourth quarter.

"We've been working on that through the winter," Wenning said. "We had a nice winter, so we were able to get outside a couple of times. We tried to emphasize that and it's paying off, but it's not where it needs to be yet and we're not satisfied."

Cardinals coach Pete Lembo recognizes big plays on offense as a run that gains at least 12 yards and a pass that produces at least 16 yards.

Ball State had only 22 runs in 12 games last year that gained 12 yards. Only one of every 11 passes gained 16 yards. The Cardinals were 10th in the MAC last year in average yards per pass play (6.3).

The Cardinals want to execute more big plays on defense, too, and they accomplished that in the spring game with interceptions by cornerback Andre Dawson, linebacker Kenny Lee and linebacker Bo Greene.

--Ball State coach Pete Lembo gave his team good marks for its improved pass rush this spring after a mediocre performance a year ago. DEs Nick Miles and Ohio State transfer Jonathan Newsome are expected to provide a boost.

--Penalty flags were flying during the Cardinals' spring game. Ball State led the Mid-American Conference in fewest penalties last year, but coach Pete Lembo was disappointed in his team's lack of discipline in the spring game.

--The running game lacked a presence in Ball State's spring game, but Lembo said that won't be the case during the season. The run game actually is stocked with strong depth, with Jahwan Edwards leading the group as the returning starter from 2011.

SPRING MOVERS:

WR Chris Shillings -- He played sparingly last season because he wasn't ready to contribute. Shillings gained the trust of the coaches in spring practice.

OG Jalen Schlachter -- After redshirting last year, the former Big Ten recruiting target is in position to play this season.

S Chris Pauling -- The true freshman, who competed this spring after graduating from high school in December, is an early contender for a starting job in the fall. "He showed up and you would have thought he has been here three years already," coach Pete Lembo said.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We challenged our receivers to step up and be those (big-play) guys for us, and it was good to see a number of different guys making plays. Our receiving corps this year came out with a chip on their shoulder and was determined to get better. It was nice to see a number of different guys making plays." -- BSU coach Pete Lembo on big plays made by the receiver group during the spring.

2012 OUTLOOK: Ball State was a major surprise last year when it posted a 6-6 record and become bowl eligible. With 13 starters returning this season, including nine on offense, the Cardinals should be in position to become a better football team. The trouble is, their record might not show it. With non-conference games against Clemson, Indiana and Army on the road and a home game against South Florida, Ball State might be hard pressed to win six games again.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Cardinals' multiple no-huddle look can play at a fast or slow tempo, depending on the situation. Junior QB Keith Wenning is a two-year starter, so his experience will be a major factor in the Cardinals' ability to move the ball and score points. TBs Jahwan Edwards and Barrington Scott give the offense good balance on the ground. Edwards was a bright spot as a true freshman last year when he rushed for a team-best 786 yards.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Cardinals are in desperate need of playmakers on the defense. MLB Travis Freeman is a high-tackle performer who needs players around him to help out. Ball State was a sloppy tackling team last year, so that's an area that must improve by leaps and bounds. Most of the big playmakers from last year's team (SS Sean Baker, FS Josh Howard, OLB Aaron Morris) are gone, meaning others have to be developed.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Ball State has one of the most well-rounded special teams units in the Mid-American Conference. Scott Kovanda is one of the top punters in the league, Steven Schott is an accurate kicker and returner Jamill Smith has the ability to make the first tackler miss.

TOP NEWCOMERS:

DE Jonathan Newsome -- He transferred to Ball State a year ago after playing two seasons at Ohio State. Newsome was primarily a special teams player for the Buckeyes, but he will get a chance to contribute at defensive end for Ball State. The Cardinals are seeking depth on the line, and Newsome will get a chance to become a starter.

OL Josh Smith -- He might have projected as a Big Ten player but a torn ACL in the summer before his senior season took him off those boards. Despite missing his 2011 season, Ball State loves his athletic ability and work ethic. Cardinals coach Pete Lembo likes to redshirt as many true freshmen as possible, so Smith is a likely candidate to sit out 2012 and be completely healthy by spring practice in 2013.

WR Efe Scott-Emuakpor -- At 6-foot-3, he fits Ball State's model for putting taller wideouts on the field. He's an athletic receiver who should really grow into his body when he focuses only on football at Ball State. He was No. 18 all-time among high school players in Michigan for career catches.

ROSTER REPORT:

--OLB Aaron Morris, one of Ball State's most productive players (No. 2 for the Cardinals in tackles last season with 115), was suspended by the university for poor academic performance. The door for his return in 2013 isn't completely closed. "He needs to show the university he deserves to be re-admitted, and then the question is, where is he in terms of progress toward his degree?" coach Pete Lembo told the Muncie (Ind.) Star Press. "All of that is hypothetical."

--OG Jordan Hansel played as well as anybody on Ball State's offensive line last year before his season ended Oct. 29 when he broke a leg. Hansel had surgery and will be ready for the season, but he was kept out of contact drills during spring practice.

--TB Barrington Scott began 2011 by starting the first five games. Nagging injuries caught up to him in October and his season finally ended Nov. 5 when he broke a leg. Scott had surgery and will be ready for the season, but he was kept out of contact drills during spring practice.