Central Michigan
Central Michigan

Central Michigan Team Report

Updated: April 26, 2012 02:32 EST

Central Michigan coach Dan Enos got the kind of attention that most coaches would rather avoid following this year's spring practice period. Four days after CMU's annual spring game concluded the 15-practice session, Enos released a statement that Austin White, Joe Sawicki and Danel Harris were released from the football program.

"We hold our student-athletes to the highest standard of conduct as members of our team, our campus and our community," said Enos. "Actions that do not represent CMU and the community with pride have no place on our campus and will not be tolerated."

Although all three sophomores had yet to appear in a CMU jersey, the unwanted publicity and loss of White was a big blow for a football program attempting to restore its image. White, who transferred from Michigan, was expected to be in the mix for the starting running back position -- an area of need for playmakers.

Still, the Chippewas had plenty of spring turned into a positive building mode for a program seeking to avoid a third straight 3-9 record. Senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff won't be able to rest on his upperclassmen status with Alex Niznak looking sharp in the spring. Running back Anthony Garland looked strong after a late-season injury last year sidelined him. Zurlon Tipton had a solid showing in the spring game by rushing for 114 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The Chippewas have a solid group of young wide receivers returning, but lack a go-to back to shoulder the load of the carries and take some pressure off Radcliff. Tipton showed signs that he's ready to battle Garland for playing time in 2012.

"We saw a lot from many different players this spring, so we are happy about that," said Tipton. "I felt my performance was (decent). There were certain right cuts I made, but there is still a lot of improvements I need to make this summer and into the fall."

The Chippewas have eight starters back on defense, but a number of injuries derailed the team's overall progress during the spring.

"We have a lot of guys that haven't been practicing due to injuries, so I don't think spring practice is a measurement of where you are going to be," said Enos. "But I think it is a good tool to get young guys some reps and to establish your depth chart plus work on techniques. We can also look at different things schematically and see where you can make improvements in various areas. In that regard, I think we have come a long way."

--Senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff is the clear-cut starter for next year, but the development of Alex Niznak and transfer Cody Kater led to an interesting spring. Niznak played like a seasoned veteran at times, while Kater has big-time potential.

--Central Michigan coach Dan Enos might have received a vote of confidence from his administration by receiving a one-year extension back in February despite back-to-back 3-9 campaigns, but he was recently ranked as the third worst coach in college football by athlonsports.com.

SPRING MOVERS:

QB Alex Niznak -- Expected to challenge senior starter Ryan Radcliff for playing time next fall after a solid spring. Niznak displayed good leadership and command of the offense, concluding with a big showing in the spring game.

RB Zurlon Tipton -- Always considered a player with potential, Tipton showed his talent in the spring period. The Chippewas needed a player to step up during the spring. Tipton led the Chippewas with 114 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the spring game.

CB Jahleel Addae -- The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Addae stepped up his play on the field last year with 107 tackles, but his leadership and toughness in the off-season and spring practice period was a good sign for a defense.

TE Mike Kinville -- Was moved from linebacker to tight end in the spring. The sophomore looked like a full-time tight end by finishing the spring with four receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "When you take over as the starting quarterback, it's tough initially following Dan because he was a heck of a quarterback. You have to earn these guys' respect, but now that I've been doing this a while they don't look at you as the young guy anymore. I'm going to be a fifth-year guy and a lot more guys start respecting you and your leadership abilities." -- CMU senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff on following Dan LeFevour's footsteps.

2012 OUTLOOK: The Chippewas generated some negative publicity when three players were released from the team after the spring period. The Chippewas have plenty to build upon after consecutive 3-9 seasons with a solid offense and most of last year's defensive starters returning. The Chippewas have to develop a consistent running game and force more turnovers to compete in the MAC West Division.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Chippewas have all the signs of becoming one of the best offenses in the Mid-American Conference next season. The Chippewas have to develop more depth at the offensive line and find a consistent rusher, but a plethora of talented wide receivers will cover some weak areas. Senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff must limit his turnovers or risk losing his job for the first time after starting the last two years due to a talented group of backups.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense shined in the spring behind a solid secondary led by Jahleel Addae and Avery Cunningham. The defense should be vastly improved from last year, but has to force turnovers and make key stops next year.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker David Harman was steady last year, making 13-of-16 field goal attempts and all 32 extra points. Harman was one of the most consistent kickers in the league with at least 15 attempts. Punter Richie Hogan averaged 39.4 yards per punt in 2011.

TOP NEWCOMERS:

LB Nathan Ricketts -- The last signee in a 26-player class in mid-March, Ricketts is coming off a big senior season. He recorded 168 tackles en route to being named to the 2011 Parade Magazine All-American team.

QB Cody Kater joined the Chippewas in the offseason, further complicating the picture at quarterback. The former Cincinnati quarterback is coming off a stellar season at Grand Rapids Community College, where he led his team to an 11-0 record. Kater is a proven winner, leading his high school team to back-to-back state championships.

"He is going to come in and provide depth immediately," Enos said of Kater. "He is an older guy. We didn't really want to recruit two freshmen for this class. We wanted to have five on scholarship and didn't want a bunch in the same class. We wanted to spread them out."

ROSTER REPORT:

--WR Deon Butler remains suspended indefinitely from the team. Butler, a sophomore, caught eight passes for 49 yards last year.

--DB Kevin King is suspended indefinitely from the team. King had six tackles last year for the Chippewas.

--Senior Alex Smith moved from linebacker to defensive end during the spring. Smith handled the transition good in the spring after registering 37 career tackles in the last three years.

--Mike Kinville gave the offense a big addition by moving from linebacker to tight end. Judging by the spring game, Kinville looked comfortable at his new position with four catches for 94 yards and one touchdown.