Michael Ayers stats:
G Total tackles
- 2012: 12 7
- 2013: 10 13
Michael Ayers has just one career start under his belt, and he is assigned one of the most daunting tasks Ball State football has to offer this season.
He has to replace Indianapolis Colts draft pick Jonathan Newsome.
Newsome finished the last two seasons with a combined 16.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, bringing constant pressure and disrupting opposing offensive lines.
But living up to Newsome’s reputation isn’t on Ayers' radar.
“Newsome was a great player, but that’s not what I’m focused on,” Ayers said. “I’m focused on being the best Michael Ayers I can be and keep working through the process.”
With Newsome playing the majority of the snaps the past two seasons, Ayers' playing time has been limited.
A junior, he made his first and only career start in 2013 against Army, where he recorded a career-high eight tackles.
With the lack of starts, defensive line coach Nick Siatras sees Ayers as an underrated prospect that can surprise offensive lines throughout the season. Siatras praised his strength and ability to close gaps during running plays.
“He’s like any other backup in college, now it’s his turn to show up,” Siatras said. “Hopefully he removes that underrated tag.”
Ayers isn’t the only Cardinals defensive lineman who plans on bringing pressure this year.
Nick Miles, a senior who started every game for the last two seasons, will play opposite Ayers on the defensive line.
At just 6-foot-1 and 238 pounds, Ayers doesn’t appear to be a dominating physical presence, but Miles thinks otherwise after competing with him in practice.
“He’s not the biggest guy but he really plays big. He’s physical and isn’t scared of anyone,” Miles said. “He’ll throw his body around and be a disruption.”
In addition to replacing Newsome, the Cardinals defense will also have to adjust to the loss of former defensive tackle Nate Ollie. Ollie graduated after the conclusion of last season, leaving a 295 pound hole to be filled. He was named to the All Mid-American Conference Second Team.
Defensive tackle Darnell Smith, who Miles said plays with fierce physicality, will replace Ollie. Miles also named nose tackle Keenan Noel as a player who he expects to step up for the defense.
“We have to rally to the ball, play ruthless, use that chip on our shoulder,” Ayers said. “We’ve been doubted as a defense but if we play within the system [head] coach [Pete] Lembo created, it’ll take care of itself.”
With two of Ball State’s top defenders gone, Ayers and Miles both said there’s no use thinking about what Newsome and Ollie gave the team last season, and their only option is to create their own identity when the season kicks off against Colgate Aug. 30.
“There’s no way to replace Jonathan Newsome, he plays for the Colts for a reason,” Miles said. “But as a group, we can still perform well. We’re out here late all the time, perfecting little things because we know in order to be good on defense, it all starts with the defensive line.”
Read More
The eyes and ears of the David Owsley Museum of Art
By Madelyn Bracken / 3 hours agoThe David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) doesn’t only house art. For many Ball State University students, it houses opportunity. Graduate and social media assistant, and former DOMA intern and guard, Taylor Hamblin spent the past two years working at the museum surrounded with possibilities to further her career while at Ball State.
Cardinals chase Mid-American Conference crown at 2024 men's golf MAC Championships
By Nick Shelton / 5 hours agoHeading one hour west to Westfield, Indiana, Ball State will have a chance to redeem last season’s runner-ups with a MAC title. The Cardinals will tee off April 26 to begin their three-day event at Chatham Hills.
Center for Peace offers academic opportunities
By Meghan Braddy and Grayson Joslin / YesterdayOver the years, the center has offered a peace studies minor, conflict resolution training and grant funding.
