Halfway though spring practice, Ball State University football coach Brady Hoke likes what he sees so far.
"Offensively and defensively, our tempo is better," Hoke said. "Our overall performance, when you compare springs, is lightyears ahead of where we were three years ago."
QUARTERBACK
Expect a quarterback competition in the fall, when Bellaire (Ohio) High School star Nate Davis arrives on campus. But it's going to take a lot to unseat the incumbent, Joey Lynch.
"Joey's had a good spring," Hoke said. "He's more mature. Every year he gets stronger and is really grasping the offense."
Lynch started seven games as a redshirt sophomore and all 11 as a junior. Last season Lynch threw for 1,982 yards and 18 touchdowns, while completing 63 percent of his passes and throwing only seven interceptions. He threw four touchdown passes against both Bowling Green State University and Western Michigan University. As a high school senior, Davis threw for 2,932 yards and 42 touchdowns.
OFFENSE/DEFENSE
With 15 starters returning (10 offense, five defense), this has been the most-experienced group Hoke's had in spring ball. Offensively, Hoke said the passing game is ahead of the running game, even with B.J. Hill having a solid spring.
Twelve defensive players returning started at least one game last year. Hoke said the biggest issue defensively is the secondary, with strong safety Erik Keys the only returning full-time starter.
"With the position changes, moving Bryant England, Jovens Degage and [Corey] McGee over there, that's something we have got to work though. They're learning a lot on the run," Hoke said.
STANDOUTS
Along with Lynch and B.J. Hill, 6-foot-6 tight end Darius Hill, tailback Larry Bostic and center Dan Gerberry also are having a good spring.
"Gerberry has really taken a leadership role," Hoke said. Gerberry started all 11 games last year as a redshirt sophomore. B.J. Hill ran for 420 yards in the fall, and Bostic gained 196 yards. Darius Hill caught 11 passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns last fall.
Defensive standouts so far include Keys; all three starters at linebacker last fall, Brad Seiss, Bryant Haines and Wendell Brown; and defensive end Cortlan Booker.
"You've got more guys who are familiar with the system," Hoke said. "Right now I like the progress. But like anything else, it's not where you start, it's where you finish."
Spring practice will conclude with the spring game at noon Apeil 22.
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