As reporters flocked to Nate Davis at the Mid-American Conference's Media Day, Ball State punter Chris Miller waited patiently to be approached.
The fact Miller is an All-American punter didn't seem to earn him many points with media members. Similar to game situations, those in attendance preferred to see the Cardinals' quarterback instead of their punter.
"When you're here with Nate, obviously he's going to get all the attention and hoopla," Miller said.
To get the jokes out of the way, yes, it is fitting that the only punter in attendance represented Ball State, formerly known as "Punter U." But there's no question Miller's credentials merited coach Brady Hoke's decision to have his punter represent Ball State's 84th football team.
In his first three years with the Cardinals, Miller has carried on the great punting tradition that has led to its nickname. His 45.4 yards per punt was third in the nation, good enough to be named a top 10 finalist for the Ray Guy Award and Ball State's sixth first-team All-American in school history. Looking at his laundry list of awards, it's clear Miller has already become one of the most decorated football players in Ball State history.
Yet, Miller's statistics, records and honors weren't the real reason Hoke brought the punter to media day instead of a more recognizable name.
Since Ball State's football identity evolved into an offense-laden team with a propensity to score in bunches, the message Hoke has preached to his team has centered on unity.
It's difficult for anyone to link the success of an offense speckled with numerous all-MAC selections with a defense that doesn't exceed the middle of the league in most major statistical categories. Of the 13 teams in the conference, the Cardinals' defense ranked 10th in overall defense last season.
Yet, Ball State's defensive unit was vastly improved from its 2006 form, when the group looked more Hellen Keller than Hellen Hunt.
The Cardinals' 28.3 points allowed per game was fourth in the conference and good enough to aid a high-octane offense for seven wins. The defense also produced big plays throughout the season, tying for second in the league with 28 takeaways, including a conference-best 19 interceptions.
Even Hoke isn't quite sure how much better his defense will be, but he likes what he sees on paper entering the season.
"I really like the speed and skill that we're able to put on the field," Hoke said. "I really like the youth that we've interjected into it. Two years ago, we signed 18 defensive players, and I'm really enjoying how those kids are coming along."
Along with a young crop of talent, Ball State also returns plenty of veterans, including six starters from last year's International Bowl. Fifth-year senior linebacker Wendell Brown, who led the Cardinals in tackles in 2006, has been underwhelming so far after coming back from a pectoral muscle tear that kept him out last season. But Bryant Haines, last year's leading tackler with 125, has been practicing at full strength after originally being questionable for the start of the season with a back injury.
Seeing the pieces for a much-improved defense fall into place, Hoke sent his latest message for unity when he chose Chris Miller to represent the 2008 team. It was the right choice because it beat the hell out of the alternative.
Sure, most media members would've preferred to speak with another big-name offensive player, such as John Mackey Award Watch List honoree Darius Hill or leading receiver Dante Love. Like Miller, both players earned the right to represent this year's team with their play on the field. But if Hoke had taken two offensive players to Detroit, he would've been sending nothing more than mixed signals to his team.
A coach can't send the message that his offensive and defensive units are equally important to success this fall and then select two players from the same side of the ball to represent his team. A compromise like that just doesn't work.
You might argue Miller is a special team's player and not a defensive member, but a team's punter is always linked with the defensive side of the ball. It's the reason former Ball State great Brad Maynard was named the 1996 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. The easiest way to improve a team's defensive is to start with its punting game. In those terms, Miller is by far the Cardinals best defensive player.
Even with Miller paving the road to improvement with each punt, it's na've to believe Ball State's defense can equal an offense that returns every starter from last season. But Hoke knows his defensive must earn credibility for his team to have the success it years for this fall.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
