The defensive line was a place of strength and leadership for Ball State last season.
It was anchored by defensive end Brandon Crawford, the team's unquestioned leader. Defensive tackle Drew Duffin was voted the team's MVP. Throw in All-Mid-American Conference defensive end Robert Eddins, and it would have been almost impossible for the position to be inconsequential.
Crawford and Duffin have graduated, leaving Eddins as Ball State's best and perhaps the most experienced defensive lineman. The senior has not taken the burden lightly, shouldering the responsibility of guiding younger players.
"They left me to do a lot of the leadership," Eddins said. "On the defensive line, I probably have the most experience, besides Rene Perry. [Younger players] look up to us for a lot."
Eddins and Perry are three-year lettermen and will start Thursday night against Southeast Missouri State.
When fans arrive at Scheumann Stadium, they might notice a difference with Eddins. He added 15 pounds in the offseason, bulking up to 245.
"I think he's better than ever," coach Stan Parrish said. "He should be one of the most dominant edge rushers in this league, if not the best. He's prepared that way."
Eddins proved to be one of the MAC's best defensive ends last season. He led the Cardinals with seven sacks and blocked two punts. Eddins' biggest influence may have come at Eastern Michigan, where he blocked a punt through the end zone. The ensuing safety turned out to be the winning margin in Ball State's 29-27 victory, its first of the season.
Parrish expects more this fall. He wants Eddins to become the playmaker Ball State's front seven lacked in recent years.
"We haven't had an edge rusher since I've been here," Parrish said. "If we're going to make a run, he's got to be one of the best players in the league."
Eddins feels pressure to help Ball State return to the success it had early in his career. Like all the Cardinals, he wants to bring the winning tradition back to Muncie after last season's disappointment.
Eddins has additional motivation. The Detroit native played in Ball State's MAC championship game loss to Buffalo in 2008, a devastating defeat. Eddins said he hopes for a chance to return to Ford Field for this year's conference title game in order to win the trophy in his hometown.
"It would mean a heck of a lot to me," he said. "I want these guys to go home with me. That would be great."
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