FOOTBALL: Ball State receivers build around injuries

He’s taken this new role in stride.

It’s a mix between fan and assistant coach some days, player and student of the game on others. Regardless of how you define it, sophomore receiver KeVonn Mabon is no longer on the field — at least not physically.

“I’m still focused,” Mabon said. “I’m still listening to coach, and thinking about what I would be doing if I was on the field.”

Mabon had to adapt after suffering a broken collarbone. The sling over his shoulder can’t keep him from growing during the season.

He’s taking notes and breaking down the playbook in an effort to stay mentally sharp. Mabon said injuries aren’t something you think about all the time, but they’re always in the back of your mind.

That’s why the Ball State receiving corps practices with different players at different positions, he added. So in a situation when one player goes down, someone else can step up.

After Mabon and senior receiver Connor Ryan found themselves sidelined with injuries, that mindset paid off.

In the team’s 51-20 win over Eastern Michigan, it was junior Willie Snead that picked up most of the slack. He pulled in 9 catches for 175 yards in the one-sided victory.

“Going into every game, I feel like I have to put pressure on myself to do good so other guys can step up,” Snead said. “I feel like I’m the leader of the group, so when I do something, somebody else is going to do it.”

Sophomore Jordan Williams followed Snead’s example as he added two touchdowns and 105 yards on the day. Snead said having other guys step up helps to take the load off his shoulders.

From last season to this year, the pressure on Snead dropped significantly. Added playmakers and the growth of veterans has allowed quarterback Keith Wenning to spread the ball around effectively.

The veterans will continue to carry the offense, but some new players are being asked to help as well. Wenning and Snead agree that junior receiver Chris Shillings will be a key player moving forward.

“Shillings is a guy that has stepped up, and he’s going to be called upon this week,” Wenning said. “Other guys like Jamill Smith, Willie and Jordan. Those guys have been in the main role, but they’re going to have to step up and take on even more of a role.”

Mabon said depth at receiver is something the team talked about all season. Now, as injuries become more prevalent, depth is more than just a conversation piece.

Snead isn’t overly concerned though. Much like Mabon and his collarbone, he’s taken the new challenge in stride.

“These guys are going to come along,” He said. “They’ll come in, and we’re going to go out and do what we do.”