QB

On paper, Eastern Michigan University’s offense is nothing to write home about. But the Eagles’ sophomore quarterback Andy Schmitt has NIU head football coach Joe Novak a little concerned.

Schmitt reminds Novak of Southern Illinois’ quarterback, Nick Hill. And everyone remembers what happened last week against SIU.

Schmitt broke into the starting line up last year as a redshirt freshman and started seven games but played in nine. The sophomore threw for 1,182 yards while running for 461 and earned the Eastern Gridiron Network Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award.

In two games this year, Schmitt has gone 32-of-51 with one touchdown and one interception, while throwing for 261 yards. Those numbers have EMU’s passing offense ranked 114-of-119 teams in Division 1.

While those numbers aren’t too impressive, the NIU defense will need to be on its heels because of Schmitt’s ability to run.

Grade: C

WR

Sophomore DeAnthony White comes into Saturday’s game as the Eagles leading receiver. White has caught nine receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in two games.

As a true freshman last year, the Georgia native played in 10 games but started only three. Even though he is a true sophomore, White is being counted on to be the Eagles top playmaker among their wide receiver corps. The lone senior of the group is Travis Lewis.

Lewis also plays on the EMU basketball team and has caught 47 passes for 446 yards in his career. Rounding it out is sophomore Jacory Stone. Stone played in all 12 games last year and has caught six passes for 35 yards in two games this year. The Eagles have a group of average wide receivers and are missing the one stand-out guy.

Grade: C-

RB

If healthy, EMU running back Pierre Walker can cause problems for opposing defenses. However, the senior has been plagued by injuries his whole career. Before getting injured last year, Walker rushed for 214 yards on 51 carries. Walker currently ranks 10th in the MAC with 95 yards in two games.

Just like NIU, EMU also shares the rushing load. True freshman Dwayne Priest has gotten 14 carries, but for only 21 yards this year. NIU’s strength out of the backfield is that Justin Anderson can be used as a valuable receiver.

EMU’s weakness is that Walker and Priest have combined to catch only three passes making it hard to establish the run as the Eagles rushing offense is ranked 101-of-119 in Division 1 and 10-of-13 in the MAC.

Grade: C

O-Line

Four of five offensive linemen are returning from last year. Senior right guard Khalid Walton anchors the group, having played in 34 games in the past three years. After being injured the past two seasons, junior Desi Manyner broke into the starting line up during the final three games last season and has retained his job as the starting center.

The Eagles are experienced at left guard and right tackle as sophomore Andy Fretz and junior Andy Lang return to those positions, respectively, after starting all 12 games a year ago. The biggest uncertainty for the Eagles is at right tackle. Freshman Dan DeMaster won the job after redshirting his freshman year.

For the most part, EMU’s line is experienced but a total offense that ranks 114-of-119 suggests otherwise.

Grade: C