Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: EMU Athletics/Randy Mascharka
Five Players Named All-MAC; Ron English Named Coach of the Year
11/30/2011 11:19:00 AM | Football, E-Gridiron Group
Head Coach Ron English named MAC Coach of the Year
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) — Following its best season in 16 years, the Eastern Michigan University football team received numerous conference honors on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Head Coach Ron English was named the 2011 Coach of the Year by the Mid-American Conference News Media Association, while five student-athletes were named to the All-MAC teams.
Earning second-team honors was senior defensive lineman Brad Ohrman (Adrian, Mich.-Adrian). Third-team honorees included junior tight end Garrett Hoskins (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Creston), junior linebacker Justin Cudworth (Monte Nido, Calif.-Agoura-College of the Canyons), senior defensive back Latarrius Thomas (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.-Smyrna Beach-Louisville) and sophomore defensive back Marlon Pollard (Pomona, Calif.-Cajon-UCLA).
The five All-MAC honorees are the most for the Eagles since the 1996 campaign when eight EMU players took home MAC postseason accolades.
The Eagles, who finished the season with a 6-6 overall mark and a 4-4 record in MAC play, snapped a 15-year streak of losing seasons. Coach English's team finished nationally in the top 50 statistically in five categories to go along with eight top five rankings in the MAC standings.
Offensively, Eastern Michigan rushed for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdowns on 575 carries for the 16th-best ground attack in the nation. The total was the second most in program history trailing only the 1987 team that captured the 1987 Mid-American Conference title by running the ball 610 times for a total of 2,701 yards. It marked just the second time in school history that the Eagles had rushed for more than 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Defensively, EMU ranked 35th nationally and third in the MAC in total defense. The Eagles gave up just 350.33 yards per game, an improvement of 103.8 yards per contest. Additionally, the team averaged nearly six tackles for loss per game, the squad's highest total since 2001 when they had 82.
The 2011 Vern Smith Leadership Award and MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors went to Northern Illinois University quarterback Chandler Harnish. Western Michigan University's Drew Nowak was named the Defensive Player of the Year, Ohio University's Matt Weller earned the Special Teams Player of the Year and Bowling Green State University's Anthon Samuel took home Freshman of the Year honors.
The All-MAC teams and the Vern Smith Leadership Award were selected by the MAC head coaches, while the other awards voted by the MAC News Media Association.
English, in his third year as head coach of EMU, orchestrated a dramatic turnaround for the Eagles program. In his previous two seasons at Eastern Michigan, the Eagles finished 2-10 in 2010 and were 0-12 in 2009. Eastern Michigan had the third best defense in the MAC and the fourth best rushing offense in the conference and finished one game shy of being bowl eligible.
He becomes just the third EMU head coach to earn MAC Coach of the Year accolades, joining Ed Chlebek (1977) and Jim Harkema (1987).
Ohrman started all 12 games for the Eagles and 34 in his career. The Adrian, Mich. native had 52 tackles (19 solo, 33 assists) to go along with 5.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. He finished with a team-best 8.5 tackles for a loss of 52 yards, ranking fourth in the MAC in sacks and 87th nationally. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, Ohrman had 2.5 sacks for 20 yards against Alabama State (Sept. 10) and recorded his first career interception against Penn State (Sept. 24). He was also named the MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 12, after tallying eight tackles (2 solo, 6 assists) in the Eagles' 30-17 victory over Buffalo (Nov. 12).
Hoskins started all 12 games in 2011, ranking second on the team in catches with 22 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdowns ranked second most among the All-MAC tight end nominees. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, Hoskins finished with an average of 14.9 yards per catch and caught a pair of touchdown passes against Buffalo (Nov. 12). He also had a touchdown grab in the season-opener versus Howard (Sept. 4).
Cudworth was the only EMU linebacker to start all 12 contests this season, leading the team with 83 tackles (32 solo, 5 assists) to go along with 7.5 tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. He finished tied for the team lead in tackles-for-loss and ranked 18th in the MAC in tackles and 19th in tackles for loss. Cudworth's 83 tackles rank eighth most among MAC linebackers. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, he had four-or-more tackles in every game, including a season-high 13 (3.5 for loss) against Howard (Sept. 4).
Thomas started all 12 games for the Eagles in the secondary, recording 79 tackles (42 solo, 37 assists) to go along with 0.5 tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups and one forced fumble. The New Smyrna Beach, Fla. native led the team in unassisted tackles, ranking 29th in the MAC in tackles and third most among All-MAC nominated defensive backs. Thomas recorded seven tackles in a 14-10 win over Western Michigan and was in on the Eagles' game-changing fourth quarter goal-line stand that stopped the Broncos from scoring in the red zone.
Pollard started 11 of the 12 games for the Eagles, finishing with 54 tackles (37 solo, 17 assists) to go along with 2.0 tackles-for-loss, seven pass breakups and one interception. A 2011 Preseason All-MAC selection by Phil Steele, the Pomona, Calif. native ranked 12th in the MAC in passes defended. He also ranked sixth in the MAC in punt returns and 45th nationally at 5.33 yards per return.
The conference honors were the first for each of the EMU student-athletes.
The 2011 Michigan MAC Champions will celebrate the season's accomplishment at the 49th annual football banquet Sunday, Dec. 11, at the EMU Student Center.
2011 MAC Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Ron English, Eastern Michigan
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: QB Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Drew Nowak, Western Michigan
Special Teams Player of the Year: K Matt Weller, Ohio
Freshman of the Year: RB Anthon Samuel, Bowling Green
2011 All-MAC First Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois @
Center – Scott Wedige, Northern Illinois @
Offensive Linemen – Mike VanDerMeulen, Toledo %
Offensive Lineman – Trevor Olson, Northern Illinois @
Offensive Lineman – Joe Flading, Ohio @&
Offensive Linemen – Pat Boyle, Temple
Tight End – Evan Rodriquez, Temple @
Wide Receiver – Jordan White, Western Michigan @
Wide Receiver – Eric Page, Toledo @!
Wide Receiver – Nick Harwell, Miami #
Wide Receiver – Kamar Jorden, Bowling Green @
Running Back - Bernard Pierce, Temple @ ^
Running Back –Branden Oliver, Buffalo
Placekicker –Mathew Sims, Northern Illinois
2011 All-MAC First Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker –Aaron Morris, Ball State
Outside Linebacker – Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Inside Linebacker – Brian Wagner, Akron !
Inside Linebacker - Dwayne Woods, Bowling Green #
Down Lineman – Roosevelt Nix, Kent State @
Down Lineman – Adrian Robinson, Temple @ ^
Down Lineman – Chris Jones, Bowling Green %
Down Lineman – Drew Nowak, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Jahleel Addae, Central Michigan %
Defensive Back – Dayonne Nunley, Miami
Defensive Back – Desmond Marrow, Toledo
Defensive Back – Sean Baker, Ball State #
Punter – Brian Schmeidebusch, Bowling Green
2011 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – Eric Page, Toledo @
Punt Return Specialist –Eric Page, Toledo
2011 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Alex Carder, Western Michigan %
Center – Zac Kerin, Toledo
Offensive Lineman - Brandon Brooks, Miami # !
Offensive Lineman – Jordan Hansel, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Brian Winters, Kent State %
Offensive Lineman – Eric Herman, Ohio
Tight End – David Blackburn, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – LaVon Brazill, Ohio !
Wide Receiver – Briggs Orsbon, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Perez Ashford, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – Marcus Rivers, Buffalo
Running Back – Adonis Thomas, Toledo #
Running Back – Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois
Placekicker – Matt Weller, Ohio ^
2011 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker – C.J. Malauulu, Kent State
Outside Linebacker – Tahir Whitehead, Temple
Inside Linebacker – Travis Freeman, Ball State
Inside Linebacker – Noah Keller, Ohio ! +
Down Lineman – Sean Progar, Northern Illinois @
Down Lineman – Tremayne Scott, Ohio
Down Lineman – Nate Ollie, Ball State
Down Lineman – Brad Ohrman, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – Johnnie Simon, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Josh Pleasant, Kent State
Defensive Back – Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Defensive Back – Travis Carrie, Ohio
Punter – Brandon McManus, Temple
2011 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – BooBoo Gates, Bowling Green
Punt Return Specialist – Jamill Smith, Ball State
2011 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Tyler Tettleton, Ohio
Center – Ben Bojicic, Bowling Green
Offensive Lineman – Dann O'Neill, Western Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Wayne Tribue, Temple
Offensive Lineman – Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – A.J. Strum, Ohio #
Tight End – Garrett Hoskins, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Nate Palmer, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – Titus Davis, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – Cody Wilson, Central Michigan #
Wide Receiver – Chleb Ravenell, Western Michigan
Running Back – Donte' Harden, Ohio
Running Back – Matt Brown, Temple #
Placekicker – John Potter, Western Michigan %
2011 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker – Justin Cudworth, Eastern Michigan
Outside Linebacker – Jerrell Wedge, Miami
Inside Linebacker – Luke Batton, Kent State
Inside Linebacker – Ryan Kennedy, Miami
Down Lineman – Austin Brown, Miami #
Down Lineman – Morkeith Brown, Temple
Down Lineman – Freddie Bishop, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – T.J. Fatinikun, Toledo %
Defensive Back – Latarrius Thomas, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – Kevin Kroboth, Temple
Defensive Back – Luke Wollet, Kent State
Defensive Back – Marlon Pollard, Eastern Michigan
Punter – Scott Kovanda, Ball State
All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – Donte' Harden, Ohio
Punt Return Specialist – Terrell Jackson, Buffalo @
@ 2010 First team All-MAC
# 2010 Second team All-MAC
% 2010 Third team All-MAC
^ 2009 First team All-MAC
! 2009 Second team All-MAC
& 2009 Third team All-MAC
~ 2008 First team All-MAC
+ 2008 Second team All-MAC
Earning second-team honors was senior defensive lineman Brad Ohrman (Adrian, Mich.-Adrian). Third-team honorees included junior tight end Garrett Hoskins (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Creston), junior linebacker Justin Cudworth (Monte Nido, Calif.-Agoura-College of the Canyons), senior defensive back Latarrius Thomas (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.-Smyrna Beach-Louisville) and sophomore defensive back Marlon Pollard (Pomona, Calif.-Cajon-UCLA).
The five All-MAC honorees are the most for the Eagles since the 1996 campaign when eight EMU players took home MAC postseason accolades.
The Eagles, who finished the season with a 6-6 overall mark and a 4-4 record in MAC play, snapped a 15-year streak of losing seasons. Coach English's team finished nationally in the top 50 statistically in five categories to go along with eight top five rankings in the MAC standings.
Offensively, Eastern Michigan rushed for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdowns on 575 carries for the 16th-best ground attack in the nation. The total was the second most in program history trailing only the 1987 team that captured the 1987 Mid-American Conference title by running the ball 610 times for a total of 2,701 yards. It marked just the second time in school history that the Eagles had rushed for more than 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Defensively, EMU ranked 35th nationally and third in the MAC in total defense. The Eagles gave up just 350.33 yards per game, an improvement of 103.8 yards per contest. Additionally, the team averaged nearly six tackles for loss per game, the squad's highest total since 2001 when they had 82.
The 2011 Vern Smith Leadership Award and MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors went to Northern Illinois University quarterback Chandler Harnish. Western Michigan University's Drew Nowak was named the Defensive Player of the Year, Ohio University's Matt Weller earned the Special Teams Player of the Year and Bowling Green State University's Anthon Samuel took home Freshman of the Year honors.
The All-MAC teams and the Vern Smith Leadership Award were selected by the MAC head coaches, while the other awards voted by the MAC News Media Association.
English, in his third year as head coach of EMU, orchestrated a dramatic turnaround for the Eagles program. In his previous two seasons at Eastern Michigan, the Eagles finished 2-10 in 2010 and were 0-12 in 2009. Eastern Michigan had the third best defense in the MAC and the fourth best rushing offense in the conference and finished one game shy of being bowl eligible.
He becomes just the third EMU head coach to earn MAC Coach of the Year accolades, joining Ed Chlebek (1977) and Jim Harkema (1987).
Ohrman started all 12 games for the Eagles and 34 in his career. The Adrian, Mich. native had 52 tackles (19 solo, 33 assists) to go along with 5.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. He finished with a team-best 8.5 tackles for a loss of 52 yards, ranking fourth in the MAC in sacks and 87th nationally. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, Ohrman had 2.5 sacks for 20 yards against Alabama State (Sept. 10) and recorded his first career interception against Penn State (Sept. 24). He was also named the MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 12, after tallying eight tackles (2 solo, 6 assists) in the Eagles' 30-17 victory over Buffalo (Nov. 12).
Hoskins started all 12 games in 2011, ranking second on the team in catches with 22 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdowns ranked second most among the All-MAC tight end nominees. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, Hoskins finished with an average of 14.9 yards per catch and caught a pair of touchdown passes against Buffalo (Nov. 12). He also had a touchdown grab in the season-opener versus Howard (Sept. 4).
Cudworth was the only EMU linebacker to start all 12 contests this season, leading the team with 83 tackles (32 solo, 5 assists) to go along with 7.5 tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. He finished tied for the team lead in tackles-for-loss and ranked 18th in the MAC in tackles and 19th in tackles for loss. Cudworth's 83 tackles rank eighth most among MAC linebackers. Named 2011 Mid-Season All-MAC by Phil Steele, he had four-or-more tackles in every game, including a season-high 13 (3.5 for loss) against Howard (Sept. 4).
Thomas started all 12 games for the Eagles in the secondary, recording 79 tackles (42 solo, 37 assists) to go along with 0.5 tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups and one forced fumble. The New Smyrna Beach, Fla. native led the team in unassisted tackles, ranking 29th in the MAC in tackles and third most among All-MAC nominated defensive backs. Thomas recorded seven tackles in a 14-10 win over Western Michigan and was in on the Eagles' game-changing fourth quarter goal-line stand that stopped the Broncos from scoring in the red zone.
Pollard started 11 of the 12 games for the Eagles, finishing with 54 tackles (37 solo, 17 assists) to go along with 2.0 tackles-for-loss, seven pass breakups and one interception. A 2011 Preseason All-MAC selection by Phil Steele, the Pomona, Calif. native ranked 12th in the MAC in passes defended. He also ranked sixth in the MAC in punt returns and 45th nationally at 5.33 yards per return.
The conference honors were the first for each of the EMU student-athletes.
The 2011 Michigan MAC Champions will celebrate the season's accomplishment at the 49th annual football banquet Sunday, Dec. 11, at the EMU Student Center.
2011 MAC Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Ron English, Eastern Michigan
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: QB Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Drew Nowak, Western Michigan
Special Teams Player of the Year: K Matt Weller, Ohio
Freshman of the Year: RB Anthon Samuel, Bowling Green
2011 All-MAC First Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois @
Center – Scott Wedige, Northern Illinois @
Offensive Linemen – Mike VanDerMeulen, Toledo %
Offensive Lineman – Trevor Olson, Northern Illinois @
Offensive Lineman – Joe Flading, Ohio @&
Offensive Linemen – Pat Boyle, Temple
Tight End – Evan Rodriquez, Temple @
Wide Receiver – Jordan White, Western Michigan @
Wide Receiver – Eric Page, Toledo @!
Wide Receiver – Nick Harwell, Miami #
Wide Receiver – Kamar Jorden, Bowling Green @
Running Back - Bernard Pierce, Temple @ ^
Running Back –Branden Oliver, Buffalo
Placekicker –Mathew Sims, Northern Illinois
2011 All-MAC First Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker –Aaron Morris, Ball State
Outside Linebacker – Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Inside Linebacker – Brian Wagner, Akron !
Inside Linebacker - Dwayne Woods, Bowling Green #
Down Lineman – Roosevelt Nix, Kent State @
Down Lineman – Adrian Robinson, Temple @ ^
Down Lineman – Chris Jones, Bowling Green %
Down Lineman – Drew Nowak, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Jahleel Addae, Central Michigan %
Defensive Back – Dayonne Nunley, Miami
Defensive Back – Desmond Marrow, Toledo
Defensive Back – Sean Baker, Ball State #
Punter – Brian Schmeidebusch, Bowling Green
2011 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – Eric Page, Toledo @
Punt Return Specialist –Eric Page, Toledo
2011 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Alex Carder, Western Michigan %
Center – Zac Kerin, Toledo
Offensive Lineman - Brandon Brooks, Miami # !
Offensive Lineman – Jordan Hansel, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Brian Winters, Kent State %
Offensive Lineman – Eric Herman, Ohio
Tight End – David Blackburn, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – LaVon Brazill, Ohio !
Wide Receiver – Briggs Orsbon, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Perez Ashford, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – Marcus Rivers, Buffalo
Running Back – Adonis Thomas, Toledo #
Running Back – Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois
Placekicker – Matt Weller, Ohio ^
2011 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker – C.J. Malauulu, Kent State
Outside Linebacker – Tahir Whitehead, Temple
Inside Linebacker – Travis Freeman, Ball State
Inside Linebacker – Noah Keller, Ohio ! +
Down Lineman – Sean Progar, Northern Illinois @
Down Lineman – Tremayne Scott, Ohio
Down Lineman – Nate Ollie, Ball State
Down Lineman – Brad Ohrman, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – Johnnie Simon, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Josh Pleasant, Kent State
Defensive Back – Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
Defensive Back – Travis Carrie, Ohio
Punter – Brandon McManus, Temple
2011 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – BooBoo Gates, Bowling Green
Punt Return Specialist – Jamill Smith, Ball State
2011 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Position – Name - School
Quarterback – Tyler Tettleton, Ohio
Center – Ben Bojicic, Bowling Green
Offensive Lineman – Dann O'Neill, Western Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Wayne Tribue, Temple
Offensive Lineman – Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – A.J. Strum, Ohio #
Tight End – Garrett Hoskins, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Nate Palmer, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – Titus Davis, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – Cody Wilson, Central Michigan #
Wide Receiver – Chleb Ravenell, Western Michigan
Running Back – Donte' Harden, Ohio
Running Back – Matt Brown, Temple #
Placekicker – John Potter, Western Michigan %
2011 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Position – Name - School
Outside Linebacker – Justin Cudworth, Eastern Michigan
Outside Linebacker – Jerrell Wedge, Miami
Inside Linebacker – Luke Batton, Kent State
Inside Linebacker – Ryan Kennedy, Miami
Down Lineman – Austin Brown, Miami #
Down Lineman – Morkeith Brown, Temple
Down Lineman – Freddie Bishop, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – T.J. Fatinikun, Toledo %
Defensive Back – Latarrius Thomas, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – Kevin Kroboth, Temple
Defensive Back – Luke Wollet, Kent State
Defensive Back – Marlon Pollard, Eastern Michigan
Punter – Scott Kovanda, Ball State
All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Position – Name - School
Kickoff Return Specialist – Donte' Harden, Ohio
Punt Return Specialist – Terrell Jackson, Buffalo @
@ 2010 First team All-MAC
# 2010 Second team All-MAC
% 2010 Third team All-MAC
^ 2009 First team All-MAC
! 2009 Second team All-MAC
& 2009 Third team All-MAC
~ 2008 First team All-MAC
+ 2008 Second team All-MAC
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