Looking ahead

It is time to look ahead to talk about next year. Why not start with National Champion Eastern Washington Eagles.

They get back Bo Levi Mitchell for his senior season. That is good news. The nations leading rusher, Taiwan Jones, is also coming back. Add in the good play of true freshman Mario Brown and you are in good shape rushing although they will lose some O-Line the couple of Juniors on that line will have to help bring the new starters along. Leading receiver Brandon Kaufmann is on his way back for a couple of more years. Kaufmann really impressed in the championship game and 15 TD's cannot be dismissed. They do lose Ashton Gant, but Edwards and Herd ought to be able to fill his void without too much damage. Eastern Washington has everything on offense to think they will be a power next year as well. Jones and Kaufmann particularly look great and Bo Mitchell is now a champion, so it will be a fun time in the Big Sky.

The problem is on defense. Defensive player of the year JC Sherritt will be gone. That is an anchor on that defense, and his presence will not easily be replaced. The two other 100+ tackle guys Zack and Matt Johnson will be back for a senior year, and thus the defense is not completely gone. They are losing multiple starters in the Secondary, but they do appear to be ready with some guys that looked good in their time this year. Jeff Minnerly in particular will have to step in and play as he showed this year with 3 INTs. Jerry Ceja, who had 5 sacks, will have to replace Tyler Jolley's pass rush on the line. He will also have to step up the run defense to replace Jolley's ability.

Overall, the Eastern Washington Eagles look to be in a very nice position to repeat as champs of at least the Big Sky.