2023’s defense practically willed EMU to a .500 record. 2024’s defense will probably experience regression, but there’s potential on the roster.
Eastern Michigan’s defense arguably willed the Eagles to a bowl game last season. The offense was abysmal and although not excellent, the Eagles defense did just enough to make up for the offense’s failures.
This year, losing two of the MAC’s best linebackers could mean a regression for the Eagles, but multiple pieces return to the fold, while two transfer products look to make an immediate impact.
Defensive Line
Photo by Scott Kane/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Returnees
- Peyton Price (47 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss)
- Justin Jefferson (46 tackles, 7.5 TFLs)
- Joel Zelinsky (38 tackles, 6 TFLs)
Departures
- Tim Grant-Randall (29 tackles in 2023)
Arrivals
- Dylan Shelton (14 tackles for loss at University of Indianapolis in 2023)
The defensive line arguably has the most to prove this upcoming season. The unit was the defense’s weakest unit, allowing 189 yards per game on the ground. The unit is more experienced this year with three of 2023’s four starters returning. Peyton Price (47 tackles, 4.5 TFLs), Justin Jefferson (46 tackles, 7.5 TFLs), and Joel Zelinsky (38 tackles, 6 TFLs) return to improve Eastern Michigan’s troubles with the run game.
The middle of the line has several contributors ready to make an impact. 2023 starter Tim Grant-Randall (29 tackles) transferred to UMass, but the other defensive tackle, Payton Price returns. With 47 tackles, Price is disruptive in the middle and frees blockers for other playmakers to shine in Eastern Michigan’s swarming 4-2-5. University of Indianapolis transfer Dylan Shelton has immense upside after logging 25.5 tackles for loss in the last two years and has the size to compete in the MAC at 293 pounds. Melvin Swindle also hopes to take on a larger role after recording 46 tackles in the last two seasons.
Linebackers
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Returnees
- Zach Mowchan (10 tackles in a three-game injury-shortened season in 2023)
- Kendric Knowling (27 career tackles)
Departures
- Chase Kline (143 tackles in 2023; 3rd Team All-AMC)
- Joe Sparacio (136 tackles in 2023; 2nd Team All-MAC)
Arrivals
- JT Killen (68 tackles for Coastal Carolina in 2023; 2022 Third Team All-Sun Belt)
- James Djonkam (20 tackles for Arizona State in 2023)
Any time you lose two players who combine for nearly 300 tackles, there will be some sort of drop-off. Chase Kline (143 tackles) and Joe Sparacio (136 tackles) leave behind huge holes in the Eagle defense. Hopefully, two experienced transfers will attempt to replicate their production.
JT Killen transfers to Eastern Michigan from Coastal Carolina where he had 198 tackles over the last 4 seasons. James Djonkam comes from Arizona State where he had 35 tackles the last two years. At 250 pounds Djonkan brings much-needed size to the linebacking corps with Killen and another contender for the starting job, Zach Mowchan weighing less than 230 pounds. Mowchan has experience in the system, starting a game last year as does Kendric Knowling who has 27 tackles in four years with the Eagles. Their experience could be key in replicating the output produced by Sparacio and Kline.
Defensive Backs
Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Returnees
- Daiquan White (12 pass breakups)
- Joshua Scott (3 INTs, 10 pass breakups in 2022; injured in 2023)
- Quentativus Scandrett (59 tackles, 2 INTs)
Departures
- Bennett Walker (23 tackles, 3 INTs in 2023)
Arrivals
- Bryce Llewelyn (60 tackles, 10 TFLs at Charleston Southern in 2023)
At first glance, one might see Eastern Michigan’s secondary as a strength since they allowed 213 passing yards per game last year. However, the unit could not make game-changing plays consistently with only eight interceptions. The return of a starter lost to injury in 2023 and two starters should make this unit more impactful in 2024. Cornerback Daiquan White can potentially be another Quinyon Mitchell in the MAC. The sophomore notched an impressive 12 pass breakups in his Freshman year and will only get better with experience. The loss of the Eagles’ interception leader, Bennett Walker (3 INTs) hurts, but 2022 starter, Joshua Scott (3 INTs in 2022) returns to solidify the corner spot opposite Daiquan White.
Free safety Quentativus Scandrett is a playmaker on the edge in this 4-2-5 scheme. Scarlett was the third-leading tackler overall and first among the defensive backs with 59 tackles. Scandrett also intercepted two passes. Scandrett and Charleston Southern transfer Bryce Llewelyn (60 tackles in 2023) both have the potential to create chaos in the backfield. Llewelyn totaled 10 tackles for loss in 2023 and five sacks. Llewelyn is the playmaker Eastern Michigan needs to compensate for the absence of their two-star linebackers.