(Ann Arbor, MI) The term "spring" can be used lightly in Michigan this time of year. The Cardinals endured sleet, snow, and a wind chill of 27 degrees Thursday afternoon giving the practice a November feel. Captain, Michael Chickeral even referred to the first day as "winterball" with this tweet after practice...
"The first practice of spring was definitely interesting," Coach Pries commented. "With the snow coming down it truly felt like fall. We were definitely pleased with the attitude and energy our guys brought to the practice."
The Cards are looking to continue the momentum gained in the last 3 seasons since their first program win in 2013 and increasing their win total by two every season since. Program highlights from last year include defeating MSFA #5 St. Xavier at Cardinal Stadium, receiving votes in the NAIA top 25 (week 6), as well as a record number of wins overall (5) and in the conference (2), The 2016 team will return many key players from the 2015 team giving them experience to go with a dynamic and talented recruiting class.
Defensively, the Concordia unit features a core group of talented players including 2015 Mid States Football Association First team member and Cliff Harris award finalist, Nick Holshoe (JR/Hopkins, MI). The defensive back led the NAIA in interceptions with 9 and was ranked in the top 15 nationally in passes defended per game with 1.4 and tackles per game with 10.8. Holshoe is joined by Andrew O'Hara (FR/Cleveland, OH) who was named to the MSFA 2nd team defense after leading the team in tackles with 121 which ranked him 4th among conference leaders. During his freshman campaign, O'Hara led the team with 15.5 tackles for loss totaling 60 yards. Additionally, 5 sacks and 1 interception helped complete an all-around impressive statistical season for the first year starter.
Hunter Cox (JR/Laurel, MD) and Kaleb Pohlman (SO/Liberty Center, OH) lead the defensive line up front. Cox accounted for 66 total tackles with 9.5 for a loss (40 yards). Additionally, Cox was credited for 7.5 sacks for 38 yards including a career high 3 in the win at Anderson on September 12th. Pohlman started 8 games for the Cardinals and saw his production increase throughout the season. In Schumacher's schemes Pohlman saw himself playing a hybrid position of defensive end and linebacker. This resulted in Pohlman being second on the team with 12 tackles for a loss and totaled 59 tackles. The Defensive end was credited for 3.5 sacks and 6 quarterback hits.
The Concordia offensive unit showed tremendous improvements in just the first season under offensive coordinator, Andrew Rode. The Cardinals were able to establish a consistent run game with the balanced attack Rode used scoring 17 touchdowns on the ground and 14 through the air. The team averaged 196 yards per game, the second most in the MSFA. With All-MSFA honorable mention Norman Cyr (JR/Dearborn Heights, MI) and the Cardinals top rushers returning, the team looks poised to continue the trend. Rode used a "by committiee" approach last year which saw three rushers total 300 years indvidually and 10 touchdowns collectively. The group was led by Ashton Gray (JR/Detroit, MI) with 329 yards and 6 touchdowns, A mid-season ankle injury limited Kyle Oakley (SO/Allen Park, MI) but he was still able to muster two touchdowns to go along with 338 yards. Girard Lewis (SO/Lansing, MI) improved throughout the season and finished the year strongly for the Cardinals with four touchdowns on 275 yards. Seth Suida (SO/Livonia, MI) and Tyler Fehler (SO/Fruitport, MI) both saw ample time at the quarter back position in 2015 and each found success averaging 77.3 and 43.4 yards per game respectively to lead the team.
Coach Pries and the Cardinals are excited to get back at it knowing it's the hard work in April that can make a big difference come fall. "We have been looking forward to spring ball for a few months. With the number of returners we have, it will be exciting to see how quickly we get up to game speed. The coordinators will have a great chance to implement some new wrinkles on both sides of the ball."
The Cardinals spring ball season will consist of 13 more practices between now and Thursday, May 5th. The season will conlude on Saturday, May 7th with an intra squad scrimmage. The scrimmage will be open to the public and more details will be available in the next couple of weeks.
