4 Players That'll Define How EMU at UMass Plays Out
Broderick Roman has made two college starts in his career. Now he needs to make sure this new-looking O-line establishes itself against UMass' defensive front.
EMU LB J.T. Killen
For his final year of college football, J.T. Killen bounced from Coastal Carolina to be a part of Eastern Michigan’s defense. He’s scheduled to be the starting Will linebacker, replacing Joe Sparacio, who was tied for ninth nationally with 137 tackles made last year, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, 3 fumbles, and 3 pass breakups. But he might also have to replace Chase Kline, the Mike linebacker who was third nationally at 143 tackles in 11 games last year.
No matter where Killen lines up for this defense, he’s going to have to fill the leadership roles that those two left behind. Whether that means he has to step up and make a play or he has to communicate something important with his teammates on the fly (some of who may be transfers as well), I think there’s a lot riding on Killen’s shoulders to be a standout in those regards.
Killen’s also in the middle of a linebacking room that doesn’t have too much starting experience, especially at the FBS level.
Killen was a two-year starter for Coastal Carolina’s defense and racked up 198 career tackles made (11 for loss, 3.5 sacks), 1 interception (returned for touchdown), 6 pass breakups, 1 fumble forced, and 3 recovered. James Djonkam, listed as the starting MLB, was a JUCO standout, but didn’t start for Arizona State’s defense the last two years. Luke Murphy, from Kent State, never started in his four years of college. Zion Fonua played in junior college, but this is his first shot in the FBS arena.
Between the returning faces of Zach Mowchan and Kendric Nowling, there are two total career starts. Mowchan suffered a season-ending injury three games into the season last year.
Killen is replacing big playmakers, so he needs to make big plays.
He might also have to play the most amount of snaps for his position this year. Linebackers around him will certainly have to have breakout seasons, but Killen’s probably going to be the guy that’ll end up directing traffic the most.
EMU OL Broderick Roman
Winning a MAC championship is the ultimate goal for everybody, but Broderick Roman just wants to play football.
And by that, I mean he doesn’t want another season cut short to sideline him from the sport he loves.
Now, his final shot at his college season. Assuming he’s made it through camp, he’s opening up the season as the starting center. While he’s been with the team since 2019, Roman’s made just 2 starts over his career. To his immediate left, guard Mickey Rewolinski is tied for the offense’s lead at 14 starts made at EMU.
Against UMass, there could be two players making their first-career college starts (Mack Indestad possible left tackle, Joshua Anderson listed starting right guard), and one, starting right tackle Blake Bustard, is making the jump-up in competition from Wayne State.
And who does Roman have to give the ball to first? Cole Snyder, somebody who he considered an opponent over the last two years, and somebody who is starting over Roman’s childhood friend — Jeremiah Salem.
Roman has a lot on his plate in terms of getting through a full season of football, but he also has to be the physical and vocal leader for this offense to establish itself in the trenches against UMass.
UMass QB Taisun Phommachanh
Last year, EMU avoided playing UMass’ #1 quarterback.
But this year EMU won’t be so lucky to miss the team’s big gunslinger that was a former 4-star recruit out of high school and second-year transfer from Clemson and Georgia Tech. Taiwan Phommachanh’s a big-bodied quarterback that used to be labeled as a dual-threat, but he’s had knee problems. His knees cost him opportunities at Clemson, and they’ve carried on through last season — including missing last year’s match against EMU when the Eagles pulled off a 19-17 victory, which was capped off with a go-ahead 50-yard score in the final minute of the game.
Phommachanh ended up suiting up for nine games last season and was a 61.2% passer (139/227) for 1,507 yards (6.6 Y/A) with 6 TD and 6 INT. As a runner, he averaged less than a yard per carry (48 att., 38 yards), but got in the end zone twice. Sure, 48 carries is more than his 45 total carries he had in three years at Clemson and one at Georgia Tech, but 0.8 is by far the worst season rushing average of his college career.
UMass DB Lake Ellis
I’m sure EMU QB Cole Snyder is itching to have the biggest senior season of his life. And if he’s bottling up any excitement about what he wants to show from his position this season, I’m sure he’s going to want to do everything in his power to get off to a hot start. If there’s a cornerback that’s itching to show he’s got the goods at his position, he’s going to want to show that he can be a ballhawk against Snyder and EMU’s offense much like he was able to show in three years at FCS-level Bryant.
Ellis, originally from Orlando, Fla., had one interception as a freshman in 2021, two in 2022, and three in 2023 through 32 career games (two seasons at starter). Ellis was named second team all-conference last year and posted a career 130 tackles (98 solo) with 1.5 tackles for loss, and 25 pass breakups (no fewer than 10 in each of the last two seasons).
Great read