Where Have All The MAC Stars Gone?

We’re still about 40 days from the return of college football, but I’ll be the first to tell you I’ve been ready for about a month already. My beloved Chicago Cubs are struggling through a post-Championship hangover, and the sports vibe in Detroit is, well, dull.

So I turn to my first, true love: MAC football. It’s so close, yet so far away. And despite my excitement, I can’t help but look around the MAC this season and wonder: Who are the league’s stars?

It’s a simple question without a simple answer. Last season, we were indulged in a plethora of stars from the likes of Corey Davis, Kareem Hunt, and (begrudgingly) Cooper Rush. The year before? Matt Johnson and Roger Lewis. Looking back further, we’ve seen the likes of Jordan Lynch, Khalil Mack, Jordan White, and Antonio Brown.

This season though? Someone help me out.

An obvious counter is Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside. The Rocket senior was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation last year, and his team projects to be the best in the MAC this season. But when is the last time the MAC really rallied around a Toledo QB? We’ve seen the likes of Woodside, Philip Ely, and Terrance Owens come and go, and they’ve never been embraced. Is it the fact Toledo never seems to get over the hump, or do we as MAC fans subconsciously refuse to rally behind someone from Toledo — the largest city in the MAC? This goes doubly so for Cody Thompson.

How about Brogan Roback? The guy hi-fives refs and is my “Perry Ellis” of the MAC in that it feels like he’s been at Eastern Michigan forever. But he goes to Eastern, which has it’s own well-documented attendance problems. How can the MAC as a whole embrace someone hardly embraced by his own fans?

What about the defending champs? Darius Phillips and Jarvion Franklin have been solid players through their time in the MAC. Franklin pulled off the Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year double back in 2014, but splits time with Jamauri Bogan. Phillips is seen as more of a return man, taking away from the allure.

I haven’t even gotten to the East yet, which appears that much more barren than the West.

The MAC has its down years for sure, but eventually the youngsters break through. Look no further than 2010. The MAC lost Brown and Dan LeFevour and saw the emergence of Jordan White and Chandler Harnish. Who could we expect to rise up in 2017 and beyond?

I looked through some prominent sophomores and juniors in the MAC who could really make a lasting impact on the conference in their remaining time on campus. Here are some options:

• James Gilbert — A lot of you might not remember Jahwan “Quake” Edwards like I do. He was a solid running back that ran over defenders on a Ball State squad that was competitive in the MAC West a few years back. That Cardinal team had Keith Wenning leading the way. Gilbert has Riley Neal. Can Neal be the QB many had him pinned as? Only time will tell. But Gilbert? He’s a stud. Worth watching if you get the chance.
• Jamauri Bogan — I love Jarvion Franklin, but Bogan has the speed and agility that his teammate lacks, with the same ferocity or wanting to run over defenders that the former Offensive Player of the Year possesses. And really, had Bogan not been nagged by an injury for a good portion of last season, we wouldn’t be talking about Jarvion. That’s how good Bogan has been when he’s on.
• Tyree Jackson — Shout-out to a writing buddy for this one (sup, Karp). Jackson is listed at 6–7, 245 lbs. When you watch him play, he kinda reminds you of Cam Newton. Despite that comparison, I bet you haven’t heard of him. That’s because he plays for Buffalo, which was dreadful last year. Jackson has the potential to be the next big thing. Lance Leipold is in his 3rd season, and his sophomore quarterback should be much improved with system players around him. However, is that enough?
• Gus Ragland — Ragland was incredible last year for Miami, as the RedHawks nearly pulled a miraculous turnaround from 0–6 to MAC Championship Game. Unfortunately, Akron dropped the ball (literally) against Ohio and the Bobcats got the East bid instead. Still, Ragland is 6–1 as a starter, with that lone loss to Mississippi State in a bowl game. With a favorable schedule, Ragland and the RedHawks can step into the spotlight this season.
• Scott Miller — I really wanted to include a WR on here, and didn’t want to get into defense players all that much because of how quickly they can change. But Miller reminds me of Roger Lewis with how much speed he has. He plays for BG as well, so that always helps. Getting reliable QB play this season will be key for his breakout.

Really, the stars are good for the MAC. Every few years we get a Jordan White, Jordan Lynch, or Corey Davis. One spectacular player everyone knows on the national stage. But our intermediary stars are gone as well. It’s time to replace them, even if that means showing our friends in Toledo some love.