The Eastern Michigan Eagles currently sit in one of the most precarious positions in college football. In one of the most consistently chaotic conferences in the country, the Eagles sit in the middle of the pack.
If Eastern Michigan wants to take a step forward and challenge in a wide-open MAC, these 10 returning players will need to be up to the task.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Top Returning Players
10) Zach Mowchan, LB
Zach Mowchan is the most experienced linebacker to return for the Eagles, which is alarming when you realize he only played in three games last season before missing the year with an injury.
Mowchan was very good for the Eagles in those three games, though, making 10 tackles in just 81 snaps. There’s not much else at the linebacker positions, so he’ll need to take a big step forward and be healthy.
9) Bryce Llewellyn, S
A transfer from FCS Charleston Southern, Bryce Llewellyn was extremely consistent last season, especially as an extra number in the running game. If he can bring some of that to Eastern Michigan, the Eagles’ defense will take another step forward. That’ll be important, given the lack of proven production at linebacker.
8) Quentavius Scandrett, S
While he didn’t have a particularly spectacular season last year, Quentavius Scandrett was quietly solid for the Eagles last season. Scandrett had 60 tackles and was solid in coverage, picking off two passes and preventing the big play with surprising consistency.
7) Porter Rooks, WR
Porter Rooks was a high-level recruit for NC State in the 2020 class and just never put it all together for the Wolfpack, catching 78 passes but never reaching 300 yards in a season there.
Now, Rooks is at Eastern Michigan, where he should settle into a full-time slot role.
6) Joey Zelinksi, Edge
One of several defensive line contributors to return from last year’s team, Joey Zelinski was a solid rotational piece. He’ll probably be counted on a bit more as one of the top players on the defense this year, but his 20 pressures were good for fourth on the team last season, as were his 21 run stops.
5) Mickey Rewolinski, OG
Mickey Reolinski solidified his starting spot last year after rotating in during the 2022 season and was fairly solid for the Eagles, especially as the year wore on. He’s the veteran on the offensive line now, so there’s added pressure to continue to be a strong blocker, especially in the passing game.
4) Peyton Price, IDL
A space-eater, Peyton Price actually put up some fairly decent numbers for an interior lineman last season, racking up 29 pressures from the inside and making 14 run stops.
Price is back along with most of the rest of a solid defensive line and should contribute to one of the strengths of the team.
3) JB Mitchell III, WR
After losing last year’s No. 1, All-Conference wideout Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan will put its receiving hopes on the shoulders of JB Mitchell III. He had a decent year a season ago as the secondary option, racking up almost 400 yards.
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If Mitchell can be a true No. 1, the Eagles’ passing offense should be better in 2024.
2) Cole Snyder, QB
Players No. 2-10 on this list are extremely close in talent and impact level, but Cole Snyder gets the nod at the No. 2 spot since he plays the most important position on the field.
Snyder’s not spectacular, but he doesn’t make many mistakes and should help the passing game take a moderate step forward.
1) Justin Jefferson, Edge
Justin Jefferson is one of the best edge rushers in college football that you probably don’t know much about.
Last season, Jefferson was excellent against the run (31 run stops) and well above average as a pass rusher (39 pressures). If he takes the next step, he’s a dark horse contender for defensive player of the year in the MAC.
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