By BUTCH HARMON
Western Michigan University won just one game during PJ Fleck’s inaugural season. The biggest gains, however, came along the recruiting trail.
OFFENSE: Freshman quarterback Chance Stewart can provide the team with immediate dividends from the recruiting efforts. Stewart originally committed to the University of Wisconsin, and then was thought to be going to the University of Illinois before he decided to stay close to home and become a Bronco. The offensive line should be improved this year and, as always, Western has some talented receivers, highlighted by sophomore Corey Davis, who was the MAC Freshman Player of the Year last fall.
DEFENSE: The Broncos surrendered 35 points per game last year, so much work needs to be done on defense. The young defensive line will get a boost from University of Michigan transfer Richard Ash. The linebacking corps is young and improving, while the secondary needs to continue to develop.
OUR TAKE: Anything more than two or three wins would be cause for celebration in Kalamazoo. The Broncos are very young but have an improving talent base, and the future looks bright.