Several EWU players, coaches head into new roles with football team

For several Eastern Washington football players and coaches, the first day of spring practice offered the perfect time for a fresh start. Among the first to reach the red turf at Roos Field on Thursday afternoon was Jordan Talley, who started his Eastern career as a running back before moving to linebacker the last two seasons. He expected his career would end there, until coach Beau Baldwin sat him down for a talk. “He said, ‘I have an opportunity for you at running back,’ and of course I just jumped on it,” Talley said as he ran onto the field with an extra spring in his step. Fresh opportunities were everywhere on Thursday as the Eagles welcomed 90 players, including 48 returning lettermen for the first of 14 practices. Eastern returns 13 starters, but there will be plenty of competition at all positions:

• For quarterback Jordan West, the early departure of All-American Vernon Adams Jr. means a chance to seize the reins he held for four games last year while Adams was injured. “That was huge for me to get those four starts under my belt, having more confidence going into this season,” West said.
• For cornerback Frank Cange, who earned a starting spot last fall only to suffer a season-ending ACL injury in the second game of the year, the new season means a second chance. “A lot of things got in my way last year, but I feel so good now,” Cange said. “Now I just have to work hard and hopefully earn some playing time.”
• For assistant coach Brian Strandley, spring means getting back to the defensive side of the ball after a change in assignments. “I’m really excited,” said Strandley, who came to Eastern in the spring of 2012 to coach tight ends. Now he’s coaching defensive linemen. “I’m lucky to come into a situation that’s already a strong unit and these guys are already well-coached.” At the same time, Strandley said he’s grateful for the chance to see how the other half plays. “That’s made me a better coach,” Strandley said.
• Even for defensive end Evan Day, spring offered a chance to show that he’s healthy as he still waits on the NCAA to approve his petition for a sixth year of eligibility. “I keep hearing that the NCAA is still asking more questions, but right now I feel good,” Day said.

Baldwin too, said he feels energized by the advent of spring ball. “Hopefully it always will be (exciting), or I’ve got to find something else to do,” Baldwin joked. Baldwin, who’s entering his eighth year as coach, said he’s looking for strong fundamentals. “That’s your foundation, like building a house,” he said. Schemes will come later, Baldwin said.

Notes

The Eagles practiced without pads on Thursday, and will do so again today. Practice with pads will begin on Tuesday. The first scrimmage is scheduled for April 11 at about 10 a.m. … Albert Havili is moving from linebacker to defensive line, Baldwin confirmed. As with Talley’s move to running back, Baldwin said the switch will help the Eagles “put the best 11 or 22 players on the field.” … Coaches also confirmed that defensive lineman Jordan Pulu has left the program, citing injuries. … Baldwin said he was impressed with the results of the winter conditioning program, especially for his young defensive linemen.