Western Michigan Football: Broncos still adjusting after PJ Fleck

Offense

An extremely young offense slowly gained a year of experience in 2017. Western Michigan is hoping that the experience translates into better production when they have the football this season.

The Broncos’ offense will rise or fall with an offensive line that dealt with injuries all throughout the spring. The units that practiced together in the offseason will not match the starting five that take the field in the fall.

That is also true of the running back position. Jamauri Bogan and LeVante Bellamy provide a great one-two punch when healthy. The Broncos need both players to be available, as the next three down the depth chart were also injured in the spring.

Jon Wassink was back on the field in the spring and looks to once again start for the Broncos. The quarterback broke his collarbone against Eastern Michigan last season, ending his year prematurely. Prior to the injury, Wassink was completing 64 percent of his passes. In eight games, Wassink threw for nearly 1400 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Focusing on the receiving corps

Based on spring practices and the coaching carousel, the offense is likely to change some in 2018. Gone is offensive co-coordinator Kevin Johns, who left to take a position as offensive coordinator and receivers coach at Texas Tech.

That leaves Jake Moreland to guide things along for the Broncos. This year the “co-” comes off Moreland’s job title as he takes over the entire coordinator operation. He will look to use Wassink’s arm as much as his legs.

Luckily, Wassink has a more experienced group of receivers to seek out on routes. D’Wayne Eskridge and Keishawn Watson are both back, and Anton Curtis also brings experience to the table. Tyron Arnett could have a breakout season after looking good late in his freshman year. If this unit can become more reliable, Western Michigan is on path to break out offensively.