By Mark Pszonak
With Jim McElwain retiring on Wednesday, Central Michigan players are immediately eligible to enter the transfer portal. Plenty will receive interest, but which will be the busiest?
LB Jordan Kwiatkowski (Junior, 6-foot-1, 235-pounds)
The skinny: Kwiatkowski has followed up a productive 2023 season (32 tackles, 3 PD) by becoming one of the most productive linebackers in the MAC this season. Currently with 87 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, which leads the conference, two pass deflections and one interception, his development has become a highlight of the Chippewas season.
LB Dakota Cochran (RS Junior, 6-foot-2, 240-pounds)
The skinny: Kwiatkowski isn’t the only Central Michigan linebacker to keep an eye on. Cochran was already an important part of the defense, having totaled 75 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack during the last two seasons, but he has raised his level of play in 2024 with 51 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. With his size and production, he would have no problems finding a new home.
OG Brady Ploucha (RS Soph, 6-foot-5, 305-pounds)
More Sports News
The skinny: While Ploucha was listed as a backup left guard all of last season, he saw most of his playing time on special teams. That has changed this season as he has been on the field for 634 snaps and has really established himself as an important part of the offensive unit.
DL Jason Williams (Junior, 6-foot-2, 290-pounds)
The skinny: The Florida native is more known as a run stopper but is having his best sack season of his collegiate career in 2024 with 5.5, to go along with 41 tackles. A preseason All-Conference selection, his size, strength, experience and newfound ability to get after the quarterback would draw plenty of portal attention.
