Eastern Michigan Athletics
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Spring Ball Update: A Conversation with EMU Defensive Coordinator Ben Needham
3/31/2025 3:00:00 PM | Football
EMU’s annual spring game is set for Friday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. inside Rynearson Stadium
Listen to the Podcast.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Spring football is in full swing at Eastern Michigan University, and for Defensive Coordinator Ben Needham, this is one of the most rewarding times of the year. With new faces stepping into key roles and the team focusing on fundamentals, the Eagles are laying the groundwork for the upcoming season. Needham sat down with Greg Steiner on the Eastern Insider Podcast to discuss defensive growth, competition, and even his classical music playlist.
Spring Ball: A Time for Growth and Lessons
As the Eagles pass the midpoint of spring practices, Needham emphasized the importance of this period for player development. "It's maybe the most fun time to coach," he said. "You're really focused on getting every guy on the roster better, and we have a lot of new faces. So yeah, there's mistakes and hard lessons, but man, it's fun every day to come out with a group that is eager to learn."
A key moment in spring ball is the scrimmages, where players finally get to hit and show their progress in live-action settings. "A lot of stuff can look good when you're not tackling," Needham admitted. "But when you get another guy that's trying to run through you, you find out who's really a defensive player."
Takeaways: The Key to Success
Reflecting on last season, Needham identified turnovers as a crucial area for improvement. "We learned this down the stretch—when we have one takeaway in our last three games, we go 0-3," he explained. "When we take the ball away, our offense has a really good chance to score. When we don't, it's hard to hold teams under that 24-point threshold that we want."
That message has resonated with the defense, and increasing takeaways remains a top priority heading into the fall.
Linebacker Depth and Returning Playmakers
One of the more intriguing position groups for EMU this spring is the linebacker unit. The Eagles welcome transfers Marco Patierno (Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage/Elon) and Kadin Bailey (Jefferson, Ga./Jefferson/Syracuse), along with the return of Zach Mowchan (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York) and Bryce Eliuk (Linden, Mich./Linden), who are recovering from ACL injuries.
"Both Zach and Bryce have worked tremendously hard," Needham said. "We'd love to have them on the field, but it's been great to see their mental development. We've even given them some coaching responsibilities, and I think they're going to be better for it in the long run."
The challenge for transfers like Patierno and Bailey isn't just learning the system, but also adapting to EMU's terminology. "Before you ever learn how to play, you have to learn the language of our defense," Needham noted. "But both guys are veteran college football players, and they've adjusted well."
Strength in the Secondary
EMU's defense returns significant experience in the secondary, and Needham believes that unit should be a major strength. However, eliminating explosive plays has been a major focus.
"One big emphasis for us has been preventing what we call 'mega explosives'—not just a 17-yard pass, but a home run ball," Needham said. "That's been a huge focus this spring, and I think I'm right in saying this is our second straight scrimmage without a mega explosive in the pass game."
If the Eagles can continue that trend, the defense could take a big step forward in 2024.
Defensive Line Competition and Depth
Up front, the Eagles face the challenge of replacing key contributors like Peyton Price and Dylan Shelton. "There's a big void there," Needham acknowledged. "The fun part is that all the guys see the opportunity at hand. If you're not totally on your mark, you're going to get passed up pretty quick."
Among the defensive ends, Needham has been impressed with a mix of returning veterans and young talent. "Jefferson Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State), Carter Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge), and Sterling Miles (West Bloomfield, Mich./West Bloomfield/Cincinnati) have all been around, and then we've got younger guys like Luke Fletcher (Port Huron, Mich./Port Huron Northern) and Messiah Blair (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King) pushing them," he said.
One newcomer to watch is Hector Gonzalez (Monterrey, Mexico/Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.)), a Mexican-born lineman who played high school football in Georgia. "He really should be in his last semester of high school right now," Needham said. "But his early enrollment has helped him develop."
Coaching Adjustments and Looking Ahead
EMU has yet to officially name a defensive tackles coach, meaning Needham has taken on added responsibilities this spring. "I love it," he said with a smile. "I was a D-line coach when I came here, so getting back in that room has been a lot of fun. And those guys have been very receptive."
Spring practices have been aided by unusually warm weather, allowing the team to get outside more often. "We love going outdoors," Needham said. "The film is better, we have more space on Maxx Crosby Field, and it just makes everything better."
And speaking of Crosby, the former EMU star and current Las Vegas Raiders standout recently returned to campus—but Needham just missed him. "People said he was in there, but I didn't see him," Needham laughed. "He still owes me 100 bucks, so I'm going to remind him of that."
Offense Keeping the Defense on its Toes
While Needham focuses on defense, he couldn't help but acknowledge how much EMU's offense has evolved. "It's fun to watch," he said. "We have a number of quarterbacks competing, and each one brings something different. As a defensive coach, that just sends your head spinning."
He also praised the offensive staff's ability to keep defenses guessing. "They do a great job with personnel and using formations that don't match the usual personnel groupings," Needham noted. "It makes you have to be really disciplined."
Spring Ball Soundtrack: A Classical Touch
To wrap up, Steiner asked Needham about his spring practice playlist. "I'm one of these old boring guys," Needham admitted. "I'm a classical music guy. I had Brahms' First Symphony and Mahler's Second on the playlist."
With a mix of defensive intensity, competition, and even a little classical music, the Eagles are setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Want to take your fandom to the next level? EMU representatives will be on hand during the Spring Game, April 11, at Rynearson Stadium to help fans purchase their 2025 season tickets. Whether you're looking for the best seats, cost-saving packages, or VIP perks, there's a ticket option for you!
· Ultimate Fan Season Tickets ($180): Prime chairback seating on the 50-yard line with extra legroom and VIP parking ($90 value).
· Reserved Season Tickets ($135): Secure your spot in Sections 104-109.
· General Admission Season Tickets ($108): Enjoy the game from Sections 110-114 or the visitor's side.
· E-Club Membership ($200): Grants season access to all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games.
· Pride of the Peninsula Season Tickets ($170): Includes a $30 donation to support the EMU Marching Band.
· Alumni Season Value Pack ($360): Get four reserved tickets per game.
· VIP Season Parking ($90): Conveniently located at the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot.
Tickets are available online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by phone at 734.487.3669, or in person at the EMU Ticket Office.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Spring football is in full swing at Eastern Michigan University, and for Defensive Coordinator Ben Needham, this is one of the most rewarding times of the year. With new faces stepping into key roles and the team focusing on fundamentals, the Eagles are laying the groundwork for the upcoming season. Needham sat down with Greg Steiner on the Eastern Insider Podcast to discuss defensive growth, competition, and even his classical music playlist.
Spring Ball: A Time for Growth and Lessons
As the Eagles pass the midpoint of spring practices, Needham emphasized the importance of this period for player development. "It's maybe the most fun time to coach," he said. "You're really focused on getting every guy on the roster better, and we have a lot of new faces. So yeah, there's mistakes and hard lessons, but man, it's fun every day to come out with a group that is eager to learn."
A key moment in spring ball is the scrimmages, where players finally get to hit and show their progress in live-action settings. "A lot of stuff can look good when you're not tackling," Needham admitted. "But when you get another guy that's trying to run through you, you find out who's really a defensive player."
Takeaways: The Key to Success
Reflecting on last season, Needham identified turnovers as a crucial area for improvement. "We learned this down the stretch—when we have one takeaway in our last three games, we go 0-3," he explained. "When we take the ball away, our offense has a really good chance to score. When we don't, it's hard to hold teams under that 24-point threshold that we want."
That message has resonated with the defense, and increasing takeaways remains a top priority heading into the fall.
Linebacker Depth and Returning Playmakers
One of the more intriguing position groups for EMU this spring is the linebacker unit. The Eagles welcome transfers Marco Patierno (Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage/Elon) and Kadin Bailey (Jefferson, Ga./Jefferson/Syracuse), along with the return of Zach Mowchan (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York) and Bryce Eliuk (Linden, Mich./Linden), who are recovering from ACL injuries.
"Both Zach and Bryce have worked tremendously hard," Needham said. "We'd love to have them on the field, but it's been great to see their mental development. We've even given them some coaching responsibilities, and I think they're going to be better for it in the long run."
The challenge for transfers like Patierno and Bailey isn't just learning the system, but also adapting to EMU's terminology. "Before you ever learn how to play, you have to learn the language of our defense," Needham noted. "But both guys are veteran college football players, and they've adjusted well."
Strength in the Secondary
EMU's defense returns significant experience in the secondary, and Needham believes that unit should be a major strength. However, eliminating explosive plays has been a major focus.
"One big emphasis for us has been preventing what we call 'mega explosives'—not just a 17-yard pass, but a home run ball," Needham said. "That's been a huge focus this spring, and I think I'm right in saying this is our second straight scrimmage without a mega explosive in the pass game."
If the Eagles can continue that trend, the defense could take a big step forward in 2024.
Defensive Line Competition and Depth
Up front, the Eagles face the challenge of replacing key contributors like Peyton Price and Dylan Shelton. "There's a big void there," Needham acknowledged. "The fun part is that all the guys see the opportunity at hand. If you're not totally on your mark, you're going to get passed up pretty quick."
Among the defensive ends, Needham has been impressed with a mix of returning veterans and young talent. "Jefferson Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State), Carter Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge), and Sterling Miles (West Bloomfield, Mich./West Bloomfield/Cincinnati) have all been around, and then we've got younger guys like Luke Fletcher (Port Huron, Mich./Port Huron Northern) and Messiah Blair (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King) pushing them," he said.
One newcomer to watch is Hector Gonzalez (Monterrey, Mexico/Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.)), a Mexican-born lineman who played high school football in Georgia. "He really should be in his last semester of high school right now," Needham said. "But his early enrollment has helped him develop."
Coaching Adjustments and Looking Ahead
EMU has yet to officially name a defensive tackles coach, meaning Needham has taken on added responsibilities this spring. "I love it," he said with a smile. "I was a D-line coach when I came here, so getting back in that room has been a lot of fun. And those guys have been very receptive."
Spring practices have been aided by unusually warm weather, allowing the team to get outside more often. "We love going outdoors," Needham said. "The film is better, we have more space on Maxx Crosby Field, and it just makes everything better."
And speaking of Crosby, the former EMU star and current Las Vegas Raiders standout recently returned to campus—but Needham just missed him. "People said he was in there, but I didn't see him," Needham laughed. "He still owes me 100 bucks, so I'm going to remind him of that."
Offense Keeping the Defense on its Toes
While Needham focuses on defense, he couldn't help but acknowledge how much EMU's offense has evolved. "It's fun to watch," he said. "We have a number of quarterbacks competing, and each one brings something different. As a defensive coach, that just sends your head spinning."
He also praised the offensive staff's ability to keep defenses guessing. "They do a great job with personnel and using formations that don't match the usual personnel groupings," Needham noted. "It makes you have to be really disciplined."
Spring Ball Soundtrack: A Classical Touch
To wrap up, Steiner asked Needham about his spring practice playlist. "I'm one of these old boring guys," Needham admitted. "I'm a classical music guy. I had Brahms' First Symphony and Mahler's Second on the playlist."
With a mix of defensive intensity, competition, and even a little classical music, the Eagles are setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Want to take your fandom to the next level? EMU representatives will be on hand during the Spring Game, April 11, at Rynearson Stadium to help fans purchase their 2025 season tickets. Whether you're looking for the best seats, cost-saving packages, or VIP perks, there's a ticket option for you!
· Ultimate Fan Season Tickets ($180): Prime chairback seating on the 50-yard line with extra legroom and VIP parking ($90 value).
· Reserved Season Tickets ($135): Secure your spot in Sections 104-109.
· General Admission Season Tickets ($108): Enjoy the game from Sections 110-114 or the visitor's side.
· E-Club Membership ($200): Grants season access to all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games.
· Pride of the Peninsula Season Tickets ($170): Includes a $30 donation to support the EMU Marching Band.
· Alumni Season Value Pack ($360): Get four reserved tickets per game.
· VIP Season Parking ($90): Conveniently located at the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot.
Tickets are available online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by phone at 734.487.3669, or in person at the EMU Ticket Office.
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