Ball State football is hoping its passing defense turns from a weakness in 2024 to a strength in 2025, and they’ll need some great cornerback play to see that happen.
Ball State will kick off its season on Saturday, Aug. 30, with an in-state road game at Purdue. Ball State is coming off a 3-9 season and hasn’t qualified for a bowl game since 2021, but new head coach Mike Uremovich will look to lead a quick turnaround.
With the season less than two weeks away, we’re breaking down the Cardinals’ roster position by position. Here’s our breakdown of the Ball State football cornerbacks:
Ball State football looks to improve pass defense in 2025
Ball State’s defense was not good at all last season, but the passing defense was particularly dreadful. The Cardinals allowed 279.6 passing yards per game (129th out of 133 FBS teams) and gave up 37 passing touchdowns while forcing just eight interceptions. This was partially due to the front seven not creating adequate pressure — Ball State had just 20 sacks as a team — but the play in the defensive backfield was mostly subpar, and the position saw a lot of depth chart shuffling as a result.
The turnaround of this unit starts with new defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Ray Smith. Formerly the cornerbacks coach at Kennesaw State, Smith is the Cardinals’ most energetic coach and is typically the loudest voice on the field during practices. The aggressive playstyle he preaches usually translates into a similar energy from his players.
“The one thing is when we make plays that create more energy,” Smith said. “Someone’s going to go bang again, but we’ve got to maintain that energy, that focus, we’ve got to harness that and use it, because at the end of the day, if I make a play, the next guy should want to make a play. If (Kiael) Kelly makes a play on offense, or Qua (Ashley), or Ty (Robinson), then somebody on my defense is going, ‘Okay, I’m going to make a play.'”
Returning starters set for continued impact
Ball State made a big lineup change halfway through last season when true freshmen Willizhuan Yates and Eric McClain were elevated to the starting cornerback positions. Though they were far from perfect, the young duo showed flashes of greatness. Both returned to Muncie for their sophomore years to chase continued development under the new staff, specifically Smith and assistant defensive backs coach Mayomi Olootu, who worked with them last year as a graduate assistant.
“Coach O, man, I love him; he’s had faith in me since the beginning,” Yates said. “He’s always said to keep my head down and keep working because my time is coming. And Coach Smith, he’s good too, he brings a lot of energy, he knows the game. I’m just happy to see where he can take me.”
Yates and McClain have drawn consistent praise from coaches and teammates alike for their work ethic and continued improvement this offseason, and both should be in line to compete for starting roles. Redshirt junior Jalon Jones is another returning corner who could make an impact, as he has made some impressive plays with the first team defense in training camp, but Yates and McClain remain the only corners with any D-I starting experience.
Portal additions bring experience to the group
Defensive back was one of Ball State’s priorities in the transfer portal, but only two of the seven additions are listed as cornerbacks. Redshirt junior Roman Pearson signed with Ball State during the winter portal window after transferring from Bucknell, while redshirt senior Joedrick Lewis joined the fold during the spring as a transfer from Southeast Missouri State.
“It’s been an easy process; transition has been pretty good,” Pearson said. “I’m close with a lot of the guys, so it’s just been a good experience. Being one of the veterans, it kind of makes it easier, especially with guys who want to be led and get better every day.”
Pearson made 11 starts for Bucknell last season and finished with 40 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions. At 6-foot-2, he has a taller, lankier frame than the rest of the defensive back room and could provide a nice matchup advantage against taller wide receivers. He is a willing tackler and displays good technique at the point of attack. Given his size and recent productivity as a starter for the Bison, Pearson could push for a starting role.
Lewis is an intriguing addition and provides another veteran presence in the cornerback room as a redshirt senior. He is a versatile player who lined up at both safety and cornerback during his time at SEMO. Lewis missed almost all of 2024 with an injury but led his team in interceptions with three in 2023. He brings the most experience to the position and could also make an impact on special teams as a return man.
Contact Cade Hampton via email at cbhampton@muncie.gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Ball State football position preview: Improving pass defense starts with cornerbacks
Reporting by Cade Hampton, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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