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In order for Pete Lembo's offense to get off the ground in 2015, the Ball State Cardinals' wide out core must produce big results for sophomore quarterback Jack Milas. Junior KeVonn Mabon will likely be peppered with passes all season long, and his ability to be a leader offensively could determine much of Milas' growth.
Last season was a breakout season for Mabon, as he led the team in catches and also finished second in several other receiving categories.
Five games into last year's season, and just before Jack Milas took over for Ozzie Mann, I praised Mabon as the guy offensively who stepped up throughout last season's early struggles.
2. KeVonn Mabon is the man
Mabon has been the replacement to Willie Snead that most BSU fans thought we'd get from Jordan Williams. While Mabon won't put up the numbers that Snead did, he has become Ozzie Mann's favorite target on the year, catching 29 passes on the season for 336 receiving yards; accounting for over one-third of Mann's passing yards on the year.
That also brings up a good point about Mabon's abilities: he's willing and able to step up when his name is called. He saw his name called a lot last season in big moments. A fourth down on the BSU's attempt to win the game versus Indiana State is what comes to mind first. He came up with the catch, and kept the Cards alive for the time being.
But all the pressure won't be on Mabon. Jordan Williams will be a perfect target for Milas once again. Williams only had 113 yards last season though the first five games, but he benefited from Milas's takeover at the quarterback spot and finished off the season by leading the team with over 750 yards receiving.
Expect last season's numbers to be just the start of Mabon's long-term success with the Cardinals. If he can stay healthy, Mabon will near the 1000 yard mark receiving, and be in prime position to become the offense's main leader in the 2016-17 season, when Jordan Williams graduates.