When the Ball State Cardinals entered the offseason, the linebacker unit looked starkly thin, reduced to just two inexperienced players after five veterans either exhausted their eligibility or moved on.
Coach Jeff Knowles decided that the solution could not be found in the pool of untested transfers; instead, he turned to the transfer portal for seasoned talent.
The answer arrived in the form of redshirt seniors Gavin Forsha and Cincear Lewis, both of whom bring a wealth of college experience despite injury setbacks.
Forsha, a former standout at Tennessee State who tallied 11.5 sacks at Tyler Junior College before stints at Kansas State and South Alabama, joins the program after a journey that included a serious preseason injury.
Lewis, a 3‑star recruit from Michigan who overcame a preseason injury at Cincinnati to appear in five games last season with ten tackles, arrives with a reputation for resilience.
Their arrivals were not merely statistical; they were strategic, leveraging personal connections to Cincinnati’s staff, including Walter Stewart and Mike Uremovich, to secure commitments.
Mentorship and momentum
Now, both players are slated to mentor younger linebackers such as redshirt sophomore Kaleb Stewart, redshirt freshmen Jovan Clark and Carson Burckhardt, as well as true freshmen Gannon Knowles and Cole Mynett.
The roster also features emerging talents like redshirt sophomore Kaleb Stewart, who will benefit from the guidance of the new veterans as they navigate a defense that must replace its seasoned core.
For Forsha and Lewis, this season marks a final collegiate chapter, a chance to leave a lasting imprint before stepping away from the sport.
The impact of veteran presence extends beyond statistics; it reshapes the culture of the room, setting expectations for work ethic and preparation.
As the Cardinals gear up for the upcoming campaign, the blend of seasoned leadership and youthful vigor promises a defensive unit that could surprise many observers.