Ball State adds veteran linebackers to bolster a youthful defense
Ball State's defense has recruited two seasoned redshirt seniors, Gavin Forsha and Cincear Lewis, to provide experience for a largely freshman linebacker group.
With five veteran linebackers departing after the previous season, Ball State faced a depleted middle of the defense. Coach Jeff Knowles sought experienced transfers rather than untested talent, leading to the addition of redshirt seniors Gavin Forsha and Cincear Lewis. Lewis, a former 3-star safety from Kalamazoo Central, spent limited time at Cincinnati due to injuries but returned last year and recorded ten tackles in five games.
Forsha, a Nashville native, moved from Tyler Junior College to Kansas State, then South Alabama, before landing at Tennessee State after an ACL injury sidelined him. Both players view the 2024 campaign as their final collegiate year and have taken on mentorship roles for a linebacker corps that includes redshirt freshmen Mikeah Webster, Lucas Szymborski, and several true freshmen. Their experience is intended to stabilize the defense and guide the younger players through the season.
Why it matters
The new veterans give Ball State a chance to stay competitive despite a largely inexperienced linebacker group.
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