There's a reason why individuals close to Central Michigan defensive end Joe Ostman prattle on his ability to lead on the football field and through off the field involvements.
Ostman, the St. Ignace, Michigan, native who started all 13 games for the Chippewas in 2016, was given outright recognition this month for his service with Special Olympics Michigan by joining the group of 108 nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.
The award honors a player who displays exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. It's named after the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel.
In the four years on CMU's campus, Ostman has volunteering with the organization to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
"It's honestly been a great experience for me more-so for what I've done for other people," he said Wednesday at MAC Media Day in Canton, Ohio. "It's affected me in a huge way."
His efforts in giving back haven't been to the unknown of Central Michigan head coach John Bonamego, who called last year's Co-Defensive Player of the Year for CMU a model citizen.
"There is nothing he doesn't give 1,000 percent to," the third-year coach said. "He works exceptionally hard and that transitions to every facet of his life. He’s an outstanding student because he works hard in the classroom and it’s important to him."
Just hearing of the nomination was an honor alone for Ostman, crediting his teammates in having the drive to not only seek success at Kelly/Shorts Stadium every season, but having the desire to make an impact in the Mount Pleasant community.
"It's definitely a humbling experience for sure," he said.
Lofty Expectations
Continuing to build the chemistry within the eight returning starters from last year has been the priority for Central Michigan's defense this offseason.
Along with Ostman, two other players received All-MAC honors in 2016 as sophomore linebacker Malik Fountain and senior defensive back Amari Coleman were first-teamers.
Coleman was also recently added to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, given to the top cornerback in the country.
"We've been playing together for a long time," Ostman said. "We all get along and that's something you can't put a value on. It's not like a physical thing you're working on but it's very important and I'm looking forward to a great season on the defensive side of the ball."
Ostman understands his role as a leader has increased after the loss of outgoing defensive tackles Kelby Latta and Jabari Dean, but he doesn't see a problem in gaining a more prominent position.
Ostman is confident the holes left by Latta and Dean will be filled with ease by ones who played under the pair, referencing D'Andre Dill, Chris Kantzavelos and Michael Steinhauer.
"Those guys have done a great job stepping up," he said. "They've shown that they're read to play this season and I'm excited to play next to those guys."
Working Off Past Frustrations
The 6-foot-3, 255 pounder knows all too well the struggles that encompassed the 6-7 oveall record last season, ending in a 45-point trouncing by Tulsa in the Miami Beach Bowl. With the eight months of having to reconcile of what went wrong, Ostman and others are using the faltering as a building block towards clinching the league championship.
The Chippewas were picked fifth in the MAC West Division, according to the preseason poll that was announced at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The prediction though hasn't swayed CMU the wrong way, staying persistent with the goals ahead.
"Winning the MAC is what we all talk about every day," Ostman said. "I want to do with my brothers, while doing my best as a leader and helping the guys around me in being the best they can be."
Ostman finished second in the Mid-American Conference and 34th overall in the nation last year in sacks with nine, totaling 69 tackles and 17.5 for a loss.
