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RICHMOND, Ky. – There are plenty of starting opportunities available on the Eastern Kentucky University defense in 2016.  Only three starters return from last season's team.
 
Luckily there is a starter returning in each part of the defense.  Those three returning starters are defensive lineman Avery Pitt, linebacker Thomas Owens and defensive back Kobie Grace.
 
New EKU defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix is in a unique position.  Around this time a year ago, he was helping Valparaiso prep to face the Colonels at Roy Kidd Stadium.  In a couple of weeks he'll be coaching the home team in RKS.
 
"I will be honest with you, the fans here on that first Thursday night game last year were pretty intimidating," said Mattix.  "I got out early and looked around and knew it was going to be a long evening.  I'm happy to be on the other sideline now."
 
Before serving as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach at Valpo, Mattix was on the staff at Michigan for four seasons working with the defensive line and linebackers.  He helped the Wolverines go to three bowl games, including winning the 2011 Sugar Bowl.  Mattix also served as an assistant at Ball State in 2009 and 2010, a team that is on Eastern's schedule this season.
 
"Throughout camp we have been able to install most of our defense," Mattix said.  "Our kids have been playing real hard and are being very coachable."
 
The Colonels will be off on Thursday before returning to the field on Friday at 10 a.m.  All practices are scheduled to be held at Roy Kidd Stadium and are open to the public.
 
Eastern Kentucky begins the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at Purdue.  The team's first home game is slated for Thursday, Sept. 8.  For ticket information, contact the EKU Athletics Ticket Office at 859-622-2122.
 
EKU is ranked as high as No. 22 in the nation in preseason polls and was picked to place second in the Ohio Valley Conference this season by the coaches and the media.
  
Preseason Camp Schedule
(Note: dates and times are subject to change)
August 18            Thursday                           No Practice
August 19            Friday                                10 a.m.
August 20            Saturday (Scrimmage)         10 a.m.
August 21            Sunday                              1 p.m.