We'd known about two decisions for a while, the third was held close to the vest.
On Thursday, Central Michigan made the addition of three transfers to their roster official with a press release. All three are eligible to play immediate, two as graduate transfers and one as a junior college import. Each of the three will be juniors in the fall.
Each brings a specific aspect to the squad that is desperately needed. After losing many starters to graduation, the Chippewas will certainly find use for each of these players to a certain degree.
Here's what each brings to the team and how they can contribute to the team in 2020:
Ty Brock - QB (Sam Houston State)
Who he is - Brock has the experience and attitude required of a Division I quarterback. He comes to Mount Pleasant after three seasons at Sam Houston State, an FCS school near his hometown of College Station, Texas. Coaches and teammates from his time at SHSU raved about his character and toughness, skills that will prove important with his new team.
As far as stats go, Brock threw for 3,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with the Bearkats in 21 games. He burst onto the scene during his redshirt freshman campaign, becoming a finalist for the Jerry Rice award given to the nation's best freshman at the FCS level.
Where he fits - Brock will compete for the starting quarterback position right away. For a team that desperately needed experience under center, Brock fits the bill. However, it's clear that coach Jim McElwain and his staff are high on redshirt freshman and current proclaimed starter Daniel Richardson.
The competition will likely boil down to the two of them come fall camp. Though Brock was brought in to compete, it's likely that his value goes as far as the experience he provides. If he does become the starter, his leash may be shorter than most given the need to get Richardson experience.
Aarion Harvey - OL (Hudson Valley Community College)
Who he is - Harvey is a native of Chicago, Illinois who elected to take the junior college route out of high school. After a tough first season, he transferred to Hudson Valley Community College. While with the Vikings, Harvey boosted his stock to the point where he attracted interest from Power Five schools.
In the end, Harvey felt at home with the Chippewas. After spending the first two years of his collegiate career learning to play for the love of the game, he will spend the last two battling for a spot inside the trenches with Central Michigan.
Where he fits - There's a common theme developing here. Harvey, an experienced player, jumps into a unit whose experience has been depleted by graduation. After losing starters Steve Eipper, Oge Udeogu and Clay Walderzak, the Chippewas have several holes to fill.
With Jamezz Kimbrough scheduled to replace Eipper at center and Derek Smith shifting to tackle to replace Walderzak, Harvey will compete with sophomores Deiyantei Powell-Woods and Danny Motowski for the remaining guard spot. Regardless of whether or not he starts, there will be playing time for Harvey right away.
Richard Bowens III - CB (Iowa State)
Who he is - Bowens was a highly recruited athlete coming out of Orchard Lake St. Mary's high school in the class of 2017. He took his skills to Iowa State, where he saw action in three seasons, including his redshirt year, and earned his degree in psychology.
A state champion in the 300-meter hurdles, Bowens has outstanding speed and can contribute on defense as well as special teams. He's maintained close relationships with players such as Alonzo McCoy and Kalil Pimpleton throughout his time in Iowa, and will get the opportunity to spend the last two seasons of his career sharing the field with them.
Where he fits - Kyron McKinnie-Harper, the Chippewas' top corner a season ago, is currently suspended indefinitely due to recent illegal activity. Brian Edwards, a transfer from Florida whose abilities have been praised by coaches and teammates, has had some off-field issues as well. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the cornerback position.
Enter Bowens. With Edwards scheduled to start on one side of the field this season, Bowens will contend for the other starting position with junior Dishon Mcnary. If McKinnie-Harper can return to play, Bowens is more than comfortable sliding to either the nickel or safety positions. He will see playing time early and often in his time with the Chippewas.
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