Freshman LB Drew Esper arrives at CMU as a high-motor, two-way playmaker
In the 2026 season, Drew Esper has already opened his Central Michigan career with 4 tackles in the opener at New Mexico, a modest box-score start that fits a freshman learning the speed of the college game.[2][4] The real appeal is his résumé: a 6-foot-1, 210-225-pound linebacker who was a two-time all-state defender and finished high school with 319 tackles, plus real offensive versatility and captain-level leadership.[1][5] CMU seems to value his toughness, competitive range, and developmental upside more than splashy early stats.[1][5]
