Behind the Numbers: #81-90, #85 Tony Scheffler

KALAMAZOO, Mich.-  The ninth edition of the Behind the Numbers series comes to a close and in case you missed it, here are the best players for jersey numbers 81-90:

#81-Juan Nunez (2007-10)

#82-Branden Ledbetter (2004-08)

#83-Jordan White (2006-2011)

#84-Jake Moreland (1997-99)

#85-Tony Scheffler (2001-05)

#86-Mobolaji Afariogun (1998-2002)

#87-Brad Selent (1998-2000)

#88-Todd Rawsthorne (1990-91)

#89-Joel Smeenge (1986-89)

#90-Zach Davidson (2005-08)

With six of the 10 best players being offensively gifted, it wasn't much of a surprise that the offensive stats would be larger than the defensive statistics. With all the players to wear jersey numberes 81-90, they compiled 1,860 catches, 21,301 yards, 189 touchdowns, 1603 tackles and 101 sacks. When just looking at the best players, the stats read about the same. The best players amassed 992 catches, 11,669 yards and 112 touchdowns, 386 tackles and 53.5 sacks.

With much of the stats being on the offensive side of the ball, the best player for jersey numbers 81-90, was an offensive threat every time he stepped onto the field. 

Tony Scheffler (2001-2005) has had much success at WMU and in the NFL as well. During his WMU career Scheffler recorded 117 receptions, 1,345 yards, which are fourth most by a tight end and 13 touchdowns.

He has a pleather of individual awards like being a two-time First Team All-MAC (2004,2005). In 2004 and 2005 he was Academic All-District and Academic All-MAC. He also was Collegefootballnews.com All-America honorable mention. He is apart of the WMU All-Century team.

Scheffler was the 61st pick in the second round by the Denver Broncos in the 2006 NFL Draft and is now a member of the Detroit Lions. During his NFL career, he has racked up 209 receptions, 2621 yards and 21 touchdowns.

An overwhelming amount of fans were voting on wmubroncos.com and on the Bronco fans Facebook page for their choice for the best player. Coming in with 37 percent of the vote was #84 Jake Moreland.  Coming in a close second was Jordan White with 33 percent of the vote.

Jake Moreland (1996-1999) can be considered one of the best tight ends in WMU history. Moreland throughout his career showed statistical success recording 143 catches most by a tight end, 1,414 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was First Team All-MAC in 1998 and the following year was Second Team All-MAC.. He is apart of the WMU All-Century team.

Moreland went on to play for the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns in the NFL before returning to WMU as a coach (2005-2011).

Stay tuned next Monday for the 10th and final edition of the Behind the Numbers series with jersey numbers 91-99.  Then it will be up to the fans to decide who is the best of the best.  Stay tuned to www.wmubroncos.com.