Bowling Green State University Athletics
Linebackers Bring Experience To Falcon Defense
August 25, 2004 | Football
Aug. 25, 2004
Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University football team has a talented group of linebackers who will anchor the defensive effort for the Falcons in 2004. "These guys have to be leaders because they quarterback our defense," said defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tim Beckman. Senior Jovon Burkes (78 tackles, 9 for a loss) returns in the middle and has started 16 games during the last two seasons. Senior Daniel Sayles (42 tackles, 9 for a loss) is back at full strength and will start on the strong side after being slowed by injury in 2003. He started six games and had 2.5 sacks. Junior Teddy Piepkow (pip-coe) (77 tackles, 5.5 for a loss and 3 sacks)will be on the weak-side. Another group of talented prospects are pushing the above-mentioned three for playing time. Junior Jamien Johnson (18 tackles) will play in the middle and is an outstanding special teams player. Redhsirt freshman Jenkins Reese should get valuable seasoning this year in his first action with the Falcons as will sophomore Terrel White (9 tackles) and Lavelle Sharpe (2 tackles). One true freshmen could see playing time and that is John Haneline, the brother of former All-MAC linebacker Chris Haneline and current defensive graduate assistant. "We look for guys who are physical, but more importantly we look for guys who can run," said Beckman. "I really like this group and I think they can be difference makers."
