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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Defensive Backs Must Replace Familiar Faces
August 26, 2004 | Football
Aug. 26, 2004
Bowling Green, Ohio - With the departure of graduating seniors Janssen Patton (42), Jason Morton (31), and Mike Malone (24) the Falcons must replace 97 games of starting experience in the defensive backfield. Senior Keon Newson (124 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss) returns and can play at either safety or corner. He has started 30 career games and led the MAC with six forced fumbles in 2003. "He is the key to this unit, because he is a marquee player," said BGSU Coach Gregg Brandon. "He has the versatility to play inside and outside and I certainly think he can be one of the best defensive players in the conference." Two players who did not begin the 2003 as starters gained valuable experience when injuries plagued the Falcons. Senior T.J. Carswell (77 tackles) is battling at free safety after starting 11 games at linebacker last year. Junior Jelani Jordan (84 tackles and an interception), started nine games last season at cornerback and returns. "We have experience in the secondary, but not as much actual game experience in the positions they might play this year," said Falcons defensive coordinator Tim Beckman. Junior Terrill Mayberry (13 tackles) has earned a starting spot at cornerback. Junior Tim Arnold (19 tackles) is battling for playing time at the corner along with junior John Nicholson and JC transfer Steve Simonton. At safety, redshirt freshman DeAudre Perry has been one of the most impressive players in camp and may start. Sophomore Mike Crumpler (3 tackles) and redshirt freshmen Bryan Jackson and Loren Hargrove also could see time.
