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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green's Partridge: Lot of Happy Returns
August 16, 2006 | Football
Aug. 15, 2006
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By Maureen Fulton, Blade Sports Writer -
BOWLING GREEN - The preview was as promising as possible.
Corey Partridge, Bowling Green State University's new punt returner, had a handful of opportunities during blowouts last season as a redshirt freshman to sub for Charles Sharon. One memorable chance came at home against Temple on Oct. 1.
In the fourth quarter of BGSU's 70-7 victory, Partridge took a punt 79 yards for the touchdown. The feat was even more impressive because the Falcons had only 10 players on the field.
"It was nice that I didn't mess it up when I got the chance," Partridge said. "It was fun to be out there and see what it was like in college, because the punters are a lot better and the coverage guys are a lot better."
He's hoping for the same kind of success as he takes over the top spot for BGSU.
Partridge returned punts in high school in Loveland, Ohio.
He said he learned from playing behind Sharon, who held the position the past three seasons for BGSU.
"You've got to have field vision, see the holes, and you've got to set up blocks well," Partridge said. "I think I'm ready. I need to get used to the experience, see the holes and know what's going to happen before it happens."
The Falcons are also counting on Partridge, 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, to be one of their most productive receivers. He started out the 2005 season with an eight-catch, 160-yard game at Wisconsin, but injuries slowed him the rest of the season, a separated shoulder causing him to miss a game.
Partridge had 15 receptions and 157 yards the rest of the year.
"He's a very dynamic kid, can make people miss in space," BGSU coach Gregg Brandon said. "We're expecting great things out of Corey, but also, he needs to understand he needs to stay healthy. That's been our biggest concern with him. Last year he came out like gangbusters and then kind of disappeared."
MOVES: Junior Loren Hargrove, who started three games at safety last year, has moved to linebacker. Freshman P.J. Mahone has moved into the safety spot.
"I think that's his [Hargrove's] natural spot," Brandon said. "We didn't move him to sit him."
Hargrove will have to compete for a starting position at linebacker. Senior Terrel White has moved to middle linebacker, and sophomore John Haneline is No. 1 on the weak side. Sophomore Erique Dozier will be the starter at strongside linebacker.
Freshman Vincent Corner, who was recruited as a running back, has moved to cornerback.
ROSTER NOTES: Defensive end Diyral Briggs is still questionable for the Wisconsin game as he recovers from a broken foot. Thomas James and Jacob Hardwick are competing to start the season opener in his place. Brandon said freshman wide receiver Zach Charles will "probably" play this fall.
EXTRA POINTS: Former BGSU coach Don Nehlen, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, watched practice yesterday. ... The last of three two-a-days was completed yesterday. "They're a little tired," Brandon said.
