Bowling Green State University Athletics
Macon Revs Up For BG
August 30, 2006 | Football
Aug. 29, 2006
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By Joe Maxse, Plain Dealer Reporter - Praise the Lord and let me run with the football.
That's been the powerful winning combination for Bowling Green running back Dan Macon through much of his football career. Saturday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the junior from Sagamore Hills will try to take it to another level.
The former Nordonia High standout will make his first collegiate start when the Falcons open the season against Wisconsin at 7 p.m. More than 500 members of Mount Zion Oakwood Village, a non-denominational church, are expected to watch their co-pastor play football. Macon's dad and mom, the Rev. Larry Sr. and Marilyn Macon, and his brother, Larry Jr., will lead the cheers.
"I've been speaking in front of the congregation since I was 13," said Dan Macon, who ran for 2,220 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior for the state runner-up Knights (13-2). "I'm getting this first shot in front of family and friends. It's a blessing."
A lot of hard work and perseverance also helped. After getting limited playing time his first two seasons, Macon sat out last year as veterans P.J. Pope and B.J. Lane carried the load.
Macon, listed at 6-1 and 214 pounds, said he had no problem sitting out and did scout team work while learning from Pope and Lane.
"We've changed our offense up a little bit and I'm getting the chance to be the featured back, running the ball 25 times a game," Macon said. "I'm at a point where I'll do anything for the team and just have to keep building my skills and abilities."
Former running backs coach Dennis Springer worked with Macon the past three seasons.
"It's his time," said Springer, who now coaches the defensive secondary. "That's something he and I talked about this spring. He's explosive and has all the tools, and more importantly, I think he's hungry and ready to go."
As exciting as a football Saturday can be, Macon's father said his son's work on Sundays gives his family just as big a thrill.
"The community has embraced him," said Rev. Macon, who estimated Mount Zion's congregation at nearly 5,000 members. "He comes home and gives short inspirational messages with what he has learned as a football player."
The Macons in the stands Saturday might have more pregame butterflies than the one in the backfield.
"I'll be far more nervous on Saturday and my wife is more nervous than me," said Rev. Macon. "She will be praying. I've accepted the fact he loves football and is following his passion."
