Bowling Green State University Athletics
Macon Ready For BG's Spotlight
August 09, 2006 | Football
Aug. 7, 2006
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - After waiting in the wings for three years, it's time for Dan Macon to play running back at Bowling Green.
And Macon, 6-feet-1, 210 pounds, is looking forward to the challenge.
"I've been wanting this chance since I came here as a freshman ... I want to show others what I can do on the field," Macon said. "I happened to play behind two older running backs. I feel I'm a different running back from those two. We have a different style of running.
"Over the off-season I put on some weight," he added. "I'm also a physical running back. I like getting the ball 25-30 times a game.
"Whatever that challenge is or however many times he (coach Gregg Brandon) wants to give it to me, I think I'll be ready."
When asked if Macon is suited to take over for P.J. Pope, who finished his career as the only player in school history to rush for more than 3,000 yards and have more than 1,000 yards in receiving, Brandon said: "He'd better be ... I'm looking for great things out of Dan Macon.
"He's got to demonstrate he can stay healthy," Brandon added. "This summer he has really stepped up as far as his conditioning, being a committed guy ... He's big and fast. He can run sub-4.4 (seconds, in the 40-yard-dash). He has really improved his strength.
"I'm excited for Dan."
A first-team All-Ohio selection as a senior after rushing for 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns at Nordonia High School, Macon saw action mainly on special teams during his first two years at Bowling Green. He had 26 total carries for 115 yards and a TD while playing behind Pope and B.J. Lane in those two seasons.
Last season he was redshirted in anticipation of playing the next two years as the featured back.
The redshirt year "definitely helped me," Macon said. "I got reps (repetitions) with the ones, so I had the plays. I also got reps with the scout team, which is great because I also got to work on my game and my skills. I also got to work out in the weight room more.
"Having to take a year off last year from the game field, it creates just that much more excitement this year," he added.
There will be a renewed emphasis on the running game this season with the Falcons. Macon is going to be a major part of that along with quarterbacks Anthony Turner and Freddie Barnes.
"Dan Macon will add another dimension to the whole thing with his speed," said BG assistant coach Mick McCall. "For the last couple of years he's probably been the fastest guy on our team."
While Macon still has to prove himself on the field, he's already helped Bowling Green at the ticket office. The Falcons open the season Sept. 3 against Wisconsin in Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Macon, who is co-pastor with his father of a church in the Cleveland-area, said family friends and parishioners have already purchased 700 tickets for the BG-Wisconsin game.
"Everyone wants to come out," Macon said.
While Macon has specific individual goals in mind, he said the main goal for the Falcons is to win a championship and go to a bowl game.
"We have an athletic squad this year," Macon said. "It will be extremely exciting. I know the abilities of these guys just because I worked out with them the whole summer, but I think others don't know."
Macon will be pushed by redshirt freshman Chris Bullock, 5-11, 220, and freshman Vincent Corner, 5-9, 200.
Also Pete Winovich, a 6-3, 234, junior, will see action in the backfield and at tight end.
