Bowling Green State University Athletics
2012 Spring Preview: Falcons Youth Has Turned Into Experience
March 14, 2012 | Football
SPRING PROSPECTUS
2012 Spring Preview:
As the roster trends towards a more upper-class, the Falcon statistics are also showing an improvement. BGSU saw a dramatic increase across the board in 2011, improving in wins (+3), points scored (+5.3), yards gained (+90.1) and points allowed (-4.8). They also turned the ball over three less times and threw six less interceptions in 2011 compared to the previous year. The experience is even beginning to show through penalties. In 2010 the Falcons ranked 10th in the Mid-American Conference in penalties per game (6.0-53.3) and climbed to second in the MAC in 2011 (4.8-42.1).
With all the positives surrounding the BGSU football team, it is clear that goals and expectations are high for 2012.
Scouting the Falcons
Quarterbacks
Lettermen Returning: 1, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
Matt Schilz is expected to once again take the reigns of the Falcon offense, his third year under center. The junior posted career-highs in competitions (245), attempts (412), yards (3,024) and touchdowns (28) in 2011, and had five games of at least three touchdown passes and two 400-yard passing days. Still only a junior, Schilz has already started 22 games in his career.
While Schilz is expected to be named the starter as 2012 begins, he will see some competition from red-shirt freshmen Matt Johnson and Malik Stokes, along with true freshman James Knapke. None of the three have seen action with the Falcons.
Running Backs
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 2
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
It would be hard pressed to find a deeper position on the team besides running back. Anthon Samuel was named MAC Freshman of the Year after rushing for 844 yards and five touchdown in just nine games and finished third in the country among freshmen running backs in yards per game (93.8). Jordan Hopgood, who actually began the season as the starter before suffering a knee injury, still ran for four touchdowns in brief action.
With both Samual and Hopgood out, Jamel Martin ran for 111 yards in his first career start versus West Virginia and ended the year second on the team with 280 rushing yards. With all three out due to injuries the Falcons had to call on John Pettigrew to close out the season in a 42-28 win at Buffalo, a game which saw Pettigrew run for a career-high 50 yards.
Wide Receivers
Lettermen Returning: 1, Lettermen Lost: 6
Starters Returning: 0, Starters Lost: 2
No other position with the BGSU football team was hurt more during the off-season wide receiver. Gone is first-team All-MAC member Kamar Jorden, along with five other senior wide outs. Who will replace them is probably the biggest question for the spring and during fall camp.
The leading candidate will be Shaun Joplin, who was third on the team with 21 catches and 292 yards. He added the game-winning touchdown versus Temple, his first touchdown grab of his career. After that, look for Herve Coby, Je'Ron Stokes (Michigan transfer), Chris Gallon, Heath Jackson, Travis Green, Diontre Delk and Michael Allen to contribute. None of the before mentioned players have ever caught a pass for the Falcons.
Tight Ends
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 0
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
The Falcons go four-deep at the tight end position, and none will be seniors. The position is led by junior Alex Bayer, who was fourth on the team with 20 catches for 242 yards and a pair of scores. He also started all 12 games last season. Sophomores Kendall Montgomery (6-5, 260) and Clay Rolf (6-6, 275) are two of the biggest tight ends in the league, but had just two catches combined between the two. Junior Tyler Beck, who plays more of an H-Back position, had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in 2011.
Redshirt freshmen Zach Steinmetz, sophomore Chris Pohlman and freshman Scott Davis are all expected to push for playing time as well
Offensive Line
Lettermen Returning: 7, Lettermen Lost: 2
Starters Returning: 4, Starters Lost: 1
After a rough couple of years on the offensive line the Falcons are starting to put together a unit that is deep and competitive. Gone is four-year starter Ben Bojicic, but due to injuries in 2011 the Falcons actually have five offensive lineman that started at least six games last season. Kyle Bryant (6 starts), Dominic Flewellyn (12 starts), Chip Robinson (11 starts), Dominique Wharton (10 starts) and Jordon Roussos (12 starts) all saw major action last season.
Fahn Cooper, Christian Piazza, Darion Delaney, and Scott Hodges are expected to contribute to the tackle position, with junior college transfer (David) Kelii Kekuewa and red-shirt freshmen Alex Huettel and Spencer Cairo competing at guard and center.
Defensive Line
Lettermen Returning: 8, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 3, Starters Lost: 1
The defensive line returns nine of its top 10 performers in 2011, including three starters. Tops on that list is defensive tackle Chris Jones, an all-MAC first-team member last season. The senior-to-be registered 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 14.0 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. He is expected to be joined by Ted Ouelett (6 starts), Jairus Campbell (6 starts), Hunter Maynard and Darius Gilbert at the defensive tackle position. In that group of five, only Jones will be a senior when 2012 begins.
At defensive end, Ronnie Goble returns for his second season after registering 20 tackles and four tackles for loss last season in nine starts. He will be joined by Charlie Walker (27 tackles and 4.0 TFL) Zach Colvin (11 tackles, 1 sack) and Bryan Thomas (was lost early in 2011 to a knee injury) as Falcons with experience at the position.
Expect red-shirt freshmen Shaq Hall and Bryan Baird to also contribute in 2012.
Linebackers
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 0
Starters Returning: 2, Starters Lost: 0
The Falcons return their top four linebackers from 2011, including both starters, led by first-team All-MAC performer, Dwayne Woods. The senior-to-be led the team with 111 tackles and 14.0 tackles for loss, while adding two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Since taking over the middle linebacker spot, Woods has 245 tackles in 24 games (10.1/game). Joining Woods at the outside linebacker position will be a combination of Paul Swan (63 tackles) and D.J. Lynch (43 tackles, 3.0 sacks). Expect Gabe Martin (25 tackles) to contribute as well.
Defensive Backs
Lettermen Returning: 10, Lettermen Lost: 4
Starters Returning: 5, Starters Lost: 0
BGSU, who plays a 4-2-5 defense, returns all five starters from the 2011 secondary, but some changes are expected to happen in the spring and the start of the fall season. In all, 10 letter-winners return to the back-end of the defense, with just one senior (Tim Moore).
At cornerback Cameron Truss (10 starts, 1 INT), DeVon McKoy (8 starts, 4 PBUs) and Darrell Hunter (6 starts, 5 PBUs) will compete for starting positions.
The safeties will include Ryland Ward (12 starts, 69 tackles), Aaron Foster (11 starts, 69 tackles), BooBoo Gates (12 starts, 73 tackles), red-shirt freshman Dernard Turner and Jude Adjei-Barimah. Gates started the first 11 games at rover in 2011, but made his first career start at safety in the Falcons' win at Buffalo. Expect Gates to make a push for a starting spot.
The big question mark will be what happens at the rover position, a position that is expected to tackle like a linebacker and cover like a safety. Expect returners Brian Sutton, Tim Moore and Austin Collier to compete with newcomers Josh Pettus, James Sanford and Erick Hallmon for the rights to start in 2012.
Special Teams
Lettermen Returning: 3, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 3, Starters Lost: 0
For the first time in four years the Falcons will return the entire special teams unit that consist of placekicker Steve Stein, punter Brian Schmiedebusch and long snapper Cory Johnson.
Stein took over kicking duties in week four and finished the year, connecting on 8 of 11 field goals and 24-of-25 extra points. While Stein will enter camp as the starter, expect red-shirt freshman Tyler Tate and true freshman Anthony Farinella to battle for playing time.
There expects to be little to no competition at punter with the return of the Ray Guy semi-finalist. Schmiedebusch averaged 45.3 yards per punt, fifth-best in the nation. He had 19 punts of over 50 yards and another 18 downed inside the opponent's 20 yard line. The junior-to-be had three punts of over 70 yards, including an 81-yard kick in his first career game versus Idaho.
2012 Spring Preview:
Falcons Youth Has Turned Into Experience
The numbers speak for themselves. The 2011 Falcons' roster featured 81 players that were sophomores or younger. In the two-deep alone freshmen and sophomores made up 33 of the 53 players listed. While still young (only four senior starters return), the Falcon roster is now loaded with student-athletes that have seen significant action on the field, which includes 10 returning starters on defense, another eight on offense and three members of the special teams unit will return for 2012.As the roster trends towards a more upper-class, the Falcon statistics are also showing an improvement. BGSU saw a dramatic increase across the board in 2011, improving in wins (+3), points scored (+5.3), yards gained (+90.1) and points allowed (-4.8). They also turned the ball over three less times and threw six less interceptions in 2011 compared to the previous year. The experience is even beginning to show through penalties. In 2010 the Falcons ranked 10th in the Mid-American Conference in penalties per game (6.0-53.3) and climbed to second in the MAC in 2011 (4.8-42.1).
With all the positives surrounding the BGSU football team, it is clear that goals and expectations are high for 2012.
Scouting the Falcons
Quarterbacks
Lettermen Returning: 1, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
Matt Schilz is expected to once again take the reigns of the Falcon offense, his third year under center. The junior posted career-highs in competitions (245), attempts (412), yards (3,024) and touchdowns (28) in 2011, and had five games of at least three touchdown passes and two 400-yard passing days. Still only a junior, Schilz has already started 22 games in his career.
While Schilz is expected to be named the starter as 2012 begins, he will see some competition from red-shirt freshmen Matt Johnson and Malik Stokes, along with true freshman James Knapke. None of the three have seen action with the Falcons.
Running Backs
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 2
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
It would be hard pressed to find a deeper position on the team besides running back. Anthon Samuel was named MAC Freshman of the Year after rushing for 844 yards and five touchdown in just nine games and finished third in the country among freshmen running backs in yards per game (93.8). Jordan Hopgood, who actually began the season as the starter before suffering a knee injury, still ran for four touchdowns in brief action.
With both Samual and Hopgood out, Jamel Martin ran for 111 yards in his first career start versus West Virginia and ended the year second on the team with 280 rushing yards. With all three out due to injuries the Falcons had to call on John Pettigrew to close out the season in a 42-28 win at Buffalo, a game which saw Pettigrew run for a career-high 50 yards.
Wide Receivers
Lettermen Returning: 1, Lettermen Lost: 6
Starters Returning: 0, Starters Lost: 2
No other position with the BGSU football team was hurt more during the off-season wide receiver. Gone is first-team All-MAC member Kamar Jorden, along with five other senior wide outs. Who will replace them is probably the biggest question for the spring and during fall camp.
The leading candidate will be Shaun Joplin, who was third on the team with 21 catches and 292 yards. He added the game-winning touchdown versus Temple, his first touchdown grab of his career. After that, look for Herve Coby, Je'Ron Stokes (Michigan transfer), Chris Gallon, Heath Jackson, Travis Green, Diontre Delk and Michael Allen to contribute. None of the before mentioned players have ever caught a pass for the Falcons.
Tight Ends
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 0
Starters Returning: 1, Starters Lost: 0
The Falcons go four-deep at the tight end position, and none will be seniors. The position is led by junior Alex Bayer, who was fourth on the team with 20 catches for 242 yards and a pair of scores. He also started all 12 games last season. Sophomores Kendall Montgomery (6-5, 260) and Clay Rolf (6-6, 275) are two of the biggest tight ends in the league, but had just two catches combined between the two. Junior Tyler Beck, who plays more of an H-Back position, had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in 2011.
Redshirt freshmen Zach Steinmetz, sophomore Chris Pohlman and freshman Scott Davis are all expected to push for playing time as well
Offensive Line
Lettermen Returning: 7, Lettermen Lost: 2
Starters Returning: 4, Starters Lost: 1
After a rough couple of years on the offensive line the Falcons are starting to put together a unit that is deep and competitive. Gone is four-year starter Ben Bojicic, but due to injuries in 2011 the Falcons actually have five offensive lineman that started at least six games last season. Kyle Bryant (6 starts), Dominic Flewellyn (12 starts), Chip Robinson (11 starts), Dominique Wharton (10 starts) and Jordon Roussos (12 starts) all saw major action last season.
Fahn Cooper, Christian Piazza, Darion Delaney, and Scott Hodges are expected to contribute to the tackle position, with junior college transfer (David) Kelii Kekuewa and red-shirt freshmen Alex Huettel and Spencer Cairo competing at guard and center.
Defensive Line
Lettermen Returning: 8, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 3, Starters Lost: 1
The defensive line returns nine of its top 10 performers in 2011, including three starters. Tops on that list is defensive tackle Chris Jones, an all-MAC first-team member last season. The senior-to-be registered 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 14.0 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. He is expected to be joined by Ted Ouelett (6 starts), Jairus Campbell (6 starts), Hunter Maynard and Darius Gilbert at the defensive tackle position. In that group of five, only Jones will be a senior when 2012 begins.
At defensive end, Ronnie Goble returns for his second season after registering 20 tackles and four tackles for loss last season in nine starts. He will be joined by Charlie Walker (27 tackles and 4.0 TFL) Zach Colvin (11 tackles, 1 sack) and Bryan Thomas (was lost early in 2011 to a knee injury) as Falcons with experience at the position.
Expect red-shirt freshmen Shaq Hall and Bryan Baird to also contribute in 2012.
Linebackers
Lettermen Returning: 4, Lettermen Lost: 0
Starters Returning: 2, Starters Lost: 0
The Falcons return their top four linebackers from 2011, including both starters, led by first-team All-MAC performer, Dwayne Woods. The senior-to-be led the team with 111 tackles and 14.0 tackles for loss, while adding two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Since taking over the middle linebacker spot, Woods has 245 tackles in 24 games (10.1/game). Joining Woods at the outside linebacker position will be a combination of Paul Swan (63 tackles) and D.J. Lynch (43 tackles, 3.0 sacks). Expect Gabe Martin (25 tackles) to contribute as well.
Defensive Backs
Lettermen Returning: 10, Lettermen Lost: 4
Starters Returning: 5, Starters Lost: 0
BGSU, who plays a 4-2-5 defense, returns all five starters from the 2011 secondary, but some changes are expected to happen in the spring and the start of the fall season. In all, 10 letter-winners return to the back-end of the defense, with just one senior (Tim Moore).
At cornerback Cameron Truss (10 starts, 1 INT), DeVon McKoy (8 starts, 4 PBUs) and Darrell Hunter (6 starts, 5 PBUs) will compete for starting positions.
The safeties will include Ryland Ward (12 starts, 69 tackles), Aaron Foster (11 starts, 69 tackles), BooBoo Gates (12 starts, 73 tackles), red-shirt freshman Dernard Turner and Jude Adjei-Barimah. Gates started the first 11 games at rover in 2011, but made his first career start at safety in the Falcons' win at Buffalo. Expect Gates to make a push for a starting spot.
The big question mark will be what happens at the rover position, a position that is expected to tackle like a linebacker and cover like a safety. Expect returners Brian Sutton, Tim Moore and Austin Collier to compete with newcomers Josh Pettus, James Sanford and Erick Hallmon for the rights to start in 2012.
Special Teams
Lettermen Returning: 3, Lettermen Lost: 1
Starters Returning: 3, Starters Lost: 0
For the first time in four years the Falcons will return the entire special teams unit that consist of placekicker Steve Stein, punter Brian Schmiedebusch and long snapper Cory Johnson.
Stein took over kicking duties in week four and finished the year, connecting on 8 of 11 field goals and 24-of-25 extra points. While Stein will enter camp as the starter, expect red-shirt freshman Tyler Tate and true freshman Anthony Farinella to battle for playing time.
There expects to be little to no competition at punter with the return of the Ray Guy semi-finalist. Schmiedebusch averaged 45.3 yards per punt, fifth-best in the nation. He had 19 punts of over 50 yards and another 18 downed inside the opponent's 20 yard line. The junior-to-be had three punts of over 70 yards, including an 81-yard kick in his first career game versus Idaho.
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