FalconBlog--Triumphs and Trials in the BGSU Falcon Nation

Falcon Position Changes

Reports are that Coach Brandon and DC Jon Lovett are continuing to move the pieces around hoping to stretch the most of of a thin defense--thin based on experience, and not necessarily talent. The front line appears to be pretty strong, though Diryal Briggs is not healthy and continues to be a concern. He may not play against Wisconsin.

The manuvers appears to be focused on LB and the D-backfield. From my perception, the goal appears to be to move the experienced players to LB, and have a young but talent defensive backfield.

For example, Will Myles, who came to BG as a QB, and is a 5Sr, was moved from D-back to LB. Just as singificantly, Jr. Loren Hargrove, who pushed his way into the starting lineup at safety late last year (making a significant contribution to the season's strongest point), is now at LB. BG has done this plenty of times before--think TJ Carswell, in particular.

Erique Dozier, another recruited DB, is also moving up to LB, with the same thing in mind (R-so). His roster weight is 195 pounds, which I assume is no longer accurate.

According to the Blade, it will be Terrel White (Sr) in the middle, with So John Haneline on the weakside and Dozier on strong.

It leaves you with a small and hopefully quick linebacking corps. That's OK if the line can eat up blocks, but it hurts when Wisconsin (or Toledo, for that matter) get a hoss on your LB in the open field. (Think Dozier playing strongside...eeek!). John Haneline's brother Chris was an absolute warrior for the Falcons, and I liked what I saw of John last season.

The defensive backfield, however, should have to go out in diapers and pacifiers.

At the corners, you have Antonio Smith and Kenny Lewis, both True Sophs at Corner. In addition, Vince Corner has moved from RB to Corner, if for no other reason than we can say "Cornerback Vince Corner." Both Smith and Lewis played very well last year, and they are a talented duo. As Juniors and Seniors they will be absolutely lockdown. As Sophs, I still worry a little.

Finally, at Safety, we're even younger. True Fr. PJ Mahone, a big time recruit from Elyria will play at one safety alongside R-FR Jerrett Sanderson, an apparently quality player who also has no game experience (He enrolled late here from prep school).


I can only conclude that Coach has decided that having Hargrove, Myles and Dozier at LB is more important than having two safeties making their first game appearences, and I hope that works out. I don't think there are a ton of options.

I think we are a year away, but could still win the East if we can get hot late.