Samuel Appears to be Transferring to FIU

The BG News found this news on Anthon Samuel's instagram site...welcome to the brave new world...he says he is transferring to Florida International.  (I found the above image on an instagram that either belongs to Samuel or to an incredibly obsessive stalker.)

We've talked about this.  Anthon has a wife and son living back in Florida and he feels like he needs to be closer to them, feelings made especially strong by the fact that his own Father died when Anthon was 8 (Samuel witnessed the deadly shooting, in fact).

I believe everyone in the Falcon Nation has total respect for Anthon and his decision in this situation.  He will be missed, but he has our full support.

From the bgsufalcons.com website, here are some highlights for his career.

• Third-Team Freshman All-American by Phil Steele (2011)
• MAC Freshman of the Year (2011)
• Most rushing yards (844) by a freshman in BGSU history.

Career: Has 1,842 career rushing yards on 346 attempts and 16 touchdowns ... averages 87.7 yards per game in his career ... added 37 receptions for 291 yards and a score.

Note:  he had some injuries, so those numbers were developed in something less than two seasons.

This is also not entirely unexpected.  As the situation developed, Coach Clawson added 4 late signees at RB.  He noted on signing day that he views RB as a position where someone can contribute as a true freshman.  Also, note that Clawson likes RB by committee, so you'd hope that one guy will not be expected to carry a full load.

The options for 2013 all have potential and all have question marks.

• Jamel Martin--averaged 5.3 yards per carry last year but coming off an injury.
• Jordan Hopgood--Came on a little last season.  Has had serious injuries throughout career.
• Andre Givens--highly recruited before transfer to BG, has yet to develop.
• Travis Greene--took reps in the spring as a WR convert, was productive but no experience.

Then, the freshman.

• Fred Coppet is the most likely player to be in the mix.  Ranked the #30 RB in the nation, he was BG's top ranked recruit.
• Marcus Levy, the #47 ranked RB and BG's third highest ranked recruit.
• Eric Harrell, the #101 ranked RB and BG's fourth highest ranked recruit.
• Brandon English--less decorated RB from Orlando.

The offense is the team's most significant question mark and the biggest question marks are at RB and (to a lesser extent) at WR.  BG needs more first downs to be a great team this year and we need the balance and clock-eating that you get with a running game.  Without a running game last year, BG does not make a bowl game.  If you want any area to watch, keep an eye on this position.