The MAC is wide open every year, and the Bowling Green Falcons are one of those teams that hasn’t recently gotten over the hump but has the talent to challenge for a conference championship in 2024.
Led by some of the best skill players in the conference, who are Bowling Green’s top returning players in 2024?
Bowling Green Falcons Top Returning Players
10) Anthony Hawkins Jr., IDL
Anthony Hawkins Jr. brings a ton of experience to the first level of the Falcons’ defense. Hawkins has over 1,300 snaps in his Bowling Green career and has been a steady presence on the interior of the defensive line. Last year, he had 22 tackles and six hurries from his nose tackle position.
9) Brock Horne, LB
Despite only making 15 tackles last year, Horne is the most experienced linebacker on Bowling Green’s roster. The sixth-year senior has played extensively over the last three seasons and should be able to return to his old form. He’s only two years removed from a 79-tackle season in 2021.
8) Joseph Sipp Jr., LB
Despite being out of position at times, Joseph Sipp Jr. was the leading tackler for the Falcons. He’ll look to clean up some of the finer points of his game in 2024, inlcuding improving in coverage and as a pass rusher on the blitz.
Sipp is a solid tackler who has the strength to wrap up and prevent ballcarriers from getting extra yardage.
7) Finn Hogan, WR
Finn Hogan was the third or even fourth receiver option last season, only playing 149 snaps the entire season. He did well in limited opportunities, however, including a six-catch, 102-yard performance against Georgia Tech. He’s a huge body and could be one of Connor Bazelak’s go-to targets in 2024.
6) Dontrez Brown, IDL
Dontrez Brown was impressive last year as a junior against both the run and the pass. As an interior defensive lineman, he racked up 21 pressures and made 19 run stops, both top four on the team.
Brown returns as a senior in 2024, and despite losing some talent around him, he should be in for another good year.
5) Nick Reimer, OT
A transfer from Merrimack College, Reimer has made 37 starts at left tackle, where he’s expected to play in 2024. While he hasn’t played against FBS competition, Reimer’s experience will be vitally important.
The Falcons have some elite skill players, but Bazelak is a statue in the pocket and needs good protection to thrive.
4) Connor Bazelak, QB
After starting early in his career at Missouri and then moving to Indiana, Bazelak has found a home at Bowling Green and is the unquestioned starter going into the 2024 season.
Bazelak threw for just under 2,000 yards last year as he wasn’t asked to do too much, but he played his best football down the stretch, throwing four touchdowns and no picks in the final three weeks of the season.
3) Jordan Oladokun, CB
Jordan Oladokun was one-half of the MAC’s best corner duo a season ago, but with the departure of Jalen Huskey, it’s his secondary now.
An All-MAC second-teamer, Oladokun picked off four passes and only allowed two touchdowns in coverage.
2) Harold Fannin Jr., TE
Harold Fannin Jr. is probably the best tight end in the MAC, and his production shows that. He caught at least two passes in every game last season and had over 450 yards and five touchdowns in the final six games of the season.
A huge body, Fannin is one of the best receiving tight ends in the entire country.
1) Terion Stewart, RB
Whether Terion Stewart is healthy enough to play early this season remains to be seen, but he’s one of the top backs in the conference when on the field.
Stewart injured his right leg late in the 2023 season and was limited this spring, but he’s led the Falcons in rushing each of the last three years.
If he’s healthy, he’s a load to bring down, and he’s flashed the ability to take over games, breaking double-digit tackles three times last season.
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