Bowling Green will have a defense filled with young players this season, and there could be some growing
pains.
"Last year, we were young in experience, we weren’t young in age," BG head coach Dave Clawson
said in a recent interview. "This year, we have some young kids who are going to be really good
players."
The Falcons allowed an average of 35.6 points and 432 yards per game last season. Take out the 65 points
and 721 yards run up by Michigan and the averages are 30.7 points and 405.7 yards. BG allowed 28 or more
points in 10-of-12 games on the way to a 2-10 overall record.
The Falcons were hurt by ineffective play in the secondary and there will be a major shakeup there.
"On paper, we have four returning starters there, but only one of them will be able to return as a
starter," Clawson said, adding the secondary was one of two positions on the team that needed a
major upgrade.
"You have to be able to match other team’s personnel and that’s where having six or seven (defensive
backs) who can play becomes critical," he added.
Cameron Truss, a redshirt sophomore, is a returning starter at cornerback. He had 49 tackles, two
interceptions and seven pass break-ups last season while playing in just nine games.
Sophomore DeVon McKoy has worked his way into the other starting corner spot after spring drills.
Senior Adrien Spencer, who has made 18 starts in his career, and redshirt sophomore Aunré Davis are the
third and fourth options at corner. Clawson said there are three incoming freshmen who could earn
playing time.
"That might have been the strongest position we recruited," Clawson said about cornerback.
There will be new faces at safety with Ryland Ward, Aaron Foster and Jude Adjei-Barimah as the top
candidates right now. Ward and Adjei-Barimah are redshirt freshman and Foster is a sophomore. Clawson
said there are two incoming freshmen who could earn playing time.
On the line, Chris Jones, a third-team All-MAC selection, returns at defensive tackle. The junior
finished with 39 tackles last season, including 11 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Jairus Campbell, who missed spring drills with an ankle injury, and Ted Ouellet are battling for the
starting nose guard spot. Both are redshirt sophomores. Campbell had 25 tackles last season. Ouellet was
moved to the offensive line during the 2010 season, but has gone back to defense.
Mickey Wagner, a fifth-year senior, and Darius Gilbert, a redshirt freshman, are the backup tackles.
Clawson said he would like at least a three-player rotation at the inside spots and at end.
At defensive end, Kevin Moore returns as a starter. A fifth-year senior, Moore played his first four
years at Bowling Green as Kevin Alvarado. He had 34 tackles, including two sacks, in 2010.
The rest of the end situation needs to be sorted out.
Ronnie Goble, a redshirt sophomore, Bryan Thomas and Charlie Walker, both redshirt freshmen, are battling
for the other end spot. Goble suffered a shoulder injury during the 2010 season.
Clawson said freshman Zach Colvin, an all-state performer from Shorewood, Ill., could play right away at
defensive end.
"We are hoping our ends become good ends. If they don’t we can steal from tackle (Ouellet) and if
they don’t, we can steal from linebacker (D.J. Lynch and Gabe Martin)," Clawson said.
Dwayne Woods Jr., a junior who was a second-team All-MAC pick in 2010 after making 134 tackles, heads the
linebackers.
"That corps is the best in terms of athleticism, play-making ability and depth," Clawson said.

Paul Swan, a redshirt sophomore, and redshirt freshmen Lynch and Martin are all capable of being good
players at linebacker, Clawson said.
At the rover/linebacker spot, sophomore Jerry ‘Boo Boo’ Gates and senior Keith Morgan are the top two
candidates. Junior Tim Moore, redshirt freshman Tyler Williamson, and redshirt sophomore Austin Collier,
are in the mix to fill the backup role there.
"What’s exciting is that all these kids will grow up together," Clawson said about his defense,
adding there are at least 15 players on the potential two-deep who will have three or more years of
eligibility remaining. "They are young, hungry and they are doing it together."