Geter a driving force in BGSU ground game

4/15/2010

BOWLING GREEN - Willie Geter held a prominent position in Bowling Green State University's high-octane attack a year ago.

He carried the brunt of the running chores, rushing for a team-best 705 yards on 176 carries. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior tailback also rushed for a team-leading nine touchdowns to help the Falcons finish with a 7-6 overall record.

As the only returning full-time starter among the offensive skills players, Geter's workload and presence in the Falcons attack is expected to increase in the 2010 season.

At least that's what coach Dave Clawson hopes for from his No. 1 running back.

"I would be disappointed if Willie didn't rush for a 1,000 yards next season," Clawson said. "I think he's capable of gaining a 1,000 yards."

Geter, a Miami native, is one of the few players on BG's roster not involved in heated competition for a starting spot. The Falcons spring game will be held at Perry Stadium at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

"Willie is an excellent runner and blocker and is very good catching the football out of the backfield,"

Clawson said. "He knows the playbook as well as

anyone. He knows everyone's assignments."

Geter has spent much of the spring practice working on his overall game while also assisting his teammates, particularly running backs Erique Geiger, John Pettigrew, and Mark Mays - three in competition as his primary backup.

"I feel like I'm the leader to the young guys and I've been showing them how to do things right and becoming a better player," Geter said.

Geter, who caught 37 passes for 342 yards last season, finished with 973 all-purpose yards. He came on strong toward the end of the year when the Falcons made an impressive run toward earning a bowl berth by winning six of their final seven games.

He rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries, including three touchdowns, in a regular-season finale 38-24 victory over of Toledo. He also gained 96 yards on 14 carries, including two TDs, in a 43-42 loss to Idaho in the Humanitarian Bowl.

Such late-season showings are what has Clawson believing his top returning offensive player is due for an even better senior season.

ALL-ACADEMIC: Bowling Green's Marc Larson and Joe Jakubowski were named to the Mid-American Conference all-academic men's basketball team.

Larson, a senior and engineering major, owns a 3.97 grade-point average. Jakubowski, a junior and business major, owns a 3.32 GPA.

Contact Donald Emmons at:

demmons@theblade.com

or 419-724-6302.