5 Bowling Green players to watch
By Chris Bengel
Dec 20, 2014; Montgomery, AL, USA; Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Austin Valdez (16) is grabbed by South Alabama Jaguars running back Berron Tyson (33) on a punt return in the Camellia Bowl at Crampton Bowl. The Falcons defeated the Jaguars 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
No. 4 Austin Valdez
The Bowling Green defense certainly left a lot to be desired against the Volunteers in their season opener. However, one of the most productive players turned out to be linebacker Austin Valdez. Valdez is an interesting story because he was a star quarterback in high school and ended up converting to the defensive side of the ball once he arrived at Bowling Green. The Ohio native was a tackling machine last week as he tallied 13 total tackles (five solo) against a very talented Tennessee roster.
Valdez only registered 20 tackles in 13 games all of last season. However, he added 20 pounds to his frame and looks like he belongs on the defensive side of the football. Valdez has the talent to be a force in the middle for the Falcons and definitely could hinder Maryland running the football if he’s able to make contact with the Terp running backs at the line of scrimmage.