Falcon Fodder

Who Are These People? Jerry "BooBoo" Gates

Sophomore rover JERRY "BOOBOO" GATES is a native of Middletown, Ohio. This season Gates ranks third on the team in tackles with 24, including two tackles for loss. He also has an interception, one pass broken up and one forced fumble. On special teams Gates has returned nine kickoffs a total of 280 yards for an average of 31.1 yards per return. Gates was named MAC East Division special teams player of the week after returning seven kickoffs 233 yards, including a 77-yard return. That yardage total was a single-game school record.

Why did you choose BGSU? I loved [the guys who would become] my teammates.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Starting at Michigan last year.

Do you have any superstitions? No.

What is your motto? Win the MAC.

How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Great leader and players.

What is the most important attribute in your sport? Desire, fortitude, sport experience, and fierce talent.

Who is your favorite athlete?  Eric Berry (safety for the Kansas City Chiefs), because I feel we have the same feel for the game.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? BW3's. Favorite meal? Wings.

What is your major? Sports marketing. Why did you choose it? I wanted to do something in sports.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Math, because I love to do math.

What professor at BG has influenced you the most? Ashley Baker, because she's always someone I can talk to.

What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Miami, because I love the beach!

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Chill with my teammates.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? "She Will" by Lil Wayne.

If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Bill Gates, so I could be rich!

Who do you admire most? My brother, Terry Gates, because he's someone I can always talk to.

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Steve Dunlap.

Tells the best jokes? DeMark Jenkins.

Does the best impersonation of your coach? D.J. Lynch.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... in the NFL.

The three words I think best describe me are ... funny, leader, player.

If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... Why are we not a Nike team (laughs)?

Before I graduate, I want to ... Win a MAC championship.

Nobody knows that ... I lost my daddy when I was a senior in high school.

Who Are These People? Madi Nitta

Senior defensive specialist MADI NITTA is a native of Manhattan Beach, Calif., who played at Mira Costa High School. In the process of earning her fourth letter with the Falcons, Nitta has played in 22 sets spread over 11 matches this season. She has 20 digs, or 0.91 digs per set, and has a service reception percentage of 83.9 percent as the Falcons have posted a 15-2 record. She also plays on the U.S. Deaf Volleyball team that won the gold medal in the 2011 Friendship Games last August. Click here to read her story.

Why did you choose BGSU? It has my major (sports management), it has four seasons and because of the friendly and helpful people.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Defeating Michigan State in front of nearly 3,000 people in the first match at the Stroh Center.

Do you have any superstitions? Putting my shoes, socks and ankle braces on the same way every time.

How would you describe yourself as a club player? Competitive and disciplined, focused.

What is the most important attribute in your sport? Energy, positive vibes and good work ethic because it helps push myself and my team at practices and matches.

Who is your favorite athlete?  Derek Fisher (of the Los Angeles Lakers), because of his good character. He's not selfish.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? Campus Pollyeyes. 

What is your major? Sports marketing. Why did you choose it? Passion for sports and marketing.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Business and Communications, because I learned many useful tools in that class.

What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Anini Beach in Kauai (Hawaii), because it's always relaxing.

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Shop, go to the beach, travel, try new foods.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? "Drive" by Incubus.

What book do you recommend to your friends? "Essentials of John Wooden" because there are many valuable life lessons.

If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Derek Fisher, because I'd like to feel what it is like to be a professional athlete with six championship rings who is rarely in the spotlight.

Who do you admire most? My parents, because they've sacrificed a lot for me.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown? The beach!

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Laura Avila.

Tells the best jokes? Paige Penrod.

Does the best impersonation of your coach? Paige Penrod.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... A mother, and have a family with a career that I love.

The three words I think best describe me are ... loyal, hard-working, unselfish.

If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Before I graduate, I want to ... Win a MAC championship.

Nobody knows that ... I am on the U.S. Women's Deaf National Volleyball team.

Who Are These People? Dwayne Woods

Junior linebacker DWAYNE WOODS is a native of Cincinnati who played at Princeton High School. A two-year starter at linebacker, Woods was named All-Mid-American Conference second team last season after finishing with 134 tackles, tops in the MAC and sixth-best among all FBS players. Last year he also had six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up. This season Woods has continued his disruptive ways: in his first four games he has 29 tackles, including six for loss (third-best in the MAC) and also has forced two fumbles while intercepting one pass and breaking up another.

Why did you choose BGSU? Game-time atmosphere.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Playing in a bowl game.

Do you have any superstitions? No.

What is your motto? Life goes on.

How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Aggressive.

What is the most important attribute in your sport? Passion, because if you work to your fullest on something you care for, you will succeed.

Who is your favorite athlete?  Michael Jordan, because he's the greatest.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? Trotters. Favorite meal? Steak & salad.

What is your major? Biology. Why did you choose it? It's a challenge.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? GSW 1120, because I got an "A."

What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Miami.

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Read and shop.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? "I Did It My Way" by Jay-Z.

If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Jay-Z, because he has impacted so many different people's lives.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown? My family is there.

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Ben Bojicic.

Tells the best jokes? Kyle Bryant.

Does the best impersonation of your coach? Kevin Moore.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... Surrounded by people I love.

The three words I think best describe me are ... laid-back, respected, confident.

If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... Can I play running back?

Before I graduate, I want to ... Win a championship.

Nobody knows that ... I was born in Louisville, Ky.

Who Are These People? Kamar Jorden

Senior wide receiver KAMAR JORDEN is a native of Derby, Pa., which is near Philadelphia. He attended Penn Wood High School and Hudson Valley Community College. Now in his second year as a starter at receiver, Jorden was named All-Mid-American Conference first team last season after catching a league-high 96 passes for 1,109 yards and four touchdowns. Jorden's catch and yardage totals are the third-best seasons in BG history. Against Wyoming last Saturday he caught nine passes for 101 yards and two TDs. His season totals through three games are 17 catches for 175 yards, both second on the team. Jorden is tied for fifth in the MAC with 5.7 catches per game and is tied for eighth in the league with 58.3 receiving yards per game.

Why did you choose BGSU? It was the first Division I football scholarship offer I got out of junior college.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Playing against my hometown team, Temple (Jorden caught 12 passes for 143 yards in that game).

Do you have any superstitions? Knocking on wood after anyone mentions getting injured.

What is your motto? You can't make every play, but you always work your hardest to make every play.

How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Leader by example.

What is the most important attribute in your sport? Smarts. There are a lot of players with great athletic talent, but smarts give you the extra edge.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? Buffalo Wild Wings. Favorite meal? Garlic parmesan traditional wings.

What is your major? Liberal studies. Why did you choose it? To take a broad range of classes and find out what kind of career I want.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Human sexuality, for obvious reasons!

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Relax and 'kick it' with my boys.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? "So Ambitious" by Jay-Z and Pharrell.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown? Its passion for sports.

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Chris Jones.

Tells the best jokes? DeMark Jenkins.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... successful in whatever career I'm in and able to provide for my son.

The three words I think best describe me are ... laid-back, confident, unpredictable.

Click here to read Dave Hackenberg's column about the route Jorden took to get to Bowling Green.

Who Are These People? Ben Bojicic

Senior offensive lineman BEN BOJICIC is a native of Farmington Hills, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, who attended Harrison High School. Now in his third year as a starter on the line, Bojicic was named to the Rimington Watch List, a pre-season accolade afforded only the best centers in college football. Bojicic is the most experienced player on the roster, having started 32 games in his career -- 12 games as a freshman, 10 as a sophomore and eight last season, his junior year. It's interesting to note that his two starters this season have been at tackle; the previous 30 were all at center.

Why did you choose BGSU? To play football.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Beating Pitt my redshirt freshman year.

Do you have any superstitions? None.

What is your motto? Without work, nothing.

How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Mediocre.

What is the most important attribute in your sport? Desire and smarts, because with no desire there is no point in choosing the sport, and you have to be smart to play.

Who is your favorite athlete? (Indianapolis Colts center) Jeff Saturday, because he is a great center and a hard worker.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? Pisanello's. Favorite meal? Meat lovers pizza.

What is your major? Criminal justice. Why did you choose it? I enjoy doing investigations.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Philosophy of punishment because it was interesting.

What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Florida because I love the weather.

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Snowboard during the winter.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? Give me everything by Pitbull and Neyo.

If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Rob Drydek, because I would like to see what his life would be like.

Who do you most admire? My parents because they have given me so much support through the years.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown? My friends.

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Steve Dunlap.

Tells the best jokes? Jordon Roussos.

Does the best impersonation of your coach? Johnathan Fry.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... A proud father and husband.

The three words I think best describe me are ... funny, demanding, respectful.

My most embarrassing moment was when I ... fell down in the union.

If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... What are your fears?

Before I graduate, I want to ... run a 5K.

Nobody knows that ... I am afraid to be alone.

Who Are These People? Chris Jones

Junior defensive tackle CHRIS JONES is a native of Brownsburg, Ind., a suburb of Indianapolis. A two-year starter on the line, Jones was named All-Mid-American Conference third team last season after finishing with 39 tackles, including 11 for loss and six sacks. Last week at Idaho Jones was named MAC East Division defensive player of the week after making three tackles, all for loss, and recording a safety in the victory over the Vandals.

Why did you choose BGSU? All of the people here.

What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? First college game.

Do you have any superstitions? Nope, none at all.

What is your motto? Just work hard.

How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Good enough to get to college.

Who is your favorite athlete?  Dwayne Wade, I like the way he plays his game.

OFF THE FIELD

What is your favorite restaurant in BG? Campus Pollyeyes. Favorite meal? Chicken cheese sticks.

What is your major? Exercise science. Why did you choose it? I enjoy exercise and working with people.

What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Kinesiology; I love learning about the body.

What professor at BGSU has influenced you the most? Cynthia Mahaffey; she just made me feel comfortable here.

What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Arizona; I love the scenery.

What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Hang out with my friends and eat.

What is your favorite song in your iPod? "It Would Be You" by Trey Songz.

What book do you recommend to your friends? Kobe Bryant's biography.

If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Peyton Manning; he has the best job in the NFL.

Who do you most admire? My dad, Jeff Jones; he has the best love for me.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown? How relaxed it is.

ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...

Has the best chance of becoming President? Ronnie Goble.

Tells the best jokes? Jordan Hopgood.

Does the best impersonation of your coach? Paul Swan.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF

In 10 years, I hope to be ... Living in a good home, married with children.

The three words I think best describe me are ... quiet, kind, focused.

If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... Where do you see our program going?

Before I graduate, I want to ... Make an impact on BGSU football and in the community.

Nobody knows that ... I am part African-American.