BOWLING GREEN — There’s no doubt that Harold Fannin, Jr., has proven himself with impressive play on the field for Bowling Green State University’s football team.
What he’s done in the offseason might take the first-team Mid-American Conference tight end’s game to another level this year.
“Where Harold’s done a much better job is his offseason habits have been much better. He’s been accountable, and he’s slowly but surely developing into what we thought he would be,” BGSU coach Scot Loeffler said after the Falcons opened fall practice on Monday at Doyt Perry Stadium. “He’s a pro, there’s no doubt about it. He needs to continue with those elite habits, but we’re constantly working.”
Fannin’s busy workload, including a sensational catch over a defender along the sideline during an 11-on-11 drill, was one of numerous highlights from the Falcons during their first practice. Each area of BGSU’s squad had its fair share of big plays and moments, and the Falcons were nearly at full strength as well.
Fannin, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior and one of four 2023 All-MAC honorees returning for BGSU, said that focusing on the little things and taking everything one day at a time helped him in the offseason.
“Really just coming in, I think I was just taking everything day by day. Just come in, whatever the objective is, just complete it the best that I can,” Fannin said. “... Just focusing on my fundamentals, like my steps, my hands. The little things, try not to do too much, try not to think. Just keeping it simple and playing for my teammates.”
His fellow BGSU players have noticed his dedication to improving as well.
“I feel like this offseason, he really took a big step off the field just in terms of leadership, accountability, stuff like that, which shows the team he’s committed and wants to win a championship,” BGSU senior quarterback Connor Bazelak said. “We know we can do that with his skill, and now, he’s showing it off the field, so it’s huge.”
Added senior tight end Levi Gazarek: “He’s a freak athlete, and when you have a guy that’s such a freak athlete like that, you want to make sure they’re doing everything they can to improve. He’s done a great job putting weight on this offseason, and he’s doing stuff the right way now.”
Fannin had one of the best seasons for a tight end in BGSU history in 2023. His 623 receiving yards (first on the team) were No. 3 all time for single-season receiving yards by a tight end, according to BGSU athletics.
His six touchdown receptions, which also led BGSU, were No. 2 all time, and his 44 receptions (second) were No. 5. Fannin’s 14.2 yards per catch ranked eighth, and career-wise, his 63 receptions, 841 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and 13.3 yards per catch rank seventh, sixth, tied for fourth, and fourth, respectively.
“Harold’s a special player, man. I came from Kansas State and I played with another great tight end, Ben Sinnott (second-round pick by Washington Commanders in 2024 NFL draft), and Harold’s right there with him,” BGSU wide receiver and recent transfer R.J. Garcia II said. “He’s a freak athlete, he’s like a born-to-play-football kind of guy. It’s been really cool to just be out there with him.
“He takes up a lot of attention because you can’t really leave him one-on-one. So it opens up a lot of opportunities to run the ball for running backs and for other receivers to get open. So having him, he’s a real asset to our team.”
Fannin, one of numerous veterans for an experienced BGSU squad, said going up against talented players on BGSU’s defense has helped him improve his game as well.
“I’ve got to shout out those guys because they’re really making me better,” Fannin said. “They’re really making me go to watch film and really have to work on my craft. As I’m working on my craft, they’re working on their craft, so we’re all just getting better together.”
Bazelak, new WRs building chemistry
Although Bazelak was sidelined during spring practice while recovering from offseason knee surgery, the Falcons’ signal caller has had time to build camaraderie with BGSU’s new wide receivers like Garcia and Auburn transfer Malcolm Johnson, Jr. The two wideouts took most of the first-team reps, and Bazelak found them on multiple occasions.
“They’ve been great,” Bazelak said. “They learn really quickly, which is super nice, and they’re unbelievably talented. When you combine those two, it’s super easy on me, on the coaches, and it’ll be great for us.”
Another big pass play during 11-on-11 drills included a deep throw from Bazelak down the middle of the field to Garcia, who hauled it in.
“Connor, just been throwing with him, working out after runs and lifts when it’s hot out here,” Garcia said. “Been playing golf with him a little bit, so we’ve just been hanging out, trying to build chemistry.
“All the receivers, we’re just all working out together and trying to build a room because there’s a lot of new faces in there. So it’s been fun to work with them this summer, and I’m excited for fall camp.”
Hardamon returns after scary injury at Michigan
BGSU’s defense certainly got a boost with senior linebacker Demetrius Hardamon practicing. Hardamon, who was second on the team with six sacks during the 2022 season, missed most of 2023 after suffering what BGSU called an orthopedic injury at Michigan early in the year. He was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field after making a tackle in the third quarter.
“I’m really proud and really happy that he’s healthy, and that’s a blessing,” Loeffler said.
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