Along with Toledo, the Ohio Bobcats are the favorites to win the MAC Conference. Team starting safety, Javon Hagan, is a big influence in the team’s ranking this season. Not only a great collegiate player, but a potential pro prospect as well.
There are some outstanding NFL prospects in the MAC. Hagan, as a leader of the Ohio defense, is at the top of that list. At 6’0, the RS Sophomore is regarded as one of the best up and coming defensive backs in the country. Not bad for a player out of the relatively small market MAC Conference.
Going into his RS Sophomore year, Hagan will once again be looked on to anchor the team. Last season saw Hagan post incredible statistics, contributing 55 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles. His best game coming on October 8th, 2016 against Bowling Green when he recorded 9 tackles and 1 interception.
It’s not too early to call Hagan an elite talent. Barring any type of second-year slump, he should be able to catapult off of last year’s impressive showing. If that were to happen, you could safely call Hagan one of the top-tier defensive backs in the country.
Hagan is just one of many Ohio Bobcats to receive praise amongst the MAC Conference. Team defensive lineman, Tarell Basham, was last year’s MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Taking Western Michigan out of the equation, Ohio gave up the fewest points in the MAC last season. You can thank both Basham and Hagan for that. Although, with Basham now gone, it’s going to be all on the shoulders of Hagan
The hope is that Hagan and company can lead Ohio to another Bowl Game. Last season must have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the team, as they fell to Troy at the Dollar General Bowl. Redemption is the main focus this season, and you can bet Hagan will be focused and ready.
Javon Hagan is a player opposing team’s need to familiarize themselves with. He’s the heart of the Bobcats defense. With another year under his belt, he’ll easily surpass last season’s numbers. Hagan can only get better, and that’s a scary thought.