David Hargro was unsure about moving to tight end during his time at NCAA Division II Mars Hill University. His success – and potential – at the position led him to Western Illinois. (Photo by Mars Hill University)
Editor’s note: This is the fourth of a four-part series.
By Barry Bottino
There were obvious reasons David Hargro never wanted to move to tight end at Mars Hill University, a Division II school where his college career began.
“We had three other guys there,” he said. “I was concerned I wouldn’t get a chance to play. I was also lighter than those guys. I thought I wouldn’t be big enough. But everybody was telling me I should go play tight end.”
When the North Carolina native made the move last season, his career changed.
“Once I did it, I had a big year,” he said.
Four of his 11 catches last season went for touchdowns, and he averaged 16.1 yards a catch.
That led to him seeking out Division I opportunities in the transfer portal and finding Western Illinois, where he quickly impressed the coaching staff as a mid-year addition.
“Since spring practice No. 2 or 3, we said, ‘There’s our starting tight end.’ It wasn’t even close,” WIU head coach Joe Davis said.
The 6-foot-4 Hargro, who has put on more than 40 pounds in his career, is one of four Fresh Faces this season for WIU as chosen by Prairie State Pigskin. The Fresh Faces are new additions or young players that are stepping into key roles this season.
As a wide receiver for most of his career, the 240-pound Hargro still leans on those skills.
“That helps me out when it comes to route running,” he said.
Hargro has another trait that enhances his receiving ability.
“I wear 5XL gloves,” he said with a laugh.
Davis doesn’t joke, however, about Hargro’s potential.
“David is the one surefire NFL prospect on the team,” he said. “He’s a big, strong, freaky athlete.”
The Leathernecks have produced Brandon Lanier, an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, and OVC touchdown receptions leader Alex Williams in the past two seasons.
“David has a way higher ceiling,” he said. “You could put him at wide receiver. He can carry the ball. He can be an in-line tight end. He can be off the ball. The expectations are very high for him.”
Hargro has embraced those high hopes — and a familiar role.
“At the end of the day, I’m a playmaker,” he said. “My role is to help us win but also to help these younger guys (at tight end) to be better versions of themselves.”
Hargro is one of 12 siblings, with seven sisters and four brothers. Eight of his siblings are younger.
“They look up to me, especially when it comes to school and sports,” he said. “I like that big brother role.”
Here are three other Fresh Faces who will take on bigger roles for Western this fall.
OFFENSE
Ihson Jackson-Anderson, RB
As part of a three-man backfield this season, Jackson-Anderson has the opportunity to continue WIU’s success on the ground.
He led FCS Wofford with 677 yards last fall and has played in 40 games in his college career, which began at FBS Eastern Michigan in his home state.
A second-team All-Southern Conference selection a year ago, Jackson-Anderson also compiled 166 receiving yards and scored three total touchdowns.
The past two seasons, WIU’s leading rusher has moved up to FBS. Last season’s top back – Markell Holman – transferred to Wyoming after leading the OVC in rushing.
DEFENSE
Joe Edwards, LB
In a span of three plays last October, Edwards collected two sacks, helped WIU beat Tennessee State and won the OVC Defensive Freshman of the Week honor.
His performance halted a TSU drive and secured a win while providing plenty of confidence going into this fall.
“I have the ability to do this,” he recalled thinking last season. “I just have to believe in myself and trust that the coaches are going to put us in the right spots. And it worked.”
After playing an inside linebacker spot last season, Edwards has moved outside, which he views as a welcome change.
“My big strength is definitely pass-rushing,” he said. “That’s where I feel most comfortable, getting after the quarterback.”
Nick Reinicke, LB
The 6-3, 230-pound Reinicke arrives in Macomb after playing in 11 games over the past two seasons at FBS Iowa State.
In spring practices, Reinicke “solidified himself” as a starting inside linebacker, Davis said. The fourth-year college player showed his skills on the field right away in Macomb and was voted one of six team captains.
A former prep state champion wrestler from Dike, Iowa, about 10 miles from the University of Northern Iowa campus, Reinicke is expected to play a big role for the Leathernecks, who were 4-8 last season.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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