COAL GROVE – Dean Mader doesn’t care about where, when, or what he plays, just as long as he can play.

Tuesday, March 14, 2000

COAL GROVE – Dean Mader doesn’t care about where, when, or what he plays, just as long as he can play.

Mader’s goal was extending his football playing career to the college level, and with a stroke of the pen Monday he accomplished just that.

The Coal Grove Hornets senior standout signed a letter-of-intent to play football for the Morehead State Golden Eagles.

"I’m happy to keep playing football somewhere," said Mader. "I really didn’t care where, but I’m excited to be (at Morehead). I didn’t want to be too far away. I figured Morehead was the best place. My mom and dad will be able to come and watch, and I’ll be away from home but not too far."

Mader, an All-Southeast District selection as a linebacker, talked with Navy, Muskingum, and Union, Ky., along with other schools before settling on Morehead State.

Although he played linebacker for the Hornets, Mader said he may move to another position.

"I might play middle linebacker or may defensive end," said Mader. "They’ve got a lot of linebackers returning and they’ve lost five linebackers.

"I don’t care where they play me, I just want to play."

Last season Mader led the Hornets in tackles and was the lead blocker for running back Jason Adams who gained 1,282 yards. A three-year starter for the Hornets, Mader is well aware that he must step up his game.

"They want me to get stronger. They don’t want you to get fatter. I’m about as big as some of their defensive ends now. Most of them weigh 215," said the 6-foot, 215-pound Mader. "I need to increase my strength and speed. Most of those guys at Morehead are 21, 22 years old. I have to concentrate on getting my lifts up. Those guys are mature. I don’t know if I’ll play as a freshman, but I think I have a chance my sophomore year."

As a first-year player, Mader will have to try and fit in. His adjustment will be assisted due to his new teammates, twins Scott and Brian Davis, and defensive end Jimmy Harris who missed last season with a knee injury. Harris and the Davis twins all played at Chesapeake.

Morehead St. was 5-5 last season, but the Eagles had a high-powered offense and a swarming defense. Mader said he likes their style of play.

"They have an exciting offense and a blitzing defense. Their defensive coordinator blitzes from everywhere. We didn’t do as much blitzing at Coal Grove, so it’ll be different," said Mader.

One of the top four students in his class, Mader had an opportunity to attend Navy but went with the established program. The Eagles will enter a new league with two divisions nest season and they will make several road trips.

"They’re going to get into a league and have two divisions. They play Southern Florida and Southern Utah. I’m seeing some parts of the country I’ve never seen before. I’ve never flown before. I’m interested to see what it’s like. And we have a 17-hour bus ride to Connecticut. I’ve never been that far on a bus. The farthest I’ve been north is Cleveland and the farthest south is Myrtle Beach," Mader said.

Mader plans to enter into education and eventually teach and coach. His father, Rick, played at Coal Grove and has coached football and baseball at Green.

"I’ve been around coaches all my life," said Mader. "I know the way they think. I’ve been around the coaches at Ironton and Green. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do."