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Herron making an impact for Scots’ defense
By Dan Hiner
Wooster sophomore Mark Herron’s season began with a position change.
A Chaney graduate, Herron played corner for East and the Fighting Scots during his freshman season in 2017. But Herron was moved to safety during camp and became one of the Fighting Scots’ best defensive players.
At his new position, the 6-foot, 160-pounder’s 37 tackles lead Wooster and are tied for 13th in the North Coast Athletic Conference. He’s also deflected three passes and forced a fumble.
“Hitting’s always been my strong suit,” Herron said. “I’m like a magnet to the ball. I like to tackle.”
He played in all 10 games on special teams and made 16 tackles as a freshman. Wooster defensive coordinator Sam Bauman said Herron’s technique has improved during the offseason.
“He came in and he was really raw. He was a talented kid athletically, but he needed to improve on his technique — which is why he didn’t get on the field all that much his freshman year,” Bauman said.
Herron gained 10 pounds between his freshman and sophomore seasons to better fit his new position. The new position provided a new challenge.
Herron never made coverage adjustments or had to focus on the play calling until this season.
“The fact that he’s been able [to pick up play adjustments] being only a sophomore is really, really good,” Bauman said.
Bauman said Herron has the potential to one of Wooster’s best defensive players if he continues to improve throughout his career.
“He’s one of those kids that, during the offseason, we don’t have to worry about him being in there working,” Bauman said. “He does the same thing on the football field.
“He’s always striving to be better. He’s very coachable — so everything we’re telling him week in, week out he tries to do. If he continues on that path, he has the talent to be a very good football player.”
Wooster head coach Frank Colaprete gave Herron a chance to earn a spot on the team. And since Division III doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, Herron needed to pay for college.
Herron was a part of the Youngstown Scholars Program, which assists first-generation college students from economically-challenged backgrounds.
“I love that I have an opportunity that most kids really don’t get,” Herron said. “I came out of the Youngstown Scholars Program which gave me the opportunity to afford to go here.
“Coach [Colaprete], he’s also from Youngstown — he went to [Cardinal] Mooney. I talked to him and he gave me a chance to try out for the team, and I was a great fit for our defense.”
Herron still keeps an eye on East football when he has the time.
His brothers, Marshall and Marquan Herron, are both junior defensive backs and receivers for the Panthers.
And what about his alma mater bringing varsity football back in 2019?
“I think that will be amazing,” Herron said. “I know for a fact that my dad’s gonna love it because he’s a Chaney graduate. They’re bringing back tradition.”