ASHLAND — One name stood out among the rest when Ashland University coach Lee Owens introduced his 45-man recruiting class on a snowy Wednesday afternoon inside the VIP Room at AU’s Troop Center.
Billy Bahl already has arrived on campus and the strong-armed 6-foot-4 quarterback brought with him an impressive — albeit less than traditional — résumé.
A senior transfer from Division I Miami of Ohio, Bahl will be in the mix to replace All-American Travis Tarnowski under center when the Eagles kick off the 2018 season at home against Indiana Pa., on Aug. 30. Ball appeared in 20 games in three seasons with the RedHawks. He started seven games as a true freshman in 2015 and won the starting job coming out of preseason camp as a sophomore before being sidelined by a shoulder injury after five games. Last fall he started three games and set single-game career highs in completions (28) attempts (51) and touchdown passes (three) in a 45-28 loss at Ohio University on Oct. 31.
“We’re going to go through a transition at quarterback. We had the same guy (Tarnowski) start and he was 39-6 in the last 45 games and never missed a start in the last four years,” Owens said. “We felt really good about the guys we had on campus, but at the same time we’re always willing to sign good players and we did.
“(Bahl) is a guy who has more experience. He’s played some Division I games and he’s here on campus. He was able to transfer in in January.”
The quarterback competition is sure to be the most highly scrutinized position battle this spring. Tarnowski re-wrote AU’s record books and his departure can’t be overestimated.
Redshirt sophomore John Davies, Tarnowski’s back-up the past two seasons, is the leading candidate for the job. Austin Brenner and Jacob Heath should both be in the mix as well.
“John Davies has to be No. 1. He’s been our back-up the last two years,” Owens said. “It will be an unbelievable competition in the spring.”
Owens also landed a handful of locals, most notably Shelby’s Carter Brooks. The All-Ohioan is Shelby’s career receiving leader, but is listed as a defensive end recruit.
“Brooks is a really athletic player,” Owens said. “His upside as a rush defensive end, I think he has a real high ceiling. We’re excited about him being a part of what we’re going to do on defense.”
Ontario’s Nick Arnold was one of just two player listed as both an offensive and defensive recruit. Owens wasn’t sure if Arnold would be used as a fullback or at linebacker.
“He’s a tough player. He was here and had a really good workout for us,” Owens said. “It’s hard to find those fullback-linebacker types and he’s one of the guys that fits that mold.
“We’re one of the few teams around that still uses a fullback. Whether he ends up being a fullback or a linebacker, we think he’s going to fit in.”
Ashland High School seniors Bryke Williams and Dawson Riley also committed to the Eagles. Williams will be used as a slot receiver while Riley is a defensive lineman.
“Bryke catches a lot of balls. He’s got great hands and gets open,” Owens said. “We’re always looking for guys who find a way to get open. Those slot receivers have a feel for the coverage and catch it when its thrown to them are at a premium.
“(Riley) has got a chance to develop. He’s going to come in here and compete.”
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