[dflpackage]

Ashland Blazer has a lot of unproven commodities. They lost a ton. They may get smacked. They may do the smacking. To early to tell.

I agree with you that it is too early to predict the success of this team. It will be very difficult to replace Withrow, Hunter, and Whetsel. Ashland will lack height at receiver, will lose the invaluable leadership of a 4-year starter at QB, and will miss the size and talent of Whetsel. Ashland also lost some other talented seniors. However, Ashland returns many players with significant experience. Defensively, the strength of the defense last year was the defensive line where three starters return: DE Obrien (250), DT Ellis (270), and DT Johnson (260). The remaining position will likely be filled by Trace ARmstrong who is 6'5" 275 or CJ Johnson who is 6'3" 230. Their MLBs return with Justice and Swift, and they get experience back in the secondary with Logan S., Noah W., and Evan Y. They need some outside linebackers. Offensively, the offensive line returns 5 who all started at various times last year. They are strong and have decent quickness: O'brien (250), Justice (250), Walters (225), Swift (190), and Armstrong (275). OThers who will likely contribute at OL: Ellis, Johnson, McCoy, Moore. QB will be Elam who has excelled at every level he has played. RB returns talent with Watts and Younge. underclassmen: Baker, Moore, Vaughn may see some significant time too. The REceivers could use some additional talent, but probably include Massey, Salow, C.J. Johnson. Ashland has a tough schedule. I'm looking forward to watching them this year. I think they will surprise a lot of people.