Owens Upbeat as Eagles Football Heads Into Spring Stretch Run
April 7, 2004

Not even Mother Nature has been able to put a damper on head football coach Lee Owens’ first Ashland University spring football practice.

The Eagles have been conducting spring practice for several weeks now and in addition to getting in quality work on the field, the Eagles have been learning what it’s like to play on the road. Because their practice field at the Sarver Athletic Complex has resembled a swamp at times, AU has practiced at Kent State and Massillon, OH. Last weekend, the Eagles had a scrimmage in Massillon.

“So far the effort, the attitude, the mental aspect of what we’ve asked them to do, we’ve been happy,” said Owens. “Physically, we haven’t been as good as we need to be at times. Our biggest concern this spring is depth at all positions. But we’ve stayed healthy and made progress.”

At last Saturday’s scrimmage, AU had 248 yards of total offense in 50 plays. AU ran for 114 yards. What enthused Owens was that his offense is a work in progress and it was matched against a defense that ranked among the best in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 2003.

“At times we looked really sharp,” noted Owens. “To be able to execute against that caliber of defense is a positive.”

Owens has found several positions on defense. He’s blessed with an athletic group of linebackers. One of the leaders there is sophomore Devin Conwell (Baltimore, MD/Montgomery C.C.). Conwell had a team-high 121 tackles last season, including 17 tackles for loss. He was a second team All-GLIAC selection.

“He’s cat quick, smart and plays with toughness,” said Owens after watching Conwell play this spring. “He’s exactly what you look for at linebacker.”

The AU head coach has also been impressed with junior linebacker Chris Campbell (Newark, OH).

“Chris Campbell is a playmaker,” Owens said of the linebacker who had 65 stops and 13 tackles for loss last fall. “It’s uncanny how he can always be at the right spot.”

The coaching staff feels the same way about junior defensive lineman Jason Reynolds (Clinton, OH/Jackson).

“He’s had an outstanding spring,” Owens reported.

Owens and secondary coach Steve Clinkscale have paid close attention to freshman defensive back Chris Holland (Youngstown, OH/Raven). Holland had several bone-jarring hits in Saturday’s scrimmage.

On offense, Owens says that his offensive line has been a pleasant surprise and that depth at wide receiver is better than he anticipated. He’s also been pleased with the work of junior tight end Brian Mong (Columbus, OH/Watterson). Mong had 27 catches in 10 games last year and that reception total figures to grow in the system Owens is installing.

“We need to find ways to get the ball to him,” emphasized Owens.

AU fans will get a good look at the Eagles on Friday, April 16, when the spring session concludes with the spring game. This is the first time in recent years the Eagles have had a spring game. This year’s game will kick off at 7 p.m., at Community Stadium.