Ashland University 2005 Spring Football Preview: Running Backs
April 11, 2005

Running Backs (Position Coach - Carl White)

Key Loss – Antwan Hart (294 carries, 1,474 yards, 5.0 ypc., 12 TD)

Top Returnees - Jason Schwalm (Medical redshirt in 2004), Jon Schroeder (74 carries, 246 yards, 3.3 ypc., 2 TD)

At Ashland University, Mike Bradley is known as the director of the physical plant – or the director of grounds.

Last year, however, Bradley had to share that title with Antwan Hart, who rushed for 1,474 yards and 12 touchdowns. Each week, Hart was the centerpiece of a bruising ground game that kept most opponents back on their heels.

Hart’s eligibility has expired so the Eagles are looking for someway to replace his 294 carries. One big plus is the return of Jason Schwalm (Kenosha, WI/Dublin Coffman). The 5-11, 205-pound Schwalm missed the 2004 season thanks to an injury suffered in the season opener. In 2003, he rushed for 661 yards on 131 attempts (5.1 ypc.). That’s what the Eagles are looking for in 2005 when Schwalm will be a senior.

“He’s playing, but we’re holding him out of all the scrimmages this spring,” said offensive coordinator Tom Stacy. “He has nothing to prove. We want him healthy in the fall.”

Schwalm hasn’t lost any size or strength, he’s had a good offseason in the weightroom. He’ll head into fall camp as the starter and sophomore Jon Schroeder (Avon Lake, OH) should be right behind him.

“Jon’s getting bigger and stronger,” said Stacy of the 6-0, 185-pound Schroeder. “We asked him to get bigger and stronger and he’s doing that. We just have to keep in mind that he’s a freshman. We think he can be a very good player for us.”

Earl Clark is also in the picture at tailback. Clark is a 5-10, 185-pound junior who’s spent the last two years as a defensive back.

“He’s been the surprise of the spring,” Stacy said. “He’s a bit of a slasher and he has good speed.”

At fullback the Eagles return Ray Kent (Uniontown, OH/Green) and Andy Owens (Uniontown, OH/Green). The 6-0, 240-pound Kent started as a freshman last year and gained 10 yards on seven carries. But he thrived as a blocker and his toughness is needed in the backfield.

“He’s solid, a real bruiser,” observed Stacy. “Plus, he’s got great hands for a fullback. I think he could be one of the best fullbacks we’ve ever had.”

Owens, who’s listed at 6-0, 230 pounds, rushed for 14 yards on three carries last season. Like Kent, he’s not afraid to block.

“Andy’s gotten stronger,” Stacy said. “He just needs experience playing the position. He’ll play some wing in some other formations.”

No matter how the Eagles line up, Stacy wants the running game to be a viable option. When the Eagles were at their best offensively last season, the ground game set the tone, chewing up yards and pounding defenses. The Eagles averaged 178.7 ypg., on the ground.

“We want to get back to playing physical football,” stated Stacy. “We want to be able to throw the ball better, but we don’t want to lose that physical running game. That’s important to us.”