Johnstown will have the largest offensive line in school history this season, a mobile mountain of muscle led by 6-foot-5, 270-pound Pitt recruit Scott Corson.
Courson will play both ways, which means double trouble for opponents.
"The thing we want most out of him is his leadership," Johnstown coach Bob Arcurio said. "The kid has worked hard. He's an avid weight lifter. We're just trying to get a mean streak in him."
Generally a good-natured person off the field, Corson has the raw skills to go places -- and get there fast. He can run a 4.9-second 40-yard dash.
"He's a person who leads through example," Arcurio said. "He has the potential to be a great football player."
He will have plenty of size around him with senior offensive linemen Michael Kush (6-4, 290) and Nick Kitner (6-3, 280). But while one Pitt recruit is expected to anchor the line, another Panthers' recruit will leave a void.
Arcurio knew this time would come. But he's still uncertain about how he'll adjust without tailback and Pitt recruit LaRod Stephens-Howling for the first time in four years.
"This will be life without LaRod, and I don't know what the (heck) to expect," Arcurio said.
Johnstown lost 15 starters -- eight on offense and seven on defense -- leaving Arcurio with a lot of question marks. However, with more than 40 players showing up at his offseason workouts, Arcurio is cautiously confident moving forward.
"We've had a great offseason program," Arcurio said. "But I don't know how good we are."
Sophomore Antwuan Reed will replace Stephens-Howling at tailback. Reed is as quick, but not as fast, as Stephens-Howling, Arcurio said.
"We still have it in this young kid," Arcurio said.
Juniors Daniel Weaver or Brandon Hody will replace quarterback Devin Carosi, with Hody getting Arcurio's early nod.
"Hody likes to run," Arcurio said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to run the option this year."
Johnstown also has the option of opening up its passing attack with receivers like Xavier Thomas, Jason Andrews and Frankie George.
"These guys are untested, but quick," Arcurio said. "We'll be able to throw the football. Any of them could be a threat."
The offensive linemen will likely be seen on the defensive side, just like the backfield will double up in the secondary.Still, Arcurio finds himself working on the attitudes of some of his players.
"We need to get the street kid out of these kids," Arcurio said. "If we don't, we have problems, and that's the biggest thing to get out of these kids."
The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference could produce a tight race with a possible six Division I prospects in the conference, including two from Bishop Carroll (running back Paul Forcellini and tight end Scott Minemyer).
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