By MIKE McLAIN

sports@vindy.com

WARREN

Steve Arnold had talked nearly six minutes about the 2017 Warren G. Harding Raiders, making certain to single out the attributes of a strong offensive line.

Whether it was calculated or not, the Raiders coach hadn’t brought up the elephant in the room. Exactly who is going to replace quarterback Lynn Bowden, one of the most talented players in the long and rich tradition of Harding football?

Bowden rushed for 2,277 yards, passed for 1,366 yards and scored 57 touchdowns last season in leading the Raiders to an 11-3 record and the championship round of the Division II, Region 5 playoffs. An all-state selection, Bowden finished second to Toledo Central Catholic’s Michael Warren in voting for Ohio’s Mr. Football.

With Bowden now playing receiver at the University of Kentucky, Arnold must find a way to generate an attack from a variety of sources. There’s no questioning the fact that Bowden’s heroics compare favorably to those of former Harding greats Omar Provitt, Maurice Clarett and Mario Manningham.

“He’s in that class,” Arnold said.

OFFENSE

Arnold entered camp with three players vying at quarterback — senior Sterling Frazier, junior Chris Chew and junior Zane Cyler. Don’t be surprised if Arnold goes with a rotation of at least two.

Whoever lines up at quarterback will be protected by the biggest line since Arnold began as coach in 2012. Leading the way are returning starters Michael Kuntz, a 5-11, 225-pound senior center, senior guard Dan Angelo (6-0, 220), junior guard Jarrett Lenney (6-1, 260) and senior tackle Jowan Poole (6-1, 240). New up front is senior tackle Marcquise Allgood (6-2, 290). Junior Maurice Moore (6-3, 310) could also see action.

Lining up at running back will be junior Kayron Adams, who logged valuable time last season. Also there is junior Gei’vonni Washington.

The receiving corps will miss the skills of Marlin Richardson, now at the University of Findlay. Handling those chores will be seniors Jalen Hooks and Terrion Jackson, along with junior Alex Payiavlas and Ja’Kari Salter. Senior Cory McPherson and junior Jarod Zillinger will split between tight end and fullback.

DEFENSE

Some opponents put up big numbers last season. The Raiders struggled stopping the pass, including in a 24-21 playoff loss to Hudson.

Sharing time at the tackle spots in a 4-4 multiple defense will be Allgood, junior Terrance Yeboah (6-3, 240) and senior Karpise Sledge (6-0, 305). Zillinger and Poole will start at the ends. Senior Tre Williams, Angelo and junior Kaleb Tyson could also see time at end.

The linebackers are Adams, McPherson, Washington and junior Cameron King. Senior Ray Warfield and Salter provide depth at outside linebacker.

Hooks and junior Troy Jakubec, both of whom can play corner or safety, return. Junior Jeremy Wilson is a safety. Senior Trivell Trimble and Payiavlas add depth.

“Pass coverage starts up front,” Arnold said. “Can we get a pass rush? I don’t think we were as good as we should have been in getting after the quarterback last season.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomores Noah Murray and Mike Clauss are contending at kicker. Sophomore Cavin Stouffer is the punter. Hooks and Jakubec will handle punt returns. Hooks, Adams, Washington, Jakubec and Wilson are kick returners.

OUTLOOK

The Raiders advanced to the playoffs in three of Arnold’s five seasons.

“Once you have that taste, you want to get it again,” Arnold said. “That’s our goal.”