ATHENS, Ohio – Junior quarterback Ryan Hawk, who sat out last season after transferring from Miami (Ohio), completed eight of 14 pass attempts for 120 yards and Stafford Owens scored a pair of touchdowns in the first full-scale scrimmage of Ohio’s spring practice. The workout in Peden Stadium lasted just under two hours and included periods of special teams and the kicking game, as well.

The offense, which returns only three starters, seemed to have the upper hand, accumulating 218 yards in the air and 62 on the ground. Ray Huston had 14 yards on four carries, including a nine-yard scamper on his first run, while Owens and Hawk each totaled 13 yards. Brad Young has 12 yards on four attempts. Anthony Hackett had the big receiving day with 61 yards on four catches, one for a touchdown on a brilliant scramble and throw by Hawk. Justin Halada had four grabs for eight yards, while Keyon Ingram made the long reception of the day, a 41-yarder.

Defensively, David Escobar led the Bobcats with two fumble recoveries from his nose guard position. Hugh Grant also recovered a fumble, while Bo Lebherz made the only interception of the afternoon.

Wednesday’s practice was the seventh of 15 allowed under NCAA rules. The team returns to action on Friday before breaking for the Easter weekend. The Spring Game is set for Saturday, May 3 at noon.


Statistics
Rushing: Ray Huston 4-14; Stafford Owens 6-13-1 td; Ryan Hawk 8-13; Brad Young 4-12; Todd Boulware 1-7; Phillip Fountain 3-6; Fred Ray 3-3; David Tennent 3-2; Anthony Hackett 1-1; Adam Porter 4-1; Chris Jackson 3-(-9).

Passing: Ryan Hawk 8-14-1, 120 yards, 1 td; Fred Ray 4-8-0, 68 yards; Adam Porter 3-5-0, 30 yards, 1 td.

Receiving: Anthony Hackett 4-61-1 td; Justin Halada 4-27; Keyon Ingram 2-42; Stafford Owens 2-3; Ray Huston 1-36; Justin Roush 1-22; Isiah Simmons 1-16; Todd Boulware 1-11.


Quotes from Head Coach Brian Knorr
“For the first scrimmage of the spring, I thought we were alright. Offensively, we turned the ball over way too much, but our No. 2 defense was pretty impressive. I thought both quarterbacks (Fred Ray and Ryan Hawk) made big plays. Hugh Grant played really well. This was the first opportunity for our younger players to see live action and it showed. Our offensive line got a lot of work today, including left guard Tim Givens who played every snap. Overall, it was a good opportunity to see what we have for next year.”