OXFORD—A head coach who is a former college quarterback will pay special attention to the Talawanda Braves’ offense this season, particularly to the players who occupy his former position.

J.D. Vonderheide, a quarterback when he was at Miami University, also serves as the Braves’ offensive coordinator.

Junior Colin Kimiecik is expected to be the starter at quarterback when the Braves take the field tonight. After the first day of practice on July 30, Vonderheide said he had three promising quarterbacks, but that number is down to two after the coaches moved junior Jon Abshire to wide receiver.

“He gives us depth,” Vonderheide said of Abshire. “He’s too good an athlete to sit behind somebody. He gives us depth at wide receiver and he will play some safety on defense. Jon could step back in (at quarterback) if we need him.”

The first-year Talawanda coach said he is pleased with the hard work and ability Kimiecik brings to the quarterback position.

“Colin has done a great job of leading the offense. He is a leader. I’m pleased with where we are at quarterback,” the coach said. “We have a capable backup with (sophomore) Connor Scott. He may play some varsity. That’s my baby, my position. I am very, very pleased. They are good kids, good leaders and willing learners.”

The switch of Abshire to wide receiver gives the Braves a talented crew at that position and Vonderheide said he feels good about mix at that position with junior Christian Jones, senior Austin Lee and senior Steve Daugherty included.

Vonderheide projects junior Dakota Byrd as a stalwart for the Braves.

“We saw what we wanted in the (August 10) scrimmage (at Miamisburg),” Vonderheide said. “He’s a two-way guy who does a great job in all facets — offense, defense and special teams.”

On offense, Byrd is projected as a tailback, but the new coach said close on his heels for that spot is sophomore Maurice Thomas.

“Dakota is an all-around back. Maurice is a little different,” he said. “I call them Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside. Maurice is developing nicely. He had 150 yards in the scrimmage at Miamisburg. We are developing him and want it to evolve to getting both of them in a game to save them.”

At tight end, Vonderheide projects sophomore Eric Mincy as the starter, saying, “He has unbelievable potential. He can give us a spark and create mismatches.”

Also expected to see some playing time at tight end are sophomore Andrew Wilson and senior Ben Hines.

Vonderheide said he sees a lot of promise on the offensive line. Vying for the job as right guard are senior Cody Bulach and junior Justin Glaab. Junior Alex Logsdon is projected at center with sophomore Mason Fox as left guard and junior Troy Mabis at left tackle.

Sophomore Dalton Smith is a player Vonderheide said could play three positions but will likely play guard or center. THe THS coach also includes junior Dustin Hurtt in that group, but he is currently out of the lineup.

As a former quarterback, the new Talawanda coach has a lot of respect for the offensive line and wants to start there to build his offense, saying “You build from the core.”