ATHENS, Ohio (WTAP) - The Ohio Bobcats hosted their spring scrimmage at Peden Stadium, which was open to fans.

The event began with different position groups taking part in drills before the offenses and defenses faced off in a scrimmage. The spring game concluded with fans coming down on the field to meet and talk to the players.

With the Bobcats preparing for the upcoming season, they will have to replace multiple key departures from last season’s team. On offense, they lose weapons like Sieh Bangura and Sam Wiglusz. They also look to fill the shoes of former MAC Offensive Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke. Quarterbacks CJ Harris and Parker Navarro are currently in a battle for the starting spot.

On defense, the Bobcats try to fill the voids left at linebacker by Keye Thompson and Bryce Houston. Shay Taylor now steps into a leadership role.

Even with the losses, head coach Tim Albin still expects the team to succeed and his players are eager to get on the field next season.

“We did lose a lot as far as just production on numbers, but we’ve got capable and experienced quarterbacks,” said Albin. “What a great competition. CJ in his career and Parker and his career.”

“I think we’re just very eager and hungry,” says Taylor. “Lot of guys were young going into the Myrtle Beach Bowl because we lost some transfers and even after, we lost some transfers. So, we’re just a very hungry group and very eager to get out there and prove ourselves.”

The team looks to build on two straight double-digit win seasons and Coach Albin is excited to get back on the field in the fall. One of the reasons why he feels that way is his team’s strong character.

“We’ve got a resilient bunch. Next man up mentality,” Albin said. “When you lose Bryce, you lose Keye to graduation. Next man up mentality and now it’s Shay Taylor’s time. Those guys have been waiting in the wings and working. We’re excited to watch the next man up.”