By Mike Loveday

Billy Cosh has some large cleats to fill at quarterback this season. Last year's starter, Nick Elko threw for 43 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards, helping lead Arundel to the Class 4A title game. But the 6-foot, 190-pound rising junior looks to have all the tools to step in and succeed.

Cosh attended the Quarterback Tune-up event on Sunday, July 27 and showed why Arundel fans have not been worried about the offense this season.

Cosh had one of the strongest arms of any signal caller at the event and his footwork was very polished for someone who has yet to start a high school varsity game. Also attending the event were two quarterbacks who are already committed to Division I colleges, Loyola's Leon Kinnard (UConn) and DeMatha's Tom Chroniger (Eastern Michigan).

Cosh, who is the son of University of Maryland's defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, knows he wants to be in Kinnard's and Chroniger's position once he reaches his senior season.

"Watching Tommy, he's got great arm strength and Leon just has that quickness and speed. I just want to take their techniques and try to be like them one day, Cosh said.

As for replacing a Consensus All-State quarterback, Cosh confessed he was slightly nervous, but ready to get the season started.

"I'm just a little nervous, but I'm more anxious just to get on the field. I've really been waiting for this for a long time. I'm just excited to play and put that Wildcat jersey on, Cosh said. "Just watching him (Elko) play I picked up some techniques from him. Alec (receiver Alec Lemon) and I are working out all the time. We've gotten better over the summer. Watching Nick do everything he did was amazing. I just want to try and emulate that this season.

Cosh took several snaps from under center last year, going 17-for-26 (65 percent) for 160 yards and one touchdown.

To improve his speed, which is essential in Arundel's spread offense, Cosh has been taking part in the Wildcats offseason workout program, which calls for running 10 100-yard sprints. Elko led Arundel in rushing last season with over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

For the past three seasons, Cosh has also been working with Quarterback Factory founder Chris Baucia, who he credits for helping improve his arm strength and footwork.

So with Arundel looking to get back to the title game and having to replace Elko and receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell, what are Cosh's expectations for this season?

"I just want to win as many games as possible. We have great talent around us, our receiving corps and some good running backs coming back and three offensive linemen coming back, Cosh said. "I don't care about stats, I just want to win as many games as possible for my team.

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email Mike at oloveday5@yahoo.com