GROVE CITY — Tyler Kepple is noticeably stronger heading into his sophomore season.

He needs to be. The Karns City graduate has a battle on his hands.

The fight to be the starting quarterback for the Grove City College football team as a sophomore.

There is plenty of competition for that role as Kepple was one of four players who saw significant playing time at quarterback last season for the Wolverines.

He acquitted himself well, completing 40-of-69 passes for 310 yards, two touchdowns and only two interceptions. He led the team in quarterback efficiency.

“It was kind of surreal,” Kepple said of playing as a freshman. “In high school, you play against good kids. But in college, everyone is good. Everyone is so much faster and stronger.”

Kepple spent this offseason trying to bulk up. It worked.

He also increased his arm strength by long-tossing and doing drills designed by new Grove City College offensive coordinator Andrew DiDonato, who will take over as head coach of the program for Chris Smith after this season.

“Every day I went to the high school and lifted,” Kepple said. “I went out and did my running and did some throwing with some of the other Karns City guys.”

Kepple hopes that will prepare him for the camp battle for the starting QB.

DiDonato is well aware of Kepple’s talents. He was the offensive coordinator at South Fayette, which beat Karns City 57-21 in the PIAA Class AA playoffs during Kepple’s senior year with the Gremlins.

“One thing about Tyler is he’s just a great athlete,” DiDonato said. “You watch his footwork and see how he moves in drills — he’s very gifted. We have a lot of competition at the quarterback position and we haven’t seen anyone in full pads yet, so it’s hard to make any assumptions.”

Kepple, though, is trying to make the most of his chance.

He welcomes the challenge.

“You just have to come every day and give it your best shot,” Kepple said. “If you do make a mistake, you just have to move on from it, learn from it and make yourself better. The competition helps everyone.”

So has the new spread, no-huddle offense DiDonato is installing.

It’s the type of attack every quarterback dreams of running, Kepple said.

And this one doesn’t disappoint.

“In the meetings for install, there were times when I would laugh at some of the cool things that we’re doing this year,” Kepple said. “It’s just crazy to think about. It’s simple to learn, but hard to defend.”

Kepple is getting every opportunity to win the job, Smith said.

“He has great feet,” said Smith, who is entering his 31st and final season as Grove City College head football coach. “Tyler Kepple is the type of athlete that will play for us in some capacity. I know he’d like to be the quarterback and I hope that works out. If it’s not Q, it’ll be somewhere else.”

Kepple admitted he longs to be the starting quarterback.

He also admitted he just wants to play. Period.

“I’ll play anywhere they need me to play,” Kepple said. “Wherever they need me, I’ll find a spot.”