MUNCIE, Ind. — Aaron Mershman is learning what it takes to be a college quarterback.
The Bowling Green High School graduate is in his first season at Ball State and he has been running the
scout team offense during the week to prepare the Cardinals’ defense for the upcoming opponent.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to both learn how to play at the speed that I need to and also it’s
a way for me to contribute to the team while I’m redshirting,” Mershman said Saturday after the Bowling
Green-Ball State game. “There are a lot of plays that carry over from team to team. There are very
similar concepts.”
On game day Mershman is on the sideline helping signal in plays while absorbing all he can from the game.

“I’m trying to take a look at what is in the backend of the coverage and think what would I do in this
situation,?” Mershman said. “There are things you can do in your head, taking mental reps (repetitions)
every single time.
“Playing for four years in high school it’s difficult to watch, but I understand that I’m not ready for
that, yet,” Mershman added. “I have a lot of preparation to do and a lot of things to learn.”
However, his status may change this week. Kelly Page, who has started all seven games for the Cardinals,
had to leave the Bowling Green game with an injured thumb in the second quarter. Page is scheduled for
an MRI Monday.
Fifth-year senior Tanner Justice, a former walk-on, replaced Page and was 6-of-21 passing for 92 yards,
He also rushed six times for 30 yards.
Mershman, who had been the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart, could move up to No. 2 if Page cannot
play. A Ball State spokesman said the other two quarterbacks on the team are also walk-ons.
Off the field, Mershman is trying to balance the demands of classroom work and football.
“As long as you keep your priorities in line then you are all right,” Mershman said. “It’s tough when we
play weekday games like we did at the start of the season and will here at the end. Those are
difficult.”