Which position is Arron Achey best suited for on the next level? The one that his heart is in.

 The football position Achey really wants to play in college is linebacker. Given that the Elco senior is one of the top quarterbacks in the state of Pennsylvania, that may be surprising to some.

 Currently, Achey is being recruited by Division One-AA programs Villanova, Maine, New Hampshire, Penn, Princeton and Lafayette, as well as Division Two West Chester. But he's being courted as a linebacker, not a big-play-making quarterback.

 "Colleges might take one quarterback, they might take two quarterbacks or they might take none," said Elco head coach Mark Evans. "But if you're decent at it, they need more linebackers than quarterbacks. Arron was a kid people were interested in. But when they found out he was interested in playing linebacker, his stock went up."

 "I'm actually looking at playing linebacker in college," said Achey. "Wherever they want me to play, I'll play. But I prefer linebacker. I wouldn't mind playing quarterback. But I'd rather hit someone off their feet than score a touchdown."

 Achey scored plenty of touchdowns for the Raiders during his senior year of 2009, 16 to be exact. He also threw for another 25 TDs, while completing 135 of 231 pass attempts for 2,026 yards and four interceptions.

 But that Achey, who played the position for four years at Elco, evolved into an excellent quarterback was a result of necessity more than choice.

 "During high school, I just wanted to be on the field where I was needed," said Achey, who led Elco to an 8-3 record and a berth in the District Three Class AAA postseason. "Each year I would rather hit than be hit. I love playing quarterback, but linebacker is the way to go.

 "I thought I did OK (during his senior year)," Achey added. "But I was successful because of everyone around me."

 "I thought he evolved as a quarterback out of necessity of what we had," said Evans. "This is a kid who started out playing center. I thought we could develop him to be an accurate passer.

 "For selfish reasons, I'd love to see him play quarterback in college," Evans continued. "I'm an offensive guy. I like to see him throw the ball. But I'm anxious to see him play defense and play on one side of the ball."

 On the defensive side of the ball for the Raiders, Achey recorded 87 tackles, 53 of which were of the solo variety, registered 5.5 sacks and picked off one pass. At 6-2, 215 pounds, Achey will need to increase his strength and bulk to enjoy success at the next level.

 "We blitzed a bunch of times last year," said Achey. "That's one of my favorite things, getting a sack. Or a pick for a touchdown. They're both on the top of my list."

 "It's a relatively new position for him," said Evans. "He doesn't waste a whole lot of motion. When he goes, he goes. He's always trying to make the big play. He's created a lot of turnovers."

 Only Elco's second all-state performer, Achey has officially visited Maine and West Chester. He is expected to make his college selection within the next two weeks.

 "I'd say I'm a little closer than I was," said Achey. "It's kind of crunch time right now. After seeing the success of Villanova (during 2009), it would be sweet to go there. Maine University seemed nice and my brother went to West Chester.

 "It's (recruiting) been pretty cool," Achey continued. "The attention is different I guess. But I'll take advantage of it while it lasts."

 "He's got determination," said Evans of Achey. "He's got drive. When you tell him to take a day off, he won't. That's the kind of person he is. He's going to have to continue to work in the weight room and continue to work on his speed. And he will. I don't think he's done growing yet. He's got a lot of upside."