Marshall will be YSU's starter

After the first two weeks of camp for the Youngstown State football team, the quarterback situation seems to be taking care of itself.
YSU coach Jon Heacock has been impressed with the performance of all five candidates thus far.
Probably the biggest improvement this camp has been the performance of sophomore Aaron Marshall, who came into camp with a tenuous hold as the team's No. 1 quarterback, but has improved on his situation during the first two weeks.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from Detroit, Mich., added some muscle during the summer, especially in his upper body, and is stronger and just as quick as he always has been.
The big difference for Marshall so far this year is that his confidence level has risen and he's much more comfortable running the offense.
"All of our quarterbacks are much better now than they were a year ago," Heacock said.
Marshall's added strength has made him a better passer and it has been obvious in the team's workouts as he has been right on the money with his throws.
While Marshall has all but nailed down the starting berth, the battle continues for the No. 2 spot.
Battle for backup
Freshman Tom Zetts of Boardman and junior Matt Rycraft, a West Branch High graduate, are working with the second-team offense in practice.
"They both bring a lot to the table," said Heacock. "We like the way Matt works against certain defenses and Tom has shown he's capable of stepping in and taking over."
Senior Luis Gonzalez of Miami, Fla., although he's improved greatly over last year, still appears to be behind the first three, although he will see action on special teams as the holder for place kicker Nick Terracina.
The fifth candidate is junior Ryan Wisecarver, who transferred to YSU a year ago from West Liberty State. He spent last season as a defensive back and was moved back to quarterback this summer.
If Marshall stays healthy and Rycraft and Gonzalez continue to improve Heacock would probably redshirt Zetts. Although that's what he would like to do, that decision probably won't be made until mid-season.
Another reason for the improved confidence of Marshall has been the improved play of the Penguins' offensive line. Veterans like seniors Josh Davis and Will Sanders, along with junior Norris Kennedy, sophomores Matt Brouse and John Bartos have all made major improvements this season.
The speculation around camp last week is that senior center Nick Roberts of Champion probably won't be returning this season.
Roberts, a three-year starter first at guard and then at center, suffered two herniated discs in his back and has been unable to practice. He also missed all of spring practice with academic problems.
Doctors told the 6-0, 300-pounder that it was very rare for a player to come back from that type of injury and play again, especially for an offensive lineman.
Motivates Penguins
Last week the Penguins were visited by Paul "Bud" Billard, a motivational speaker, who spoke not only to the football team, but all of the YSU coaches.
Billard, who was a teacher and coach at Brooke High School in Wellsburg, W. Va., also worked with the football team for several days.
He and Heacock have been close friends for years. Billard, who puts on clinics and seminars, goes all over the country to high schools and colleges with his program.
"Our clinics are prepared to meet the needs of any level of coach and athlete," Billard said. "Our belief is that coaches need to be teachers and we show them how to do it."
Billiard said that he's available to any groups in the area and he can be reached by phone at (304) 737-1032 or by e-mail at Protalkbud@aol.com.
XPete Mollica covers YSU athletics for The Vindicator. Write to him at mollica@vindy.com.