YSU FOOTBALL DiMauro accepts role at fullback

He won't get many carries or catches, but his play will be vital to the success of the offense.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- When you mention "team player" around the Youngstown State football camp, the name Chris DiMauro immediately comes to mind.
DiMauro, an Akron native, came to YSU in 1999. He was redshirted his first year and then played two years at linebacker, starting two games in his sophomore season and playing in all 11.
In the spring of 2002 the coaches asked DiMauro to switch to offense as they were short at the fullback position.
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, played in all 11 games last year and was a starter in four of them at fullback.
Limited carries
The fullback is not the most glorified position on the YSU offense. He's used primarily as a blocker. DiMauro carried the ball just once last year for no gain.
But he's a solid receiver and caught six passes for 49 yards, including two against Western Kentucky.
This season the Penguins have made some changes in the offense, but again the fullback spot is not one of the prime positions.
DiMauro and redshirt freshman Demetrius Ison are the only two active fullbacks. Senior Keland Logan had knee surgery recently and is working on getting back to action.
"We're a little thin back there with Keland out, but Ison is a converted tailback and has put on a few pounds and will help out there," DiMauro said.
The Hoban High graduate has no problems playing as much as possible, but he knows the offense has changed.
"You're going to see a lot of times that Mike [Burns] and Joe [Doby] will be in the backfield at the same time and I won't be," he said.
Sees improvement
DiMauro likes the changes that have been made in the offense this year.
"Our quarterbacks have really come on this summer and we'll throw the ball more, which is only going to help our running game," he added. "We've also got a real solid offensive line coming back."
DiMauro feels that he'll be used a lot in passing situations.
"We've got the fullback out of the backfield play which will really keep the linebackers honest," he added. "It will also loosen up the defensive secondary and with our wide receivers this year possessing a lot of speed they should be able to get behind the defense."
The senior knows that he's in a new leadership role this year also.
"The young guys really don't know everything about the program and you have to help them along," he said. "Teaching them about the tradition here and what goes on around here is what we're trying to do."
DiMauro said that the offense has come a long way since last spring.
"It had a lot to do with this summer and working out with Coach [Todd] Burkey in the weight room," he added. "Almost all the seniors and upperclassmen were here every day and we hung out together. We came into camp far ahead than we did a year ago."
The Penguins' final practice of camp is tonight following the high school football game at Stambaugh Stadium.
Saturday they will begin preparation for the season opener next Thursday against Edinboro University at 7:30 p.m.
mollica@vindy.com