YSU FOOTBALL Gonzalez is ready to help in any way

The backup QB and holder on kicks has been an asset to the team.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Luis Gonzalez has made great strides since transferring to Youngstown State a year ago. But, he still finds himself in a backup role at quarterback.
The 6-foot-2, 204-pound native of Miami, earned his first letter last season. This fall he finds himself battling junior Matt Rycraft for the No. 3 spot.
Gonzalez spent three years at Cincinnati. He was red-shirted in 1999, then played sparingly in 2000 and 2001 before coming to Youngstown State.
Last season, he saw action in three games and had his best performance against McNeese State, completing seven of 15 passes for 104 yards, and engineering a touchdown drive in the second half.
He was also 7-for-14 for 63 yards in the second half against Western Illinois, and finished the year 16 of 35 for 186 yards with one interception.
Will hold for kicks
Gonzalez also will return as the holder on place kicks. Although he is not expected to see a lot of action this season, it has not dampened his enthusiasm.
"This team has really come a long way since last season and the spring," Gonzalez said. "The offense has matured a lot since then."
And just what is Gonzalez' role in this year's offense?
"Anything that the team needs me to do," he said. "If it's running the scout team, the first team, second team or third team that's what I want to do. The important thing is winning and doing what it takes to help this team win."
Quarterbacks coach Brian Wright said Gonzalez has had a good attitude in fall camp.
"Luis has worked as hard as anybody out on the field and he had a great summer," said Wright. "He's worked so well with the younger kids."
Lauded by Heacock
YSU coach Jon Heacock also praised Gonzalez.
"He's gone out there every day and prepared just as hard as the other guys," Heacock said. "Just what his situation is for this year, we're not even sure yet, but we know that he'll be ready when we need him."
Gonzalez, who played at Coral Park (Fla.) High, was an honorable mention all-state selection as a senior, when he completed 114 of 200 passes for 1,899 yards and 20 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. He passed for over 3,000 yards in his high school career and 31 touchdowns.
Gonzalez is just a few hours from graduation. He plans to return to Florida and work in his father's business.