SOMETHING TO PROVE

By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- It was obvious from the opening of Friday's first spring practice that the Youngstown State football team has something to prove this season.
The Penguins, coming off their first losing season since 1995, put the emphasis on enthusiasm for their first workout, a two-hour-plus session on a cold afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium.
76 players turn out
The Penguins had 76 players for the first workout of the spring and, according to head coach Jon Heacock, kept a positive attitude throughout the afternoon.
"Our team worked hard in the offseason and was excited to be out here today," Heacock said. "Our coaches were excited to be out here.
"This group understands what we need to get done this spring," he added. "A lot of people were around here last year and are willing to do whatever is necessary. Now we just have to keep improving."
Besides the players bringing their own good vibes, three new assistant coaches helped spark the team in their on-field debuts.
Co-defensive coordinators Dana Chambers and Mike Kolakowski fired up the defense, while wide receivers coach Dave Elliott worked with a group of 10 wideouts.
Rycraft now wide receiver
It didn't take the coaching staff long to make a few position changes on opening day.
Senior quarterback Matt Rycraft, who has played at several different positions in his two seasons with the Penguins, was moved to wide receiver where he'll stay this year.
Rycraft was the backup to starter Aaron Marshall all of last season, but with the return of redshirt freshman Tom Zetts and the addition of redshirt freshman transfer Vince Gliatta, Heacock felt Rycraft would be more help at the wide receiver position.
Another position shift was made with senior defensive lineman Coby Hayslett. He was moved to offensive center this spring, mainly because last year's starter, Ryan Jewell, a sophomore from Warren, will miss the spring recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery.
Five other players will either miss the spring or see limited action. They include junior defensive end Ron John-Finn (shoulder), junior defensive end Chris Rice (ankle), sophomore center John Foster (hamstring) and starting offensive senior guard Norris Kennedy (hamstring).
"You always like to have all your bodies working out every day, but that's not going to be the case this spring," said Heacock. "On the other hand, a lot of players who would be getting limited snaps are going to be getting a lot more."
Best condition ever
According to YSU strength and conditioning coach Todd Burkey, the Penguins had their best off-season conditioning program since he's been there.
"Everybody worked hard this off-season, both in the weight room and in conditioning. Everybody has increased their size and strength," Burkey said.
The Penguins return to practice this morning around 9:30.
"We definitely want to get these two helmet days in as quickly as possible," Heacock said. "They are calling for some bad weather Sunday, and if that's the case we won't hesitate to call off practice."
Put pads on Sunday
The Penguins are scheduled to practice in pads on Sunday for the first time. The session is scheduled for 3:15 p.m., weather permitting.
They will have their initial contact session of the spring on Monday, with practice scheduled for 3 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
mollica@vindy.com