SPRING FOOTBALL Following the plan: Penguins improve on offense

Injuries are still taking a toll on the offensive line.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State assistant football coach John Klacik, who is also the team's offensive coordinator, is feeling pretty good about the Penguins' offense this spring.
"What makes me so pleased this spring is that we have a great plan and the kids have bought the plan and are having just a great time implementing that plan," Klacik said.
"I'm sure this is the reason that you're seeing the practices with so much enthusiasm, because they're just having a lot of fun out there."
Injuries decimated the YSU offense last year, especially on the offensive line, where no fewer than five starting players were out at some point in the season with injuries.
The Penguins had only one regular, senior Josh Davis, who started every game last year on the line.
"We're still not in real great physical shape this spring from the injuries we suffered last fall," Klacik said.
Injured starters
YSU lost Brent Steiner and Matt Brouse to career-ending injuries last year, while sophomore center Ryan Jewell and senior guard Norris Kennedy have both been limited this spring by injuries.
In the meantime, several younger players are getting valuable playing experience.
"It's always a good thing to have some depth on the offensive line -- as we found out last year," he said. "We have some youngsters getting some playing time and they are enjoying the challenge and doing a pretty good job.
"We've watched them on film and you can see the competition out there and it's only going to help us in the long run."
The Penguins have moved defensive tackle Coby Hayslett to center while Jewell is out. Sophomore Pat Walker and junior John Bartos are back at tackle, while junior Tony Limongi and sophomore Joe DeBee are at guard.
If the offensive line can get healthy and stay that way, then Klacik will only have to worry about who the starting quarterback will be in the fall.
"We're really pleased with the work of all three quarterbacks this spring," Klacik said. "They've all worked very hard and have shown improvement from day one."
Fit offense to the talent
Klacik, the former Chaney High standout who is in his 16th season with the Penguins, said the offense will take advantage of the individual talents of its players.
"We're always looking for new ways to improve the offense," he said. "But as I've said before, if you want to be a good football team you have to be able to run the football."
Klacik also says the Penguins need to take advantage of the athletic ability of senior Matt Rycraft, who has been moved from quarterback to wide receiver this spring.
"You want to try and get the football into Matt's hands as much as possible because he is such an outstanding athlete," Klacik added. "We're going to do some things with him that will make him like another runner out of the backfield."
Klacik said he's happy with his present tailback list, even if it's not as long as last year's.
"We had five or six guys last year, but two or three were hurt most of the time," he said.
Junior Josh Cayson returns after leading the team in rushing last year. Sophomore transfer Monquantae Gibson has been impressive and sophomore Justin Reams gives the Penguins a third option.
"We've just got to keep working and getting better in all phases of the game," Klacik said. "Right now we appear on the right track to meeting those goals."
mollica@vindy.com