FOOTBALL Bad news, good news from Penguins' camp

Offensive tackle Pat Walker sustained a concussion in Monday's practice.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The last thing the Youngstown State football team needed this spring was another injury on the offensive line.
But Monday afternoon that's exactly what happened, when sophomore tackle Pat Walker went down with a concussion early in the session.
The 6-foot-5, 288-pound Walker, from Bedford St. Peter Chanel High, was a part-time starter for the Penguins last season as a freshman. He was one of only two offensive linemen returning this spring with any playing experience.
A year ago, the YSU offensive line was decimated by injuries the entire season.
Two players, who went down last year, Matt Brouse and Rob Steiner, are medically unable to participate in football any more.
Carryover
Two other starters -- Ryan Jewell, a sophomore center, and Norris Kennedy, a senior guard -- are out for this spring with injuries suffered a year ago.
It's possible that Kennedy might return at the end of the spring to see some action.
As a result, several players are getting a golden opportunity to show their abilities to the coaches while they are filling in for the lost veterans.
Players such as Tony Limongi, a 6-0, 265-pound guard from Niles, has been impressive.
The junior has been moved around between offense and defense the past two seasons, but appears to have finally found a home.
Another player showing a lot of promise is senior Coby Hayslett, who was moved from defensive tackle to center this spring.
The 6-0, 275-pounder has been working with the No. 1 unit most of the spring.
Good spring
Joe DeBee, a 6-4, 287-pound guard from St. Thomas Aquinas High, is another player getting a good look from the coaches. The sophomore has been having a good spring.
Walker's injury might keep him out of action for a while, but he is expected to return later this spring.
The Penguins have at least five players who will not participate in any drills this spring.
Defensive linemen Ron John-Finn (6-4, 300, junior), and Chris Rice (6-3, 245, junior) are out, along with tight end Shawn Carlson (6-7, 238, junior), who suffered a dislocated shoulder earlier this spring.
Senior wide receiver Phil Larmon was on the field Monday, but not in uniform, recovering from a cold.
The Penguins practiced Monday in a steady, cold rain, but still held a short scrimmage session.
Sophomore running back Monquantae Gibson, the 6-1, 190-pound transfer from Kentucky, was impressive in the scrimmage, scoring on an 80-yard run.
Redshirt history
Gibson, from Louisville, Ky., was redshirted at Kentucky his freshman year and played sparingly last season as a redshirt freshman.
He, junior tailback Josh Cayson and sophomore Justin Reams are the three running backs in camp.
Monday's session was rescheduled from April 4, when weather postponed practice.
The Penguins were scheduled to return to a no-contact practice Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The first jersey scrimmage is Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
mollica@vindy.com