YSU FOOTBALL Defense needs a quick rebound

The Penguins flopped as defenders in Jon Heacock's third season.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Since Youngstown State became a football power in the early 1990s, defensive performances were consistent.
The Penguins were always tough on defense, and that made the offense better.
In Jon Heacock's first two seasons as coach, the Penguins were still strong defensively, but last season might have been one of the worst in a long time.
YSU's record slipped to 5-7, and injuries, on offense and defense, played a key role in that downfall. But still, the defense allowed far too many yards, especially on the ground.
The Penguins came about 100 total yards short of allowing the opposition to average 400 yards per game.
Illinois State and Northern Iowa amassed more than 600 yards of total offense against the Penguins.
Three teams had two rushers gain more than 100 yards against the Penguins, and four others had one do it.
Injury factor
Senior linebacker Justin Martin knows all about last season. He had a first-hand look at a lot of those yards from his linebacker position. But he sees a whole different attitude this season.
"I know it's an excuse, but we did have a lot of injuries on the D line last season," Martin said.
"But really the difference this spring has been the enthusiasm of the whole group," he added. "It's a whole new atmosphere out here. We've got a couple new coaches on the defense, and they've really brought in some enthusiasm and it has spread quickly."
Martin became eligible last year after transferring from Southern Illinois. He played one year there and a year at DuPage Junior College, where he was a second-team all-conference selection.
Last season he played in 11 of 12 games, starting four, and finished with 23 total tackles, 12 solo tackles and three for losses with one sack. He also had a pass interception, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
"Last season the injuries were not just on the defense, but all over the team," he said. "It was like a disease that just kept spreading. I don't know why, and I don't know if anybody does know."
Leadership role
In his senior season, Martin knows he'll have to take on a new role as a leader.
"Being a senior you assume that role whether you want it or not," he said, "and being a senior this is my last time out on the field, and I want to make it the best one I've had."
The linebacking corps is one of the strengths returning on defense as Martin is joined by veteran starters Yancey Marcum, a senior, and Mike Andrews, a junior, along with sophomores Marty Hutchison and Jeremiah Wright and junior Brandon Brown.
Martin doesn't see any more pressure being put on the linebackers this year.
"No more than normal," he said. "Playing week in and week out in the Gateway Conference is tough, and that alone puts enough pressure on anybody."
mollica@vindy.com