YSU FOOTBALL Defense not to be doubted

The Penguins' unit didn't play with fire in last week's jersey scrimmage.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown State defensive unit took a pretty good licking in the first jersey scrimmage of spring football practice last Friday.
The offense rolled up over 600 yards and walked away with a 43-15 victory, retaining in possession of the coveted red practice jerseys for at least another week.
Senior linebacker Yancey Marcum answered "yes and no" when asked if the defense was concerned about the results.
"We still feel that we have the people to be a very good defensive unit," Marcum said. "What we lacked last Friday was the attitude.
"We didn't have the fire and the desire that we've had all this spring and it showed."
Background
Marcum, a 6-foot-1, 235-pounder from Nicholasville, Ky., is coming off his best season as a Penguin.
He led the team in tackles last year, getting over 100 stops, and he's known for his bone-jarring tackles.
Marcum came to YSU from West Jessamine High and Fork Union Academy. After being redshirted his freshman year, he was moved to fullback for the first three games of the 2001 season before returning to linebacker.
He played in 10 games as a redshirt sophomore, getting 36 tackles before moving to a starting role last season.
One of the reasons that Marcum wasn't overly concerned with last Friday's performance was the fact that the defense is doing a great many things differently this year.
"We're actually overwhelmed right now," said Marcum. "But we can see where it is going and we're going to rebound this week and try and set things straight.
"They [offense] really stuck it to us good last week and we've got this week to turn things around and get ready for Friday's scrimmage," he added.
"I'm not all that worried because I know we have the people who can get the job done."
Inspiration
Marcum praised the two new defensive coaches, co-coordinators Dana Chambers and Mike Kolakowski.
"I just love both those guys and they are working so hard to try and make us better," he said.
Being a senior, Marcum is cast into a new role this year, as a team leader.
"It's really funny because the first time Coach [Jon Heacock] said to us, 'OK seniors, break it down,' I was looking all over for Jon Tekac or one of the other seniors from last year to step up.
"But now it's on my shoulders and I really love that responsibility," he added.
The Penguins return to practice Wednesday at 3 p.m., which will also be part of the Bob Dove coaches clinic at Stambaugh Stadium.
The second and final jersey scrimmage of the spring is Friday at 3:30 p.m.
mollica@vindy.com