Hayslett's move to center bolsters O-line

The senior is happy to help the team with his move from nose tackle to center.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Coby Hayslett feels right at home this season for the Youngstown State football team, even though he's playing a different position.
Hayslett, the 6-foot-1, 287-pound senior from Memphis, Tenn., joined the Penguins a year ago out of Pasadena (Calif.) City College.
He spent the entire 2003 season with the defense, seeing considerable action as a nose tackle, but this spring he was asked to move to offense and take over the center position for the Penguins' injury-plagued line.
"I played center in high school so it's not like it's entirely new to me, and I actually feel very comfortable there," Hayslett said.
"The O-line was pretty banged up going into spring, and the coaches felt I could be of more help there. I was happy to make the move," he added.
Bright spot
The patched-up offensive line has been one of the Penguins' bright spots in spring drills, especially since two of last year's starters haven't taken part in much of the activities.
Starting center Ryan Jewell has missed all of the spring recovering from off-season surgery, while starting guard Norris Kennedy just returned to spring drills last week.
"We've got a great offensive line coach, and the communication between the players has been just great. Everybody has come together at the right time," Hayslett said.
"We still have some veteran players back this spring, players like John Bartos and Norris Kennedy, while Tony Limongi and Pat Walker have also played a lot, so they are actually helping me out a lot this spring," he said.
Adjustment
Hayslett also said that he has to adjust to different quarterbacks this spring as the Penguins have been using four.
"Every quarterback is different and you have to learn just what they want to do," he said. "You have to know each one's hand position on snaps and their calls at the line and how they break the huddle, but I love them all and enjoy working with each one."
He's also excited about the upcoming season.
"This whole offense makes you excited because you can see the potential there," he said. "That's why our team motto is 'strictly business.' "
The Penguins held their Red and White spring game draft today in which the seniors, who are divided on the two teams, make their selections from the rest of the squad.
They were scheduled to practice at 3 p.m. at Stambaugh, the final workout of the spring before Friday's Red and White game, which will be held at 7:30 p.m.
mollica@vindy.com