YSU FOOTBALL Rycraft sets sight on extra year

He just finished a successful summer school stint.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Matt Rycraft is excited and not just because football season has returned.
The Youngstown State senior is with the Penguins as they prepare for the season opener Sept. 2 against Slippery Rock.
But the real reason that Rycraft was so excited was that he just found out he got an A on a summer school class.
"That's really going to help me toward my goal of being able to graduate next spring with my class," the former West Branch High standout said.
The 6-foot, 180-pounder had to sit out his freshman season because he didn't meet the NCAA academic requirements.
Must graduate with class
In order for him to get that year back and be able to play a fifth year next season in 2005 he must graduate with his freshman class next spring.
"I think there's a good chance that I'll make it," Rycraft said.
He came to the Penguins has a talented high school quarterback, but played little there his first season in 2002. Last year he saw more action, especially when freshman Tom Zetts went down with a broken collarbone in the season opener.
This spring he was moved to wide receiver, but also saw some work at running back. He is also a return specialist and plays on most of the Penguins' special teams.
"They've got me at wide receiver right now, but I'm supposed to get some work at running back. Heck, I even played some tight end this summer," Rycraft said.
"I don't care where I play, I just want to do what I can to help this football team," he added.
Successful summer workout
"We had a great summer, there were 65 to 68 guys here every day and we really accomplished a lot," he said. "We had a great summer in the weight room and I think going into camp everybody's confidence was very high.
"I know that I feel really great about this group," he said. "We've got some really good young kids and enough veterans to blend in well with them."
Last season Rycraft played in 10 of the 12 games and started two at quarterback. He had his best game ever as a college quarterback against Western Illinois when he set a school-record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 152 yards on 21 carries, coming off the bench in relief of starter Aaron Marshall.
For the year he rushed for 335 yards on 60 carries and scored five touchdowns, while completing 26 of 48 passes for 313 yards and two scores.
In 2002 he started five games, four at wide receiver.
mollica@vindy.com