YSU FOOTBALL Cayson on offense has tailback treat

The Penguins have lost four straight.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- It was only a couple of weeks ago that Youngstown State football coaches were considering moving tailback Josh Cayson to the defensive secondary.
Cayson, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior from Warren John F. Kennedy High, was the Penguins' rushing leader in 2003 and was the starting tailback at the start of this season.
But, sophomore transfer Monquantae Gibson rushed for over 100 yards against Florida International in the second game and moved into a starting role. He had three straight 100-yard games before injuring his shoulder and he's played sparingly ever since.
Thought about defense
It was during Gibson's three-game streak that the coaching staff considered moving Cayson to defense to take advantage of his athletic ability. But that wasn't an option after Gibson's injury.
Cayson returned to the starting backfield against Northern Iowa Oct. 16, and last Saturday against Illinois State he had his career-best day with 146 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown in YSU's 30-24 loss.
The Penguins (2-6, 0-4 Gateway Conference) have lost four straight games.
In an 80-yard touchdown drive that gave the Penguins the lead, he carried the ball on all eight plays, scoring on a 13-yard run.
He closed the gap for the team leadership in rushing yards with 453, while Gibson has 493.
Award winner
Cayson was named the Hill, Barth and King offensive player of the game and was also selected as the Haines Family Player of the Game by the YSU radio broadcast team.
Senior defensive safety Mike Bracken (6-0, 210, Imperial, Pa.) was the defensive player of the game. He made five tackles, had an interception and a pass breakup.
Junior defensive end Justin Scholes (6-1, 235, Mentor) was the special teams player of the game. He finished with four tackles, including one for a loss, and forced a fumble.
Senior offensive guard Norris Kennedy (6-2, 303, Lake Wales, Fla.) was the Jim Zdelar offensive lineman of the game.
Kennedy was the spark that led Cayson on his streak of 10 straight carries and 96 yards during the contest.
Brown bags honor
The Jermaine Hopkins defensive lineman of the game honor went to junior defensive end Brandon Brown (6-1, 252) a former Ursuline High standout.
Brown made several key stops, finishing with six tackles, and recovered a fumble.
The Penguins will return home this Saturday for their final home game against Indiana State (4-4, 1-3 Gateway). Kickoff is 4 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
mollica@vindy.com