Juby back to action on defense

By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State senior Joe Juby spent most of the fall practice sessions on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Now that he's healthy once again the 6-foot, 270-pound defensive end is looking forward to getting back into the thick of things with the Penguins.
The Penguins are coming off a 44-14 victory over Slippery Rock University in the season opener last Thursday and are getting ready for Saturday's home contest against Northeastern University at 4 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
"I sprained my ankle early in fall camp and it took a while for it to get better," Juby said. "I started back the final few days of fall camp and I've had about two good weeks of practice since then."
Played in opener
Juby played in the opener and finished with one solo tackle, but he feels ready to do more this week.
The YSU defense is vastly improved over last season, according to Juby.
"We just keep getting better every day, which is what a good defense is supposed to do," he added.
Juby, a native of Garfield Heights, has seen a lot of action the past three seasons beginning in 2002, his redshsirt year.
He played in eight games as a redshirt freshman and was switched from linebacker to fullback and then back to linebacker while earning his first varsity letter.
Seven starts in 2003
In 2003 he played in all 11 games and made seven starts at linebacker, recording 54 tackles, including 24 solos, and was fifth on the team in total tackles. He had a season-high 10 tackles against Liberty.
Last season he played in nine games and recorded 12 tackles while standing out on the Penguins' special teams.
This season Juby was looking to become a starter again, but the injury set him back and he's just now rounding into shape.
He was impressed with the defense's play against Slippery Rock, especially against the run.
"We are much bigger up front this year, especially with the addition of several transfers and it's made a big difference," he said.
Defense has quickness
"The big thing about this unit is the overall team quickness," Juby added. "Our success depends just how quickly we can get to the football on every play and I think that was very noticeable in the opener."
Besides experience and quickness the defense also has good depth for the first time in a while, especially on the front line.
"Right now we are just taking things one game at a time," said Juby. "Last week it was Slippery Rock and this week it's Northeastern. Every week the opposition gets a little better and hopefully we'll be ready by the time the Gateway Conference games arrive."
Kids Tailgate Fun Day
Saturday's contest will also be the Kid's Tailgate Fun Day, presented by Forum Health and McDonald's.
All the activities begin at 1 p.m. in the Giant Eagle Penguin Party Lot on Fifth Ave., across from the stadium.
mollica@vindy.com