YSU SPRING FOOTBALL Mason, Gibson lead strong list of Penguins' tailbacks

The two returning seniors are expected to carry most of the load in the fall.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- The running game has been the bread and butter of the Youngstown State offense for as long as anyone can remember and the 2006 Penguins should be no different.
The Penguins have five tailbacks on the roster this spring and there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference in ability between them.
But a couple of seniors are expected to get the bulk of the work in the fall.
Monquantae Gibson (6-foot, 203 pounds) from Louisville, Ky., and Marcus Mason (5-9, 205) from Pontiac, Md., will be the main ball carriers for the Penguins, as they were a season ago.
"The running game has always been the strength of our offense and I don't see where there will be any difference this season," Gibson said.
"We've got four or five good running backs and you will hardly notice a difference when any one of them is in the game," he added.
Sharing ball no problem
Mason said that he didn't see any problems dividing the offensive carries this season.
"It's not going to be a problem at all and we will always be able to have fresh legs in the game at any time," he said.
"It's like having a triple-headed monster with so many good backs back there and it makes it that much more of a problem for the defense because they aren't sure just who will be in there," he added.
"There's really no drop off at all when somebody else comes into the game," Gibson said.
More incentive this year
The disappointment from last season's team not getting into the playoffs has given the Penguins more incentive for the coming year.
"It's made us work that much harder this year," Mason said. "Everybody has been improving, especially the defense and the defensive line."
Gibson and Mason know that for a fact since they have to go against the defense every day in practice.
Both players also praised the offensive line, which returns a host of veteran players.
"It just gives you more confidence when you get the ball because you know that they are going to take care of their job and all you have to do is find the hole," Gibson said.
Zetts adds to offense
The offense also has a veteran quarterback in junior Tom Zetts and Gibson says this is a big plus for the team.
"You could just see him getting better every year and he works so hard out there," Gibson said. "He makes you realize just how difficult the quarterback position is to handle, I know I couldn't do it, and I'm just glad to be a running back."
Both players know they have bigger roles on the team now as seniors.
"I really didn't realize just how much of a responsibility it is to be a senior here," Gibson said. "Now you have these younger players looking to you for leadership. It's tougher than I thought."
"It's tough for me because I'm not an outgoing person, so I just try to lead by example," said Mason.
Last season the two ranked first and second on the team in rushing, with Mason leading the way with 897 yards on 176 carries and eight touchdowns, while Gibson finished with 550 yards on 97 carries and six TDs.
The other three tailbacks are senior Justin Reams and sophomores Jabari Scott and Brandon Nicholson.
The Penguins wrapped up their second week of spring drills Friday with a non-contact session.
They will take today off and will return to practice Monday at 2:30 p.m. The spring's only jersey scrimmage will be held next Saturday at 9 a.m.
mollica@vindy.com