FB Edgerson steps into key position

Demetrius Ison's departure has created an opportunity for the transfer from South Carolina.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- When Regis Edgerson transferred to Youngstown State from the University of South Carolina, the only thing he had to worry about was running the football.
Now, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound senior has a lot more things to learn like blocking and pass catching. And yes, he still gets a chance to carry the football.
Edgerson was a tailback when he joined the Penguins, but last season he was switched to fullback. This spring, he's been the starter at the position and having a great spring.
When starting fullback Demetrius Ison was dismissed from the team before spring practice began, Edgerson moved into the starting role. His position coach Sam Eddy says that he's doing a great job there this spring.
"Regis is really have a good spring," Eddy said. "He's taken the responsibility of being the 'guy' at the position and he's been blocking well, especially pass protection."
Switch challenge
Edgerson said it hasn't been easy making the switch.
"There are a lot more responsibilities that go with the fullback position," Edgerson said. "It's difficult, but if you dedicate yourself to the task and continue to work hard it can be done."
Eddy said Edgerson's work ethic has been outstanding.
"He's got some work to do yet, but he's really improved himself this spring. We've put in some new running plays for him and he's handled them well. He's a big boy and tough to bring down," Eddy said.
Edgerson liked the new plays designed for him.
"I guess they want to take advantage of my athleticism, but I like it and it should be exciting this year," Edgerson said.
What's been the toughest thing for him at the new position?
"The kick-out block on the linebacker, definitely is the toughest right now, but I've been getting better at it every day," he said.
Getting better
"It's like everything else, if I get the reps then I'm just going to get better and I want to do whatever it takes to help this football team," Edgerson said.
"This offense is going to be a good one, you can just feel it," Edgerson said. "We've got a lot of experience and we've got a lot of talent and we've got Tommy Zetts at quarterback, who's a great playmaker."
Edgerson had only six carries for 13 yards a year ago and caught five passes for 39 yards and one touchdown.
As a sophomore at tailback, Edgerson had 256 yards on 67 carries and two touchdowns, including a 104-yard game against Western Illinois when he scored two touchdowns.
It won't be known until August whether Ison will be invited back to the team, but the fullback position appears in good hands regardless.
Scrimmage
Wednesday, the Penguins held a controlled scrimmage for the high school coaches on hand.
The offense was in control for most of the session, first with running backs Marcus Mason, Monquantae Gibson, Brandon Nicholson and Justin Reams all getting big gains.
Zetts and Todd Rowan also looked good passing the football in the scrimmage.
The Penguins will hold a light practice Friday for final preparations for the jersey scrimmage Saturday at 9 a.m. at Stambaugh.
"We are continuing to improve every day and we still have six more practices to get in," coach Jon Heacock said.
"We've still got a long way to go, but we're pleased at where we are at this point."
mollica@vindy.com