Double duty doesn't faze YSU's Joe Bishop

The senior will serve as punter and also kick off for the Penguins.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- A year ago, Youngstown State's Joe Bishop took on kickoff duties along with his punting chores.
The extra duties did not affect the senior kicker. In fact, it's become something he has never thought about.
The 5-foot-10, 194-pounder from Canton and St. Thomas Aquinas High is starting his fourth season as the Penguins' regular punter.
Bishop was named to the second team All-Gateway squad last season and was a first-team preseason all-conference selection this year.
In three seasons, Bishop has punted 170 times for 6,584 yards, a 38.7 yards per kick average. His best season was in 2003 when he averaged 40 yards on 63 attempts.
Last season, with an improved offense, he punted 45 times.
Strong leg
Bishop took over the kickoff duties last season, mainly because of his strong leg and his ability to get the ball into or close to the end zone.
A lot of kickers don't like to do both punting and kicking. Jeff Wilkins, now in the NFL, was forced into punting during one of his seasons at YSU and didn't like it. Wilkins felt that punting hurt his kicking techniques.
Bishop has no such problems.
"I've been punting and kicking off all my football life," Bishop said. "Kickoffs are a lot different than place kicking. I almost kickoff straight out with my leg like a punt anyway."
Tee change
This season, the NCAA has reduced the height of the kickoff tee from 2 inches down to 1 inch.
Again, Bishop has no problems with the change.
In Sunday's special teams session, Bishop was booming his kickoffs as high and far as ever.
Being selected as a pre-season All-Gateway punter was nice, but Bishop wasn't overly enthused with the honor.
"In those preseason honors, they usually take last year's postseason winners, throw out the seniors who aren't coming back and select who's left," he said.
Bishop said that the honor doesn't put any more pressure on him.
"Nobody puts more pressure on me than I do," he added.
"I've always put a lot of pressure on myself."
Different snapper
For the first time in his career, Bishop and place-kicker sophomore Brian Palmer will be working with a new long snapper.
Sophomore linebacker Mike Barlak appears to have the inside track on the job, taking over for four-year standout Tanner Dunlap.
"Mike has spent a lot of time working at it this spring and this summer," Bishop said. "He's doing a good job.
Freshman Kyle Banna of Canfield also has been working at the long snapper position.
Palmer has been hampered with a slight leg injury during camp, but is expected to be ready for the opener on Aug. 31 against Slippery Rock. He and freshman Stephen Blose of Erie are working with new holders this year.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Todd Rowan appears to be the No. 1 holder, although junior quarterback Tom Zetts and Bishop have also been working at the post.
"Todd's been doing a good job, but I have no problem with Tommy or Joe holding either," Palmer said.
The Penguins wrapped up their fall camp Tuesday with a single workout and will take today and Thursday off.
They will report back to work on Friday evening and begin preparations for the opener.
mollica@vindy.com