Perez expects YSU secondary to be solid

The senior strong safety is looking forward to being a leader on the football team.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Senior Bob Perez was surprised when someone asked him this week about the questions involving the Youngstown State defensive secondary.

“I didn’t know there were any questions about the secondary,” Perez quickly added.

The 6-0, 210 pound strong safety from Navarre is one of 87 Penguins who began fall football drills this week in preparation for the 2007 season which begins on Sept. 1 when the Penguins take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus at noon.

The questions about the secondary were about the loss of two All-Gateway Conference cornerbacks in Jason Perry and Codera Jackson, who last year alone combined for eight interceptions and more than 125 tackles while helping the Penguins to a Gateway Conference Championship and the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs.

“Yes, we lost two great players in Jason and Codera, but coming out of spring practice I couldn’t be more pleased with the progression of Lenny Wicks and Jarvis Richards,” said Perez.

“You guys,” said Perez talking to the media, “know as much about the new guys as I do, but the coaches all say they are talented players and that’s what we will be expecting.”

“I know one thing for sure — there [are] a lot of new faces out here right now,” he added. “I walked into the meetings on Sunday and I hardly recognized anyone there.”

Standout at Perry High

Perez came to the Penguins as a freshman in 2003 out of Perry High School, where he was honorable mention all-district and an All-Federal League selection.

After being redshirted his freshman season, he played in all 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2004, mainly on special teams. He had his first pass interception at Western Illinois.

Perez was being highly counted upon in his sophomore season, seeing considerable action in the team’s first four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury at the University Pittsburgh.

He bounced back last year to play in all 14 games, including several as a starting safety and finished with 30 tackles, 10 solos and two interceptions.

Perez said the next few weeks are going to be critical for the Penguins.

“Because we have so many new faces from here on out, both on and off the practice field, it is going to take some great leadership from the seniors and the whole team coming together as a group,” Perez added.

“We had some great conditioning drills on Monday and we found out who’s in shape and who’s not,” he said. “The ones who aren’t have some hard work to do to catch up.”

Excels in the classroom

Perez sets a very high standard for his teammates off the field as well as on it.

He has twice been named to the All-Gateway Academic first team, as well as receiving All-District Academic honors and was a CoSIDA Academic All-District IV selection last year.

He grade point average at YSU is right around the 4.0 mark and he’s majoring in Technical Management.

“I’ve always felt the urge to be a leader on and off the field, but this year as a senior I know that role must become even greater,” he said.

“Whether it is leading by words or by example you just got to go out and get it done,” he said.

The Penguins worked out in just helmets again on Tuesday and will put on shells, (shoulder pads and helmets) today for their 2:30 p.m. workout.

On Thursday the Penguins will hold their annual photo day at 4 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium and will put on full pads Saturday for their 2:30 p.m. session.