Banford likes YSU’s tested defense

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Miles Banford is listed as a defensive end on the Youngstown State football roster.

But Banford was a linebacker throughout his high school and college careers, and as far as he’s concerned, he still is.

Banford is now a senior with the Penguins after transferring from Santa Ana Junior College a year ago.

The 6-foot-2, 237-pounder, a native of Anaheim, Calif., moved right into the Penguins’ defense a year ago and is looking forward to a big season in 2007.

“Yes, I’m listed as a defensive end,” said Banford, “but I’m really a linebacker on the outside end of the line.

“I like it because it allows me to do a lot of things like rush the passer, but also to drop off in coverage when I’m needed,” he added.

Banford is excited about the Penguins defense this season and for good reason.

“We have a lot of experience and a lot of veteran players returning,” he said. “Nothing beats experience and feeling comfortable with the guys next to you.”

His background

Banford played high school football at Fountain Valley in Anaheim and was a two-time all-league selection — as a linebacker.

He played two seasons at Santa Ana Junior College, was honorable mention All-Mission Conference as a freshman, and as a sophomore, played in eight games, finishing with 28 tackles (15 solos) and two fumble recoveries — as a linebacker.

Last season Banford played in all 14 games for the Penguins, starting the final three games of the regular season.

He finished with 24 tackles, including 14 solos, and had 2.5 tackles for losses and one forced fumble to earn his first varsity letter, again as a linebacker, although he was listed as a defensive end on the roster.

Evolved into leader

As a senior Banford knows his role on the team has changed and he’s being called upon to become more of a leader.

“We have a lot of very talented young players on this group and I’m trying to help them out as much as I can to get them ready for the season,” he said.

Banford said the Penguins’ past success, winning the last two Gateway Conference championships and making the postseason last year, will make the Penguins more of a marked team this year.

“We’ll have a big target on our backs this year and everybody will want to beat us,” he added. “It puts additional pressure on the defense, but we love it and can’t wait until it gets going.”

Banford, like all the Penguins, is excited about opening the season at Ohio State and playing before more than 100,000 fans.

“It’s something that most players only get to dream about,” he said.

The Penguins have two important scrimmages this week. Wednesday they will conduct a kicking scrimmage at 3:30 p.m., one of two practices scheduled for that day.

Thursday YSU will have a rehearsal scrimmage at 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

mollica@vindy.com