Heacock: We’re getting better

He said it’s too soon to evaluate a lot of the team’s younger players.

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State football coach Jon Heacock feels his team is getting better every day.

The Penguins began their second week of spring practice Wednesday and Heacock has been pleased with what he’s seen thus far.

“They’ve gotten better every day and that’s the good news,” he said. “Today was the best we’ve had so far. We were much crisper and there was much more cleaner hitting and blocking. We were better today than we were on Sunday so that’s good.”

Heacock said that the team’s philosophy is to keep getting better.

“You hope so,” he said. “That’s what you’re trying to do. Down the middle with three new centers and three quarterbacks, that’s where the ball starts. They were better today than what they have been.”

Heacock said he’s starting to see some of the holes being filled.

“There is still some learning that’s involved and I’m not going to start judging whether we can or we can’t,” he said. “You have to learn what to do before you can really be judged as to whether you can do it or not. We’ve still got some learning to do and hopefully this weekend and a little bit of next week we’ll have a handle on whether we’re making some progress in that area.”

“Guys don’t play fast or do anything unless they know exactly what they’re doing and it’s not fair to evaluate them until then.”

Heacock said that some players have stepped forward.

“That’s why it was a better practice today than it has been the other three.”

Heacock is also pleased with hi ssenior players.

“I think our seniors have done a good job,” he said. “Seniors understand this is the last go-around. There are no do-overs. I think this group understands that. Sometimes it takes them a little longer, but it’s not the same any more. It’s important they practice every day like it’s their last because for them it is.”

Heacock feels good with this year’s receiving group, including seniors Ferlando Williams and Da’Michael Horn.

“I think there are some young guys who are really good too,” he said. “Dominique Barnes played some last year. Ely Ducatel got banged up a little today and Dionte Snow is a good player.”

Overall Heacock is pleased with the improvement the team has made.

“I think we’ve gotten better,” he said.

“As a coach, if you’re getting better, you feel better. We didn’t go backwards today. I’m happy with where we are. It’s not even close to where we are going to have to get to, but that’s the reality of this game. We’re doing okay and I’m pleased so far.”

The Penguins will work out again Friday at 3:30 p.m.