YSU FOOTBALL \ News and notes

New addition: The Penguins welcomed former Kennedy Catholic High standout Eric Rodemoyer into camp this fall. The 6-foot-2, 305-pound Rodemoyer is a sophomore and spent the last two seasons at West Virginia where he started six games as a redshirt freshman a year ago and saw action in 10 games for the Mountaineers. The offensive guard started games against Marshall, Maryland, East Carolina, South Florida, Syracuse and Mississippi State and recorded 425 plays on the season, while registering 33 knockdown blocks. He was first-team all-state for the Golden Eagles his senior season when Kennedy Catholic advanced to state playoffs.

Missing: Former East High standout Gary Thornton was missing from the Penguins’ first day of practice. The 5-9, 190 freshman linebacker was all set to take part in drills, but was informed that his academic transcripts did not meet NCAA regulations. School officials feel it was just a minor error along the way and expect Thornton to get clearance quickly and be back in uniform shortly.

New look: YSU quarterback candidates have always worn black jerseys during practice so players know not to make contact with them during drills. In Monday’s first practice session the five YSU quarterback candidates all came out wearing gold jerseys with red trim. Coach Jon Heacock took one look and quickly said, “don’t ask me where those came from because I have no idea.”

Staff changes: In addition to the two new assistant coaches, Mark Spencer on offense and Tom Anthony on defense, the Penguins also have a new strength and conditioning coach, John Patrick. Patrick was the head strength and conditioning coach at Jacksonville University and also spent a year at Georgia Southern. He’s a graduate of South Range High School and Mount Union College. Former strength coach Todd Burkey is now the Penguins’ assistant trainer, working with new YSU head trainer John Doneyko, who was promoted after 22 years as an assistant trainer.

Pete Mollica