ysu football | Notebook

Making his Marc: YSU coach Eric Wolford lauded junior quarterback Marc Kanetsky for his performance in Saturday’s practice, which included a touchdown pass to Dominique Barnes. Kanetsky, a Hubbard High graduate, is one of the three leading candidates for the starting job along with redshirt freshmen Kurt Hess and Najee Tyler. “One thing I like about ‘Kanets’ is he takes care of the football and he doesn’t make bad decisions,” said Wolford. “He really did a good job today. He’s a battler.” Hess worked with the first unit and Tyler the second unit at the beginning of Saturday’s practice, with Kanetsky mixing in with both. Redshirt freshman Gannon Hulea and freshman Patrick Angle also saw action.

Veteran leadership: Wolford said he’s been impressed by the improvement of several veterans on the team since spring practice, singling out Barnes (who didn’t always see eye-to-eye with the staff in the spring), junior WR Ely Ducatel, sophomore WR Jelani Berassa and junior LBs Deonta Tate and David Rach (South Range). “These guys have gotten themselves a lot better over the course of the summer and that’s a compliment to them,” Wolford said. “That’s what we want. Our job as coaches is to develop players.”

The Great Pumpkin: Wolford gave sophomore running back Jamaine Cook the nickname “The Great Pumpkin” because of Cook’s round head. Cook, in turn, revealed that the players call Wolford “Superman” because of his hairstyle. “He wears it slicked back like Superman.” Wolford also has naturally curly hair, which will sometimes fall down on his forehead like Superman. “Oh yeah, he’s got that going on, too,” Cook said.

Healthy eater: Redshirt sophomore Torrian Pace is known as one of the healthiest eaters on the team. He eats so much fruit at the cafeteria, one of the staff workers prepares a large bowl (with saran wrap on the top) just for Pace.

Keeping it light: One of the leading candidates for YSU’s funniest player is sophomore guard Marc Stevens. In one five-minute stretch, he bragged about sitting at the cool kids’ table at lunch (“That’s what I tell myself,” he said), outed the team’s laziest and smelliest player (“Marc Stevens across the board”) and singled out the one who’s best with the ladies (“Marc Stevens again”).

Fans wanted: YSU will hold its first “Monday Night Football” practice at 7 p.m. Monday. Fans are encouraged to attend. Wolford wants the Penguins to regain the home field advantage they used to enjoy, something that starts with the fans. “At one time, this was a feared place to play,” he said. “When it’s third down and our defense is on the field, we need everybody yelling.”

Joe Scalzo