YSU notebook

YSU notebook

Quarterback derby: All indications are that redshirt freshman Kurt Hess will be the first-string quarterback for Saturday’s scrimmage. Hess has been working with the first team since late in the spring and seems to have the edge over junior Marc Kanetsky and redshirt freshman Najee Tyler, a transfer from Purdue. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Tyler has the most physical ability of the three — his arm strength is by far the best of any QB in camp — but is behind the other two in his grasp of the offense, especially since he wasn’t here in the spring. “Kurt is doing a real good job managing the offense and being with the ones [first string],” said senior wideout Dominique Barnes. “Marc is doing a pretty good job, and Najee is still learning but he’s doing a pretty good job too.” Saturday’s practice starts at 10 a.m. with the scrimmage starting soon after. Fans are welcome to attend.

On the line: YSU coach Eric Wolford has spent most of his coaching career focusing on the offensive line. While Carmen Bricillo now coaches that unit, Wolford occasionally sneaks in a little hands-on instruction. “It’s hard for me not to keep an eye on that position but I have to get around and check out all the positions,” he said. “I don’t like to step on a coach’s toes necessarily but I feel like I’ll intervene when I need to.” Wolford hasn’t been as critical about the offensive line as he was in the spring, when he rarely had anything good to say. His main concern is the second string, which features a couple freshmen. “They’re fine when the [defensive linemen] all sit still but nobody on defense ever sits still,” said Wolford, a college lineman at Kansas State. “You’ve got to get them used to the speed of the game so they can play fast themselves.”

Taking a break: Although much of his time is spent either practicing, watching film, attending meetings or studying his playbook, sophomore running back Jamaine Cook admitted he still finds a little time for video games. “I get a little NCAA 2011 in there now and then,” said Cook, referring to EA Sports’ popular college football game.

Joe Scalzo