ysu notebook

Making the change: YSU coach Eric Wolford made five position changes this week, with redshirt freshmen Dan Banna (RB to LB) and Gannon Hulea (QB to safety) making the most significant switches since this is their second year of college football. Banna, a Canfield High graduate, was the odd man out in a five-person battle at tailback. “We have a good group of backs so I figured maybe I’d help the team more on defense,” said Banna, who played both positions at Canfield. “I saw it as an opportunity to get on the field so I went for it.” Although Banna has to learn a new set of plays, he said it hasn’t been a difficult adjustment so far. “It’s like riding a bike,” he said. “You don’t forget. I’m starting to pick it up more and more; I just need to get there for Penn State.” Hulea also played both positions at Poland High and wanted to make the switch when it became clear he was going to be the fourth or fifth QB. “Coach Wolf wanted me to try safety mainly because I have a chance to help on special teams,” Hulea said. “I wanted to get on the field and actually do something.” The other players making position changes were all true freshman: Mooney grads Donald D’Alesio (CB to safety) and Mark Brandenstein (LB to FB) and Newton Falls grad Stephen Page (DL to OL).

Injury update: Junior LB David Rach missed Saturday’s scrimmage with a concussion and is expected to be out a week. “Everything checked out OK with him this morning,” said Wolford. “He’ll be fine.” Sophomore WR Jelani Berassa is still out with a left knee injury he suffered on Monday. Freshman RB Adaris Bellamy bruised his knee during the scrimmage but Wolford said it wasn’t serious.

Up next: The Penguins have today off and will practice at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Joe Scalzo