YSU put through its paces for 2010 opener

August 28, 2010 at 12:07a.m.

By JOE SCALZO

YOUNGSTOWN

The YSU football team will get ready for game day by getting ready before game day.

Today, the Penguins will focus on the overlooked aspects of games, covering everything from where to stretch to pregame drills to where to stand on the sidelines. They’ll also practice things like Hail Mary plays, taking a safety, taking a knee and all the unusual things that can happen in the game.

“You have to prepare for those things,” said YSU coach Eric Wolford, whose team opens at Penn State Sept. 4. “I think it makes you more comfortable on game day.”

Wolford also released his first depth chart, which is heavy on upperclassmen. Sixteen of the 22 starters are either juniors or seniors, including every defensive starter. The Penguins will start just one true freshman, fullback Mark Brandenstein, and that was due to a hand injury by senior Kyle Banna earlier in camp.

Redshirt freshman Kurt Hess will start at quarterback, with sophomore Jamaine Cook at tailback. Senior Dominique Barnes, junior Josh Lee and sophomore Juilian Harrell will start at receiver, with redshirt freshman Carson Sharbaugh at tight end.

Seniors Bobby Coates (right guard), Eric Rodemoyer (left guard) and Justin Rechichar (center) will start on the line, as will sophomores D.J. Main (right tackle) and Andrew Radakovich (left tackle).

Defensively, seniors Luke Matelan (end) and Torrance Nicholson (tackle) will join juniors Andrew Johnson (nose tackle) and Stephen Meadows (end) up front. Juniors David Rach (Sam), John Sasson (Mike) and Deonta Tate (Will) will start at linebacker. Seniors Andre Elliott (free) and Nick Gooden (strong) will play safety, with senior Brandian Ross and junior Randy Louis at cornerback.

Senior Stephen Blose will kick and redshirt freshman Nick Liste will punt.