Stewart leaps ahead with sacks


inline tease photo
Photo

YSU defensive end Daniel Stewart

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Earlier this month, at one of Youngstown State’s first spring practices, the offensive and defensive linemen lined up for a blocking drill and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo shouted out to his players, “Let’s see if we can block 39 today.”

Thirty-nine is senior defensive end Daniel Stewart, who has made the jump from “Who’s he?” to “Who’s who” this spring. He had four sacks in Saturday’s scrimmage and has been one of YSU’s best defensive players so far in camp.

Junior offensive lineman Lamar Mady even called him the toughest player in camp to block.

“Last fall was a tough adjustment for me, coming straight here from my junior college,” said Stewart, who transferred to YSU after two years at El Camino (Calif.) Community College. “Now I’m really getting into the defense.

“I know what I’m doing now.”

Stewart started the season opener against Penn State last fall and didn’t see much of the field afterward, compiling just 11 tackles in nine games.

The talent was always there — he had 16.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore — but Stewart needed a year to adjust to the team’s scheme and the league’s speed.

Now he’s leading a front seven that has consistently pressured YSU’s quarterbacks and done a much better job against the Penguins’ potent running game.

“We’re probably getting too much pass rush right now for my liking,” said YSU coach Eric Wolford, a former offensive lineman and longtime offensive line coach. “That means we’re getting better on the defensive line, which is a positive thing.”

Stewart said his first goal this season is to win — “Obviously,” he said — but he’d also like to become one of the team’s defensive captains. To get there, he needs to make a bigger impact and have a shorter memory.

“I just want to not let the small mistakes keep lingering on,” he said. “And try not to let them change my play.”

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More