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More from Stambaugh Stadium
Eye on the D: The Penguins have a whopping 49 new players since last fall, with two-thirds of those on defense. Five of YSU’s defensive starters weren’t even on the team in the spring. “The defense is young but it’s much improved,” said senior co-captain John Sasson, who started every game last fall and led the team in tackles. “There is more depth this year. The biggest thing we’ve been stressing through all our offseason workouts is to finish.” Sasson said the team has simplified the defense a little bit to accommodate the youth and inexperience. “We’re gonna play smart and do what we do well,” he said.
Lineup notes: YSU made one change in its starting lineup since releasing its first depth chart last week. Sophomore WR Kevin Watts was promoted to the first team, while senior WR Andre Barboza was dropped to the third team. Also, Hubbard High graduate Kurtis Drummond earned the backup spot at strong safety on Michigan State’s two-deep chart. Drummond is a redshirt freshman, missing last fall with shoulder surgery.
Oh captain, my captain: YSU coach Eric Wolford said eight or nine players got a significant number of votes for team captain. Sasson, senior DT Andrew Johnson, junior RB Jamaine Cook and sophomore QB Kurt Hess were named the four captains. “I visited with the captains and told these other gentlemen got a significant amount of votes and you need to lean on them,” he said.
Spread the red: First Place Bank is sponsoring a “Spread The Red to Feed Hungry Families” campaign this season. First Place Bank donated $4,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank on Tuesday and will donate $150 each time YSU gets into the red zone this fall at Stambaugh Stadium.
Star player: Former YSU football player Ed O’Neill, who lettered for the Penguins in 1967-68, got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday. O’Neill is best known for roles on “Married With Children” and “Modern Family.”