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With Nania injured, Wells likely to start
Starting QB Nania misses practice again with ankle injury
By Joe Scalzo
YOUNGSTOWN
A right ankle injury sidelined Dante Nania for his fourth straight practice on Thursday, but that didn’t stop Youngstown State coach Eric Wolford from being coy about Saturday’s starting quarterback.
“I mean, he could play,” Wolford said of Nania following Thursday’s practice. “If we have to play him, we can play him. But right now, it’s going to be a game-time decision.”
True freshman Hunter Wells, who played briefly in last weekend’s win over Duquesne after Nania left in the fourth quarter, has worked with the first string this week, with redshirt freshman Ricky Davis playing with the backups.
Wells (6-5, 195) has drawn comparisons to former YSU quarterback Kurt Hess. Although Wells is taller and thinner than Hess, they both overcome average arm strength with above-average accuracy and a strong grasp of the offense.
When asked if he felt good about Wells starting, Wolford smiled and said, “Did you see him throw today? Pretty good, huh? He’s pretty smooth. He’ll be just fine.”
Wells, who was not available for comment this week, set Stark County’s career passing record as a four-year starter at Fairless High.
Another verbal commitment
YSU picked up another verbal commitment on Thursday from Middletown South (N.J.) offensive lineman James Wilson. His Twitter home page shows a picture of him wearing a No. 78 YSU jersey.
Wilson (6-5, 285) also had offers from Monmouth, Fordham, St. Francis (Pa.), Old Dominion and Sacred Heart, according to the Shore Sports Network.
The Penguins also have verbal commitments from Boardman linebacker Evan Croutch, Cardinal Mooney kicker Zak Kennedy, West Branch lineman Jacob Zinni and Bowling Green (Ohio) wide receiver Ryan Emans.
First win
Wolford’s first win at YSU was against Butler, a 31-7 victory on Sept. 11, 2010. The Penguins play host to the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Wolford said he didn’t remember the milestone until he was asked about it.
“You know what? It’s been so long ago,” he said. “I just try to stay in the moment. That’s where I kind of live. I live in a little insulated world. It’s a deal where I’m just kind of in that meeting room watching film. Dark rooms and I kind of stay insulated in the locker room and on the field.
“That’s the way you’ve got to be as a coach, though. You can’t get caught up in other stuff.”
Journey vs. destination
Northern Iowa will play at Hawaii on Saturday night, but senior tight end Nate Adams said he isn’t necessarily jealous of the Panthers.
“That would be cool to go out there and play, but that has got to be one heck of a trek,” he said. “I’ll let them enjoy that trip this week.”
Position change?
YSU suffered a rash of injuries in its secondary last week, forcing the Penguins to briefly move safety Donald D’Alesio to cornerback during Saturday’s win over Duquesne.
Linebacker Dubem Nwadiogbu said he’d be willing to do the same, but he has a couple conditions.
“If I have two safeties to help me,” he said. “Twenty-yard cushion and two safeties, that’s pretty good.”