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South Range graduate part of YSU’s mix at running back
By Dan Hiner
Youngstown
The Youngstown State football team has big shoes to fill in the offensive backfield.
Tevin McCaster ran for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Over the last three years, McCaster accounted for 2,957 yards rushing and 36 touchdowns.
McCaster ran finished seventh in YSU history in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. But the two-time, first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection graduated.
His replacement could be a familiar face to area residents.
South Range graduate Joe Alessi has been taking first-team reps during the first two days of YSU spring camp at the Watson and Tressel Training Site.
Alessi has slowly risen through the running back ranks.
He saw the field on special teams in his first year. During his sophomore and junior seasons, he was the third-string running back. He has amassed 552 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 43 carries in his three years as a Penguin.
“I’ve worked hard ever since I’ve been playing football,” Alessi said on the second day of camp on Wednesday. “I always give it my all. I love when hard work finally pays off, and I just want to contribute to the team and give it my best.”
YSU running backs coach Nic McKissic-Luke said the goal of camp is to understand each running back’s abilities and construct a plan later.
“I would imagine it would be a running back-by-committee thing,” McKissic-Luke said. “But always with me, it’ll start out that way but we’ll ride the hot hand or hot guys and we’ll stay with him.”
Christian Turner, YSU’s backup running back last season, was used in the passing and running game in 2018. Turner ran for 179 yards on 39 carries and caught a team-high 24 passes for 196 yards and a score.
Other running backs taking snaps in practice included Braxton Chapman, London Pearson, Austintown Fitch graduate Randy Smith and Liberty graduate Dra Rushton.
McKissic-Luke has several plans for the Penguins’ running backs, including using multiple ball carriers in certain formations.
“That’s his strong suit,” McKissic-Luke said. “From there, there will be a lot of times we’ll be in two-back personnels where [Turner] may be split out or London Pearson may be split out with Joe or Braxton checking into the backfield.”
YSY’s running backs had a strong year last season and the team will build on their success in the future.
The Penguins finished sixth in the MVFC with 1,967 rushing yards. YSU averaged 178.8 yards rushing per game and finished tied for eighth with 14 touchdowns.
“I think the role for everybody in the running back group is gonna be the same,” Alessi said. “Everyone’s gonna get some time, everyone’s gonna contribute in some way.
“I think everyone’s gonna do what they did last year and do their job. I think we did a good job as running backs last year.”
Contract Watch 2019
Bo Pelini still hasn’t signed a new deal with YSU. His four-year contract and buyout from Nebraska expire today.
YSU athletic director Ron Strollo said Pelini will continue to run the team until a new deal is signed.