YSU O-line ready to move around

March 28, 2019 at 12:05a.m.

Switching positions the norm in spring

YOUNGSTOWN

To play offensive line at Youngstown State, be prepared to move around.

With just one full-time starter — redshirt sophomore left tackle Dan Becker — returning from last year’s group, last year’s tackle might be this season’s guard or this spring’s center could be a guard by fall.

“We’ve always been able to play wherever. You have to know all the different positions of where you’re going to play,” redshirt senior guard Jimmy Wilson said. “[Offensive line coach Coach John Peterson] has stressed that we need to know all of them. I saw some time at tackle and I haven’t played there since last fall. It’s been all about studying the playbook and knowing your stuff.”

Peterson wouldn’t commit to penciling in his starting five on the o-line, saying that will come in the fall, but there ares signs of a few players holding down spots on the first team. Becker’s job should be safe as a returning starter. On the other side of the line, senior Devon Robinson started two games at right tackle last year. The interior is where things become more fluid. Junior-college transfer Jordan Velez and Wilson are getting the majority of the top reps at left and right guard, respectively. Wilson hasn’t played in a game since the 2016 season as injuries have kept him off the field.

“I’ve had shoulder issues and some knee issues, but I don’t like using things as excuses,” Wilson said. “I just have to keep pushing myself even harder. Especially this summer. I also have to push everyone around me to make them better.”

West Branch graduate Jacob Zinni has been the top center in spring ball after spending the past two seasons playing in both guard spots.

“He’s an intelligent football player. He takes a lot of pride in what he does,” Peterson said. “He’s had a very consistent spring.”

As well as Zinni has played this spring, he may not be the center in fall. The team’s returning linemen are well aware of the arrival of Hubbard native and West Virginia transfer Matt Jones and the possibility of somebody having to make way for him. He’s expected to join the team in the fall after graduating from WVU. Nonetheless, they’re going to welcome him with open arms.

“He’s a great guy and you can already tell he’s going to have a great dynamic with us,” Wilson said. “He’s going to fit in with the group. He loves to joke around. I love watching film on that guy and he’s going to be a great addition to that offensive line.”

By the time fall camp starts in August, Peterson could be trotting out a different offensive line than what has been present this spring, but his guys will be prepared to move around.

“Right now, it’s still competition. Whoever is starting now, that doesn’t mean that’s where they’re going to start,” Peterson said. “The goal is to have competition to create guys that can play multiple positions.

“Any time a lineman can learn multiple positions and still understand schemes, the better off they’ll be. The more knowledge they have, the more valuable they’ll be.”