Five thoughts following YSU's spring game

1. Sophomore LB Travis Williams was a monster, particularly in the first quarter when he had seven tackles.

After starting all 11 games last season, the Miami (Fla.) transfer has a chance to be a difference-maker this fall. There's not a lot of players at this level with his ability.

2. I have no idea who will start in the secondary this fall but after two awful scrimmages, YSU's defensive backs played much better on Friday.

The DBs had their share of blown coverages but I felt they took a big step forward, particularly since I don't expect anyone to stop YSU's offense this season.

3. Starting QB Kurt Hess only played the first half — the coaches already know what they have in him — which gave backup Patrick Angle a chance to show off his arm strength.

When he sets his feet, he can put some heat on his throws, particularly the deep outs to the sidelines. I thought Angle looked shaky in the first scrimmage but he really progressed throughout the spring.

4. There's always a danger to being the spring game standout -- former LaBrae quarterback Todd Rowan was twice the spring game MVP and he ended up leaving the team after getting benched early in the 2009 season -- but this was the second straight year that sophomore tight end Nate Adams stood out.

Adams caught two passes for 49 yards and a TD and had another 27-yarder negated by penalty. He's stuck behind Will Shaw and Carson Sharbaugh for now but he's developing into a weapon.

5. Junior RB Torrian Pace has looked faster and more elusive this spring -- he also might be the friendliest player on the team -- but I just don't see how he's going to get on the field this fall.

Pace would have been better served transferring, either to another FCS school or a Division II program. He's too good to sit.

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Several former YSU players competed in Saturday's Ohio Army National Guard Senior Bowl III at Columbus Crew Stadium.

Andre Barboza caught one pass but it was for a 34-yard touchdown to help the South beat the North 21-7.

Pat White added a 5-yard reception.

Defensively, Andrew Johnson had six tackles, including a game-high 2.5 sacks, Obinna Ekweremuba had six tackles, including a sack, and Scott Sentner and Daniel Stewart each had two tackles.

The game pitted seniors from across the state, ranging from Mid-Americna Conference schools such as Miami and Akron down to Division III programs.

You can read more here: http://www.ohiocollegefootball.com/members/ocf/adminpages/OCFSeniorBowl