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[Brandian Ross wasn’t your typical “Pick-6” cornerback during his college career at Youngstown State University.]

5596

YSU Penguin Athletics / Packers rookie CB Brandian Ross makes play of the night

« on: August 10, 2011, 09:51:07 PM »

Green Bay Packers rookie CB Brandian Ross makes play of the night, intercepts Aaron Rodgers Brandian Ross wasn’t your typical “Pick-6” cornerback during his college career at Youngstown State University. Actually, Ross never even scored a touchdown. But as an undrafted rookie trying to make the Green Bay Packers‘ roster, Ross is quickly discovering that being a playmaker doesn’t hurt your chances. The 6-foot Ross was responsible for the most exciting play of Saturday’s weather-shortened Packers Family Night practice, intercepting quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the first offensive play of the night and returning it for about a 20-yard touchdown. With both of Green Bay’s starting cornerbacks, Charles Woodson (coach’s decision) and Tramon Williams (hip), sitting out during Saturday, it opened the door for the 21-year-old Ross to show why he was the Penguins' first defensive player to sign an NFL contract as an undrafted player since 2003. “In college, I was more of the ‘Pick it and run out of bounds guy,’” said Ross, who had seven interceptions during a four-year college career. “I wasn’t the type to score in college, but was definitely nice to do.” Ross continued to hold his own against the first-string offense, breaking up a long-pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson on the offense’s next possession. Rodgers still got a measure of revenge later in practice with a long completion to wide receiver Randall Cobb at Ross’ expense, but it was a strong start overall. If Ross needed any further proof of where a strong training camp can get you, he need look no further than second-year cornerback Sam Shields, who made the team last year with his game-breaking ability. “Making plays on this defense is going to get me on the field,” said Ross, who moved from safety to cornerback during his senior year because of injuries. “Every practice and every game, I try to envision myself doing something good whether it’s on defense or special teams. I always try to play it in my head over-and-over again, so I wasn’t shocked or anything. It was nice to do it.”

5597

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Donald Jones getting love from Sports Illustrated's Peter King

« on: August 10, 2011, 04:42:56 PM »

According to the Detroit News, Barnes was supposed op be released to sign a Tony Moll, but he has not been released as of this morning.

http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2011/8/9/2353544/detroit-lions-tony-moll-dominique-barnes

5598

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Pads for Day-3

« on: August 10, 2011, 10:13:11 AM »

when is the Okie drill (hoot n holler), or did I miss it?

Good question. I would think it is this weekend. It is always on the first day of the full-contact period ...which is usually 5-7 days ...when they go to full pads. Last year they did "Oklahoma" as opposed to Hoot N Holler. Last year it was August 10th and the year prior it was August 2nd. I will find out & go up for pics if I have not missed it.

5599

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Pads for Day-3

« on: August 09, 2011, 06:51:19 AM »

I am no coach, but I think we have to take two things from today:

1. We need to coach up more fundamentals.

2. This the first day in pads, and the first day outside (100 degrees and percent), the guys just need time to become acclimated.

5600

YSU Penguin Athletics / Pads for Day-3

« on: August 09, 2011, 06:38:15 AM »

The Youngstown State football team added shoulder pads for the first time to its fall practice repertoire on Monday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium. While practice started in the rain, the second half of the up-tempo workout was held under sunny skies.

YSU continued to work on individual drills and spent a bulk of the practice time on offense vs. defense situations. The offensive and defensive lines went toe-to-toe in the North end zone while the wide receivers, quarterback and tight ends took on the linebackers and secondary in 7-on-7 play.

The final 30 minutes featured combination work. Wide receiver Juilian Harrell and tight end Nate Adams had touchdown receptions while free safety Josh Garner intercepted a tipped pass. Senior wide receiver Andre Barboza had a great diving catch to highlight the other performances.

 The final 10 plays of the scrimmage featured the top offense agianst the No. 1 defense and pitted the second-team units against each other. The defense won both sessions meaning the offense had to do sprints following the workout.

The Penguins return to the Stadium turf tomorrow for a workout at 4 p.m. in shoulder pads.

YSU opens the season on Friday, Sept. 2 at Michigan State. The contest will be televised on the Big Ten Network and carried on 570 WKBN AM.

Season and Individual Game Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale through the YSU Athletic Ticket Office. For ticket information contact the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978.

Next 10 Practice Days

Tuesday, August 9 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, August 11 – 4 p.m.
Friday, August 12 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 13 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 14 -- OFF
Monday, August 15 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 – 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 17 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, August 18 – 10 a.m.

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Interesting article

« on: August 08, 2011, 11:19:20 AM »

Maybe so, but the point is that we have funded facilities ...and the players like what we have to offer. To be compared to a school in the ACC speaks highly for us.

5602

YSU Penguin Athletics / Meet Some Players

« on: August 08, 2011, 10:20:26 AM »

I put some interviews up on the site of some of the players during Day-1. If you do not see them, hit the load more and they are at the bottom.:

http://www.youtube.com/user/myysupenguins#grid/user/76F0823C5DE92267

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Fall Practice Day-2

« on: August 08, 2011, 10:15:19 AM »

Enthusiasm was high for the second straight day as the Youngstown State football team held a solid workout on Sunday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium. The Penguins spent their second straight day in helmets to open fall camp, but early on you can tell a difference in the makeup of the 2011 team.

YSU moved through practice quickly and ended the session early in large part because of the work of the players, Head Coach Eric Wolford said. So far he has been please with the effort and hustle of the overall group.

While the returning players have performed well, the newcomers have grabbed some attention. On offense, tailback Demond Hymes has had some strong runs while freshman wide recevier Andre Stubbs caught a pass from freshman quarterback Dante Nania that found its way through three defenders. Freshman wide receivers Kintrell Disher and Andrew Williams have also been key pass-catching contributors.

Senior wide receiver Pat White caught a long pass from redshirt freshman Patrick Angle during the workout and sophomore free safety Josh Garner knocked away a Kurt Hess pass in the end zone during the team session.

Junior tailback Jamaine Cook has started camp strong on offense while sophomore defensive lineman D.J. Moss has stood out on the defensive front.

Depth has been another key aspect. The Penguins have solid numbers at almost every position so competition has helped spur on everyone.

The Penguins return to the Stadium turf tomorrow after for a workout at 4 p.m. The Guins will wear shoulder pads on Monday and Tuesday.

YSU opens the season on Friday, Sept. 2 at Michigan State. The contest will be televised on the Big Ten Network and carried on 570 WKBN AM.

Season and Individual Game Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale through the YSU Athletic Ticket Office. For ticket information contact the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978.

Next 10 Practice Days

Monday, August 8 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, August 11 – 4 p.m.
Friday, August 12 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 13 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 14 -- OFF
Monday, August 15 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 – 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 17 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Standing out

« on: August 08, 2011, 06:53:54 AM »

Standing out: The Penguins won’t put on pads for a few more days, but several true freshman skill players have already opened some eyes. One of those players is 5-foot-6 wide receiver Andre Stubbs, who showed an impressive burst on kick returns during Sunday’s practice. At one point, sophomore tight end Carson Sharbaugh yelled over to head coach Eric Wolford, “Stubbs is too fast.” When Wolford smiled and nodded, Sharbaugh added, “Just like me.” Wolford also praised freshmen receivers Christian Bryan, Andrew Williams and 6-foot-4 Kintrell Disher. “Disher, you just throw the ball up to him,” Wolford said. “Doesn’t matter where it is, he’ll catch it.” Their performance is an encouraging sign for the Penguins, whose biggest question coming out of fall camp was, “Who is going to be the No. 1 receiver?” Senior wideouts Pat White and Ely Ducatel both made nice plays during practice as well. “Look at Ely — he didn’t look like that ever before,” said Wolford after watching Ducatel made a leaping grab. “And Pat White’s done better. He had one drop, but then he came back and made two great plays. It’s early, but it’s encouraging.”

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Interesting article

« on: August 07, 2011, 06:34:14 PM »

“I love it,” Williams said. “‘The U’ is ‘The U’ but they don’t have a locker room like Youngstown does. There’s no big indoor stadium.

“I ain’t downing ‘The U.’ I love it still. But Youngstown’s facilities are top-notch and the dorms are way better. And the overall lifestyle is more laid back and chill and that’s the kind of person I am.”

Those of you that say Strollo has done nothing ...think again.

Now let's just hope Williams knows he cannot 'chill' in class and on the field.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

A few weeks ago, linebacker Travis Williams decided to transfer from the University of Miami to Hampton (Va.) University, an FCS school 30 minutes away from his hometown of Norfolk.

His family urged him to reconsider. Williams’ brother, Wayne, was murdered last July, and his family felt it was best if he went away for college.

“I felt the same way,” he said. “I wanted to experience something different. I grew up all my life in Virginia so I knew it back and front and I just wanted to go somewhere that was different.”

Williams was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and was recruited to Miami by former coach Randy Shannon, who was fired in December. After redshirting last fall, Williams said he was starting during spring practice, but reportedly had a disagreement with new coach Al Golden that prompted him to leave the team. His suitemate, cornerback Devont’a Davis, also opted to leave and enrolled at YSU last month.

When Williams started looking elsewhere, YSU emerged as a viable alternative.

“‘The U’ was fine; there was just a situation that happened that I wasn’t too happy with and I just decided to leave,” he said. “I got full approval [on YSU] from my mother, my grandmother, my sisters, my uncle and my godfather [Lake Taylor coach Hank] Sawyer.

“I did my research [on YSU] and Devont’a was already up here and that was a very big part of my decision. Otherwise, I would have been coming to a strange town, not knowing nobody.”

Davis first met Williams in high school when they attended a spring practice together at Miami. They soon grew close.

“We’ve really got that bond,” Davis said. “Like we said at ‘The U,’ that brotherly love.

“Now it’s brotherly love north.”

Both said they’ve felt comfortable since arriving — “The coaches have shown me a lot of love since I got here and the players have welcomed me,” Davis said — and both said they feel like they’re attending a Division I school.

“I love it,” Williams said. “‘The U’ is ‘The U’ but they don’t have a locker room like Youngstown does. There’s no big indoor stadium.

“I ain’t downing ‘The U.’ I love it still. But Youngstown’s facilities are top-notch and the dorms are way better. And the overall lifestyle is more laid back and chill and that’s the kind of person I am.”

Williams (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) said he’s an intense player and prides himself on his tackling. (“I try not to miss too many,” he said, smiling.) He’ll compete for playing time on the deepest unit of YSU’s defense.

Davis (6-1, 175), meanwhile, should be in the mix immediately for the starting spot opposite sophomore Donald D’Alesio after senior cornerbacks Deionte Williams and Jamarious Boatwright suffered season-ending injuries during the spring and senior Randy Louis opted to forgo his final year of eligibility after graduating.

When asked what type of player he is, Davis said, “Expect big plays. I’m an impact player and I do what I’ve got to do, which is shut down one side of the field. That’s my job.”

It will take time for them to get acclimated — when asked about dealing with Youngstown’s winters, Williams laughed and said, “As long as my feet are warm, I should be good” — but there’s no denying their potential.

“I’m just expecting a great season and I’m looking forward to following my seniors,” Williams said. “Following those that lead well.”

5606

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: 2011 Fall Camp Roster

« on: August 07, 2011, 11:47:35 AM »

Did Taylor Hill's number change?

Number Changes of Note from 2010:

Josh Garner moved from 21 to 1
Andre Barboza moved from 83 to 1
Adaris Bellamy moved from 5 to 9
David Rogers moved from 80 to 13
Daniel Stewart moved from 39 to 19
Kyle Sirl moved from 87 to 33
Nate Adams moved from 42 to 44

5607

YSU Penguin Athletics / First Day of Camp

« on: August 07, 2011, 11:45:51 AM »

The Youngstown State football team had its first practice of the fall on Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium. The Penguins worked out for more than two hours in helmets to get their camp underway.

Head Coach Eric Wolford was pleased with the team's effort and enthusiasm on a hot and humid afternoon.

"I thought the kids came out with a good spirit and worked hard," Wolford said. "I saw some good things and it was good to see guys competing."

Although not wearing pads, Wolford was impressed with the physical conditioning of the squad and the leadership of several of the upperclassmen stood out.

Wolford said sophomore quarterback Kurt Hess and junior tailback Jamaine Cook leadership was evident, and he like the way sophomore Jordan Thompson ran the ball.

Senior quarterback Marc Kanetsky made several good reads and that the secondary made some impressive plays.

The Penguins held their annual Media Day earlier on Saturday in the WATTS. More than 85 players talked to the local news media about their anticipation of the upcoming campaign and poised for photos.

YSU opens the season on Friday, Sept. 2 at Michigan State. The contest will be televised on the Big Ten Network and carried on 570 WKBN AM.

Season and Individual Game Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale through the YSU Athletic Ticket Office. For ticket information contact the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978.

Number Changes of Note from 2010
Josh Garner moved from 21 to 1
Andre Barboza moved from 83 to 1
Adaris Bellamy moved from 5 to 9
David Rogers moved from 80 to 13
Daniel Stewart moved from 39 to 19
Kyle Sirl moved from 87 to 33
Nate Adams moved from 42 to 44

Next 10 Practice Days
Sunday, August 7 – 4 p.m.
Monday, August 8 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10 – 4 p.m.
Thursday, August 11 – 4 p.m.
Friday, August 12 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 13 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 14 -- OFF
Monday, August 15 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 – 10 a.m.

5608

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Brewer & Gasparek leave YSU hoops

« on: August 06, 2011, 09:08:47 AM »

Okay ...let's behave.

5609

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: 2011 Fall Camp Roster

« on: August 05, 2011, 10:04:29 AM »

Did Taylor Hill's number change?

I have couple of photos from that spring game when he was 15, as I remember thinking that was an odd number at LB There was 15 and 16 in camp when they had Hulea back at S.  Then I remember Hill going to 50 or 51? Ali was always 51, so I would think Hill had to have been 50.

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: 2011 Fall Camp Roster

« on: August 05, 2011, 07:19:22 AM »

Losses that I can come up with:

Snow: WR (Sr)
Colegrove: G (Sr)
**Never like to see the seniors leave***

Clark: LB (Jr)
Stevens: OL (Jr)
**Little less worried here, but I was hoping Stevens would work out at C. We did have an influx at LB, but this is clearly what I consider our top priority on defense.


Allen: RB (soph)
Webster: CB (soph))
Austin: S (soph)
Antonucci: S (soph)
Edison: LB (soph)
Kipp: LB (soph)
**2 of three safeties and 2 more LB's. One of those LB's would have had good playing time. Outside of that, I did not expect much time out of this group though. I had high hopes for Antonucci.**


Dragovich: WR (rsFrosh)

The WR's all took a great deal of abuse last year from the staff ...I expected most of these WR losses. They were not getting the job done. He was pretty tall though. Disher may have to play as a frosh. Barbozza and Ducatel are both "6 footers". It does not matter if Watts is not quite 6' ...he can jump. I am comfortable.

I understand we still are looking at transfers Gibson from VaTech, and Williams from Miami(O) ...both LB's. Gibson is a friend of the Williams from Miami(FL). I thought he was going to Hampton, but he is not on their roster.