The Pride of Youngstown
Ever since Jim Tressel took charge of Youngstown State Football and guided the 'Guins to four national championships, the program has emphasized physicality and toughness in the trenches. Whether it be the 2016 offensive line that pounded Eastern Washington in the FCS semifinals or the 1994 squad that paved the way for a national title, YSU has certainly had its success in a crucial aspect of the game of football.
Not only has YSU had phenomenal groups of offensive linemen, but there have been countless examples of hard-nosed individuals that received opportunities to play at the next level. Looking at some recent players, Mike McAllister signed a UDFA contract with the Los Angeles Rams in April of 2023, reaching an agreement on a 3 year, 2.69 million dollar deal that keeps him with the team until 2026.
Ryan Johnson spent time with both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signing UDFA contracts and gaining invaluable experience in the NFL. As shown by the many accomplishments, YSU has built one of the strongest offensive line pipelines in the country.
A New Era
While YSU's past lines were emblematic of toughness and physicality, the 2024 season presented challenges that tested the foundation laid by those before them. Despite returning four starters, the offensive line faced obstacles such as inconsistent protection schemes and issues with run blocking that contributed to YSU's struggles in key matchups.
In 2024, YSU allowed 21 sacks, giving up an average of 1.75 per game which was tied for 52nd in the FCS. During an upset loss against Duquesne, YSU gave up three massive sacks off of miscommunications and lapses in intensity, thwarting momentum on offense in the fourth quarter and stalling out the 'Guins air attack.
Although YSU's rushing offense ranked 13th in the FCS, poor performances against MVFC opponents translated to several tough losses, such as the setback vs South Dakota. With a new offensive system in place for 2025, it will be crucial for the coaching staff, led by offensive line coach Austen Bujnoch, to help the O-line quickly adapt and return to form.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2025
Desmeal Leigh
Junior | 6-7, 325 lbs | Roosevelt HS
Leigh has come a long way since joining the program from Roosevelt High School in 2022. According to ysusports.com, Leigh weighed around 290 pounds in his first fall at YSU, which is 35 pounds less than what he weighs now.
Prior to attending YSU's offseason lifting sessions and progressing through spring, summer, and fall training, many different websites had Leigh listed at 250 pounds, suggesting that he put on 40 pounds in the span of just a few months. Those numbers alone point to Leigh's hardcore work ethic and his ability to persevere regardless of the circumstances in front of him.
Now with two more seasons remaining, Leigh could potentially boost his draft stock enough to earn a selection from an NFL team, something that a YSU offensive lineman hasn't done since 1989 when Jim Zdelar was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round.
Analysis: Leigh has started every contest the past two seasons, emerging as an immensely talented left tackle with an extremely high ceiling. In 2024, Leigh was an Honorable-Mention All-MVFC selection after allowing only two sacks on the season.
PFF graded Leigh at 98% in Pass Pro Efficiency and 89% in his yearly average grade. Embarking on his junior season, it is crucial that Leigh continues to protect Beau's blindside as the Springfield product develops his passing attack in a new offensive system.
Isaac Perkins
Junior | 6-4, 305 lbs | Colgate | Gahanna Lincoln HS
One of the best portal additions YSU made this offseason came in the form of Gahanna Lincoln product Isaac Perkins, who has a strong resume out of the Patriot League. During his two seasons spent with Colgate, Perkins made appearances in 20 games, starting 15 of them.
In 2024, he made nine starts at left guard which was a jump from the previous season where he only started six contests along the offensive line. Throughout his high school career, Perkins earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior and first-team all-conference awards as a senior, stacking a second-team all-district nod on top of the aforementioned conference accolades to wrap up his time with the Lions.
Outside of football, Perkins received a letter in wrestling and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Don't Count Him Out: Coming out of high school, not many colleges were willing to bet on Perkins to turn into a success story. According to 247sports.com, Perkins received offers from Ashland, Central State, Notre Dame College, and Colgate, showcasing a lack of interest in him as a player and doubt that he could transform his game.
Wanting to prove people wrong, Perkins took the chance of playing at the FCS level and put his head down and went to work. Two years later, Perkins now is a part of the YSU football roster and is met with the opportunity to cement his legacy as a Penguin.
Van Keen
Junior | 6-4, 305 lbs | Stow-Munroe Falls HS
Keen was destined for success at YSU following a prosperous high school career that saw him earn Third-team Division I All-Ohio, First-team All-Northeast Inland Division I, and First-team All-Suburban League National Division selections. The Stow native was coached by Tom Phillips in high school, helping him build a connection with Youngstown State and head coach Doug Phillips, who is Tom's brother.
In 2022, Keen redshirted and underwent a crucial developmental season, evolving his game and focusing on the fundamentals that comes along with being an interior lineman. Keen was a key rotational piece the next year, appearing in six games and starting contests against Missouri State and Indiana State.
As a sophomore, Keen played in all 12 games, making ten starts along the offensive line. He emerged as the lead center on the team during MVFC play after senior Aidan Parker was moved to left guard. With a significant amount of experience, Keen is ready to break through in 2025.
Joe Sferra
Junior | 6-3, 305 lbs | Boardman HS
Patience is the key word for junior offensive lineman Joe Sferra. Since joining the YSU football team in 2022, Sferra has had to wait for an opportunity to snag a starting position. Last offseason it looked as if the conditions were right for Sferra to claim the right guard spot, but he fell short of his dreams, losing a close position battle to Shane Keenan.
With the graduation of Jaison Williams and Aidan Parker, Sferra will finally get what his patience and consistent effort deserves, a starting role on the offensive line at Youngstown State University.
Analysis: Sferra attended Boardman High School and had an outstanding career with the Spartans. He earned Honorable-Mention All-Ohio II and Division II All-Northeast Inland District picks, showcasing his immense talent as an offensive lineman.
When YSU made the playoffs in 2023, Sferra played a crucial role as an offensive line reserve and was a member of the placement kick unit. Last year, Sferra appeared in all 12 contests, seeing his play time increase greatly. Now a junior, Sferra is prepared to have his best collegiate season yet.
Shane Keenan
Junior | 6-5, 305 lbs | Toronto HS
Keenan embodies what it means to be a Penguin, persevering through adversity and doubt while never bowing out of a challenge. In high school, Keenan played virtually everything but offensive lineman, taking reps on the defensive line and at the running back and wide receiver positions. He also handled kickoff duties, placement kicks, and punts.
Despite receiving First-team All-East District honors, being a member of a Division VII program resulted in a major blow to his recruiting profile. Willing to take a risk, Doug Phillips extended an offer to Keenan, encouraging him to buy into offensive line coach Austen Bujnoch and believe in his vision for him as a player and young individual.
After waiting behind former starting right guard Ryan Johnson, Keenan finally got what he had been working towards last season. Embarking on his junior campaign, Keenan will continue to progress his game and attempt to earn MVFC honors at the conclusion of the upcoming season.
Potential Change: Although Keenan played all 12 games at right guard in 2024, it is possible with the departure of right tackle Jaison Williams that the coaching staff kicks the Toronto product out to the far side of the offensive line. Thus far in spring training, Keenan has taken the majority of his reps at the right tackle spot, implying that he will in fact make the transition outside.
With a move like this, seasoned junior Joe Sferra would anchor down the right guard position.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches rapidly, all eyes will be on the offensive line to restore YSU's tradition of dominance in the trenches. With returning talent, key transfers like Isaac Perkins, and a renewed commitment to improvement, the foundation is set for the next chapter of greatness in Youngstown State football.
