Note: Grades reflect a combination of film study, statistical output, and program experience. These are meant as evaluations – not criticisms.
Kylon Wilson (Jr.)
Grade: A-
Context
Wilson comes to Youngstown after spending two seasons at the Division II level with Slippery Rock. He started 12 contests in 2024, earning First Team All-PSAC West as a return specialist and Second Team All-PSAC West as a wide receiver. At wide out, Wilson hauled in 57 passes for 637 yards and 4 touchdowns. On special teams, he returned 32 kicks for 842 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis
If you leave Wilson one-on-one with a cornerback, he is going to win that battle almost every time. His speed and quick burst off the snap is extremely difficult to account for, and his versatility makes him a matchup nightmare. Throughout spring training, this dude was unstoppable and made several highlight-reel caliber plays. YSU lacked a deep threat last season and are putting a lot of stock in a Wilson breakout campaign.
Max Tomczak (Sr.)
Grade: A
Context
Tomczak was WR1 last fall, receiving First Team All-MVFC honors at wideout and accumulating 904 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. He had an offer to transfer to Northwestern and return to his home state of Illinois, but he decided to remain loyal to YSU. From a walk-on to a star receiver, Tomczak is ready for his best season yet.
Analysis
Tomczak is a smooth route runner with secure hands and elite ball tracking skills. He finds the most success in the middle of the field, cutting rapidly and carving up defenses that blow assignments or experience lapses in coverage. A veteran receiver who is reliable and doesn’t make many mistakes.
Luke Hensley (Sr.)
Grade: B+
Context
The former Medina HS star played in six games and started four contests last season, making 11 catches for 145 yards. He dealt with an injury early in the year that limited his potential, though he was still able to showcase his capabilities and put up respectable numbers vs Southern Illinois and Northern Iowa. Much of his production in 2025 will be reliant on the evolution of quarterback Beau Brungard’s passing attack.
Analysis
Hensley hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype since arriving in Youngstown in 2021. He always seems positioned to take the next step, but falls short at inopportune times. I really like his play style – physical at 6-2, 195, and sharp in route running. He is not known for being a deep threat, however, he is capable of claiming 50/50 balls and utilizes his size well over smaller defenders. He will either boom or bust this upcoming season, there is no in-between.
Mike Solomon (Sr.)
Grade: A-
Context
The coaching staff nailed this portal addition. Solomon started 13 games for Slippery Rock in 2024 and led the team in receiving yards (786) and receiving touchdowns (8). He averaged an impressive 14 yards per reception and was a legitimate down-field threat for The Rock.
Analysis
Lengthy and athletic, Solomon has all the physical tools to be successful in the MVFC. He also has remarkable concentration levels, almost never losing focus of the ball and making unbelievable adjustments to complete catches. YSU should have no trouble finding a role for an electric player like Solomon.
Fresh Walters (Soph.)
Grade: B+
Context
The beginning of Walters’ collegiate career didn’t go as expected – he saw no game action in two seasons at Charlotte despite being a three-star recruit (ESPN). Deciding to take a risk, Walters dropped down to JUCO, transferring to Iowa Western Community College. It looks as if he made the right choice, as he posted 868 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, and was a First Team All American nominee in 2024.
Analysis
Walters relies on his speed and shiftiness to manipulate the opposition and create separation. One of the most underrated aspects of his game is his adaptability to broken plays, as he constantly strives to be an option for his quarterback, even when a situation isn’t favorable. Expect quick passes and screens to be tailored for Walters at YSU.
Andrew Jacobs (Jr.)
Grade: B
Context
In 2024, Jacobs played in eight contests and made one start. He had a 30-yard performance vs Duquesne and made a five-yard catch vs South Dakota. Jacobs was a starter in the Annual Red-White Spring Game.
Analysis
Jacobs is a solid route runner with steady hands. He has been at multiple stops, spending time with both Charlotte and South Dakota. Trusting in the “developmental” program that is YSU, Jacobs has worked his way up the depth chart and is poised for a big season as a rotational asset.
Richard Dandridge (Soph.)
Grade: B
Context
Dandridge was a reserve wide out last year, catching eight passes for 63 yards and seeing action in 11 games. In the season finale vs Northern Iowa, he had a three-reception, 24-yard output. He also returned one kickoff for 19 yards.
Analysis
Dandridge is another weapon that is waiting for an opportunity to explode. He has lightning-quick speed and is capable of taking it to the house any time he touches the ball. In high school, Dandridge produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and thrived as a result of his top-tier athleticism. His upside can’t be denied.
Notable Incoming Freshman
Jackson Wiley
Three-star wide receiver according to 247Sports and On3. As a senior, he recorded 1,152 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He was a First Team All-OCC Cardinal Division and First Team All-District selection.
Jeremiah Sanders
Two-star wide receiver by 247Sports. During his senior year, made 26 receptions for 506 yards and six touchdowns. He boasts a large frame, standing at 6-3, 185.
Other Names to Monitor
Matt Reardon
Played in nine contests as a reserve wide receiver. Was also a member of the special teams unit in 2024.
Payton Bjork
Transfers to Youngstown from Tarleton State. In two seasons of high school football, combined for 1,274 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Final Verdict
This is an extremely deep and talented group that figures to be better than last season. The Slippery Rock duo of Mike Solomon and Kylon Wilson will enhance the explosiveness of this offense and provide top end speed (Wilson) and incredible athleticism (Solomon). Tomczak was a transfer portal priority for numerous FBS programs this offseason – he rejected those offers and decided to remain in Youngstown, setting himself up for a massive season. Fresh Walters revived his career at Iowa Western, and should be a key contributor for YSU. Jacobs and Dandridge bolster depth and are tossing in all the cards for a breakout year, while Hensley looks to rewrite his story.
