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With spring practice in full swing, there will be many position groups to monitor, but none may live up to the level of competition that the secondary could see. 21 players are currently listed as defensive backs on the roster, feeding into the assumption that the stakes will be high for a coveted starting spot. The addition of four transfer portal players and numerous star HS recruits has filled up the position group and left little space for error at the top of the room.
The return of Coach Mike Zordich to Youngstown only amplifies the importance of competition, making it clear that the five starting spots are up for grabs. Although it may still be too early to identify who will win the jobs, there are several standout players who could rise to the occasion.
In 2024, the backend of YSU's defense saw significant improvement from the previous season. YSU gave up 240.54 passing yards per game in 2023, ranking 98th in the FCS. The Penguins jumped up to 47 last year, allowing 208.08 passing yards per game. The average yards given up per pass, however, was inflated in 2024, going from 8.04 during the 2023 campaign to 8.64. Communication errors and an inability to get to position in time resulted in explosive plays that often thwarted momentum on defense. Implementing four new starters into the lineup, three of them being transfers, proved too much to overcome especially in regard to connectivity.
Against Pitt and Missouri State, YSU gave up 674 yards through the air combined and 7 touchdowns. The secondary was also exposed vs Southern Illinois, allowing Jake Curry to go 19/26 for 322 yards and 3 touchdowns. The blame certainly shouldn't be entirely directed at the DB room, as YSU's defensive line struggled to generate pressure this year, sacking the QB only 21 times, which was tied for 76th in the FCS. Despite the woes, plenty of players exceeded expectations and emerged as leaders. Redshirt Freshman Makai Shahid exploded onto the scene and developed into one of YSU's best players. Tiffin transfer DB DJ Harris came on late in the season, making several highlight reel caliber plays. Jordan Rudolph and Isaiah Crozier emerged as trustworthy rotational pieces. There were a lot of bright spots in the secondary, providing plenty of reason for optimism moving forward.
It was apparent that when the offseason began for YSU more competition would need to be brought in to replace the four departing starters. Matching the amount of lost production, the coaching staff elected to add four portal DBs to the roster. Dayne Hodge (Tulsa), Caleb Taylor (Ohio Dominican), Justin Wimpye (Tiffin), and Jeremiah Piper (Western Illinois) were the chosen prospects, bringing a tremendous amount of experience to an already polished group. Hodge started 19 games at safety with the Golden Hurricanes, combining for 117 total tackles, 3 FFs, and 2 interceptions. The Rock Island, Illinois native should have no issues asserting himself among the best of YSU's secondary.
Taylor put up impressive numbers in 2024, tallying 51 total tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, and 7 pass deflections. The Pickerington Central grad boasts a lengthy frame at 6-0, 200 Ibs, pointing to the possibility of him manning the SAM position. Wimpye comes from the Tiffin pipeline and is looking to continue the success former Dragons' players have had in Youngstown. With a good track record of progression and improvement, Wimpye has the potential to thrive in the new environment. Piper, a former three star according to ESPN, is familiar with both levels of division one college football, spending time at both FBS Western Michigan and FCS Western Illinois. The trials and tribulations he's endured throughout his career will motivate him to flourish at his final destination. All four players provide valuable depth to the backend of the defense and could crack the rotation.
The secondary is filled to the brim with talent and there are probably around seven or eight guys that I didn't put in this projected lineup who have the capability to start. First looking at the safety position, Hodge and Shahid are both phenomenal game managers who understand football at an extremely advanced level. They swarm to the ball at a rapid pace and execute coverages well, but they also communicate with their teammates and ensure everything pre-snap is taken care of. While it was challenging to leave DJ Harris out of one of the safety roles, I do believe that he will rotate into the lineup and provide a much needed spark for the defense.
Hickey earning the starting SAM role was an easy decision for me as I really like his tape out of Yale and think that he is capable of being a pivotal part of the secondary if he is able to remain healthy. Caleb Taylor will push hard for Hickey's job, but his lack of experience at the FCS level could result in him falling just short of his desires. Picking the two starting defensive backs was an immense challenge but after watching film and constantly reevaluating last season, Crozier and Hackett rose to the top of my list. Crozier has always been an outstanding player, earning two star ratings out of high school and bursting onto the scene in 2024. His ability to lock down almost any wide receiver and maintain solid technique propelled him into my mock lineup. Hackett is a veteran DB who has been through it all in his career. Going from the JUCO ranks to UNLV and finally to Youngstown, Hackett has developed his game nicely and garnered valuable experience along the way. With three starts under his belt last season, Hackett powers his way into my spring game starting lineup.
