Youngstown, OH. — A lack of loyalty and trust to the program was evident specifically on the defensive side of the ball throughout the course of YSU’s 8-5 season. Communication appeared to be an issue in the backend of the defense and tempers flared whenever a mistake was made during a game. Immediately after the season concluded, several important players rushed to the portal and others followed suit until there was almost nobody left on the defense. It was later revealed that multiple players on YSU’s defense were tampered with before a crucial second round matchup vs Villanova. At the sight of a couple more thousand dollars in cash and an FBS name to play under, high ego characters lost focus on a key playoff game and worried only about themselves. They found an escape route, a place to depart to if there was a negative outcome.
Following this mass portal exodus, Doug Phillips focused on rebuilding the defense and brought an emphasis of connectivity to his recruiting process. "Burn the boats," a saying that roots from Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes, was examined by the staff and used as a teaching point during the recruiting cycle. There are no ways out, you’re either with the team and will devote everything you have to win for YSU or you aren’t welcome in the program. While last season was great, it served as a lesson for the coaching staff to find guys who want to be all in 100% no matter what their role is on the team. With tons of new faces and a lot of returners, YSU will look to work up the ranks as a complete team and discard the getaway cards that halted their season.
Previewing the YSU Offense
Beau Brungard leads the charge at quarterback and continues to develop his dual-threat capabilities under experienced advisor Mike Tomczak and offensive coordinator Troy Rothenbuhler. His explosiveness and shifty nature makes him a force to deal with and is what separates him from former QB Mitch Davidson in terms of playing style. Brungard’s passing attack continues to evolve at camp and his poise in the pocket has been excellent the past couple of weeks.
Tyshon King returns in the backfield with Beau following a dominant season that saw him eclipse the 1,000 yard mark and punch the ball into the end zone on nine different occasions. King will roll into the season as the bell cow/workhorse while Cincinnati transfer Ethan Wright attempts to compliment him with his explosive playing style. Wright was an absolute force in high school and earned plenty of game reps for the Bearcats throughout his time there. Doug Phillips helped recruit him when he was an assistant under Luke Fickell in Cincy and maintained that connection up until he came to Youngstown. The one-two punch of Wright and King will be tough to stop and it looks as if sets have been designed for both of them to be on the field at the same time which could be lethal.
Up front, YSU returns four of five starters with tons of game reps. Tackles Jaison Williams (6-4, 320 Ibs) and Desmeal Lehigh (6-7, 325 Ibs) are both massive human beings who played a significant role in allowing only 18 sacks through the course of 13 games. They return with another year of experience under their belts and brace themselves for the hardest schedule they’ve dealt with yet. Center Aidan Parker (6-2, 300 Ibs) commands the O-Line and has a chip on his shoulder following a tough end to 2023. Left guard David Metzler (6-5, 320 Ibs) further solidifies the interior of the offensive line and brings back 13 games of experience at guard. Sophomore Shane Keenan (6-5, 305 Ibs) will man the right guard spot, replacing veteran Ryan Johnson.
At wide receiver, Max Tomczak embarks on his Junior season in the slot with a new task as the true number 1 option. Last season, Tomczak hauled in 56 balls for 669 yards and a touchdown, leading the team in receptions against conference opponents. Freak Athlete Joey Farthing could develop into a household name due to his insane athleticism and ability to go up and get almost any ball. Luke Hensley provides steady hands and a calm presence in the WR room. Expect young speedster Cyrus Traugh and versatile Latrell Fordham to contribute significantly in the RPO/Jet motion game. Temple transfer Richard Dandridge aims to emerge as a star. Despite some massive losses in Bryce Oliver (NFL) and CJ Charleston (Michigan), this group appears more balanced on paper and will give defenses fits on Saturdays. Tight ends Brandon Serrano and Colt Sechrest will be critical in blocking and quick toss out situations. The offense is poised to maintain the production of last season and maybe improve upon it.
Previewing the YSU Defense
The secondary lost every starter outside of breakout DB Jaylen Castleberry who played in all 13 games last season and started the final seven. He finished the year with 27 total tackles and seven pass breakups, backing up the scholarship that was given to him prior the start of the 2023 campaign with solid production. Transfers Isaiah Hackett (UNLV), DJ Harris (Tiffin), and Payton Edwards (Indiana State) will all be part of the rotation along with Pickerington product Isaiah Crozier and Sophomore Jordan Rudolph. While it is yet to be determined who will be designated as the other starting DB, Hackett, Harris, and Crozier have slightly pulled away from the other two vouching for the job.
Kerion Martin will man the SAM position succeeding a stint with Marshall in which he saw a significant amount of playing time. Martin was credited with 31 total tackles and two tackles for loss last season with the Thundering Herd, reflecting the physicality he brings to the table. Andrew Centofanti, who just received a scholarship, has improved his game markedly and could be a crucial rotational piece at the SAM spot down the stretch. Pitt transfer Stephon Hall and redshirt freshman Makai Shahid are the clear starting safeties. Hall comes to Youngstown with good game action and a star studded background out of Central Valley High School in PA. At Pitt, Hall appeared in 18 games in the final two seasons he was there, tallying seven total tackles. With a fresh environment, Hall has been thriving at practice and continues to show why he is a lock for the starting safety job. Shahid burst onto the scene in spring and summer workouts, performing extremely well when it mattered most and grinding hard to advance his game. He has lived up to his high school nickname “Mr. Showtime,” by performing when it matters the most. Mississippi prospect Jeremiah Robinson will rotate in at safety along with developmental player Dallas Harper.
In the middle of the defense, LB Michael Wells and LB Devin Johnson will attempt to fill the shoes of Greg Benton Jr. and Alex Howard. Wells played in 12 games as a reserve on defense and member of special teams in 2023. The coaching staff has monitored Wells development in the program and praised the amount of hours he’s been putting in to improve his game. Johnson is a familiar face with tons of reps as a key rotational piece. He tallied 18 tackles last season while seeing action in all 13 games. His high motor and desire to never give up will be a critical part of the defense this season. Iowa State transfer Carston Marshall was an animal in high school, receiving three-star ratings by both 247Sports and Rivals. Despite a frustrating tenure in Ames, Marshall is prepped for any opportunities that present itself. Logan Pasco and Preston Zandier will serve as the primary backups heading into the season and deserve to be considered a pivotal part of the rotation.
On the D-Line, Dawan Martin and Hunter Allen will work off the edge with an eagerness to take down the quarterback following plenty of missed opportunities the previous year. Martin is an explosive player who’s quick burst should give opposing O-Lines trouble. With a big frame at 6-4, 250 Ibs and a couple of development seasons, Martin is prepared for a breakout season. Allen is a scrappy player who will find ways to disrupt an offense despite struggling to get penetration up front in different instances. His leadership and ability to direct the defense could be an essential part of unlocking the full potential of the D-Line. Northern Colorado transfer Joe Brown aims to maximize his potential in the center of the defensive line and utilize his big build (6-2, 335 Ibs) to shred interior O-Linemen. Jaelen Crider, another massive human being, will complement Brown in the middle and cause chaos for other teams. Expect Nehemiah Dukes, Jabarreck Hopkins (Marshall), and Deshawn Carter to serve as important rotational pieces throughout the season. This defense has a ton of potential and just needs to play for one another to be successful.
Previewing the YSU Special Teams
Placekicker Andrew Lastovka comes back after making 17-of-20 field goals and earning third-team Phil Steele FCS Freshman All-American awards. Punter Brendon Kilpatrick also returns following a year in which he averaged 43.4 yards on 46 punts and excelled at placement of the ball. Long snapper Sam Merryman has another year in the tank, receiving Honorable-Mention All-MVFC selection last season. Latrell Fordham and Max Tomczak will handle most return duties with Tyshon King possibly being in the mix as well.
