The 2025 season proved to be a frustrating one for YSU’s defensive backfield.
The Penguins’ surrendered 252 passing yards per game, ranking 112th in the FCS and struggling to find answers on a consistent basis. With every starter departing and limited experience set to return, YSU added six defensive backs to its roster from the transfer portal.
Banking on experience and proven production, hopes are high that these additions will significantly improve the secondary and aid in a concerted effort to improve the entire defense.
Darvens Tunis (6-0, 165) transfers in from Division II Shippensburg, where he spent two seasons with the Raiders. After playing in three games as a true freshman, Tunis broke out in 2025 – starting nine contests and totaling 27 tackles.
Tunis concluded his stint at Shippensburg with nine total pass deflections, including seven last year. With valuable starting experience as just a sophomore, Tunis will look to channel his experience to the FCS level and compete for a starting role in the Penguin defensive backfield.
Julius Jackson (6-1, 195) brings the most production of the six defensive back additions, combining for 143 total tackles, seven TFLs and two interceptions in his career at Washburn University (Topeka, Kansas). Of those 143 tackles, Jackson recorded 105 the last two seasons.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jackson was a standout at St.John’s Jesuit High School, earning first-team all-district honors as a senior. Not just a great football player, Jackson has received recognition for his strong leadership attributes.
Clyne comes to Youngstown after two years at Cincinnati. The Tippecanoe HS product garnered valuable reps last fall, playing in eight games and generating four total tackles (two SOLO).
Clyne was recruited to Cincinnati as a wide receiver, but has carved out a role for himself at defensive back. At 6-2, 175, Clyne offers both elite speed and a strong special teams background, showcasing his versatility and massive upside.
A 2025 All-Pioneer Football League First Team Selection, Holman (6-2, 180) is a physical defensive back who breaks on the ball at an incredibly high rate. Last year, Holman produced top-end numbers, racking up 44 tackles in addition to 7.5 TFLs, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
His 2024 resume is also impressive, as Holman was an All-Pioneer Football League Honorable Mention nominee, generating 19 total tackles and three interceptions. With solid experience at FCS Butler, Holman will look to translate his success to the MVFC.
Cam Smith – former three-star athlete and local product – returns home to Youngstown for one final go-around. Smith attended Fitch HS, being graded as the No.39 player in the state of Ohio by 247Sports Composite and also receiving 2022 All-Mahoning County Team recognition.
In three years of experience at FBS Iowa State, Smith tallied 18 total tackles and 0.5 sacks.
Raleigh Collins III (6-3, 195) is a lengthy defensive back that transfers in from New Hampshire. Collins III recorded 40 total tackles and two interceptions in 2025, seeing reps as both a nickel and safety.
Prior to his time with the Wildcats, Collins III spent three seasons at West Virginia, playing in 12 career games and totaling ten tackles.
