Hammering the Reset Button - YSU prided itself on toughness and physicality on the defensive line for the majority of its triumphant 2023 season. Ranking 10th in the nation in run defense, YSU had the recipe for making a run in the FCS playoffs. Villanova thwarted YSU’s attempts to spark any 2016 magic, dominating them 45-28 in the second round. Portal mayhem ensued as YSU’s defense was completely gutted, leaving behind almost no resemblance of what was once a seasoned and talented front seven. The statistics took a consequential hit and YSU struggled immensely in 2024. With pressure to perform on the field from the media and YSU’s passionate fan base, it is vital that the ‘Guins put their heads down and identify the blueprint for success once again in the trenches. Here are seven players who could make or break YSU’s upcoming season.
Joe Brown
Senior | 6-2, 335 Ibs | Northern Colorado | Desert Pines HS, Nevada
Played at Northern Colorado for three seasons, appearing in 18 games. Brown totaled 39 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and 0.5 sack during his time with the Bears. His most productive season came in 2022 when he accumulated 26 tackles. Attended Desert Pines High School in Clark County, Nevada. Brown played both offensive and defensive line. He transferred to YSU for the 2024 season. Brown played in 11 games, recording 7 tackles and 1 TFL. Started games against Villanova, Valparaiso, Pitt, and Duquesne.
Analysis
Brown is physical at the point of attack and matches the intensity of opposing offensive linemen upfront. His relentless effort and persistence makes him a viable option to hold post in the center of the defensive line. This offseason, Brown should aim to improve his technique when engaging with offensive linemen, especially in regard to hand movement and ramping up intensity to swarm to the ball. Continuing to build strength in the weight room and increasing versatility should also be top priorities for the Clark County native. Brown has all the physical tools to become a reliable option for YSU, but it will come down to the fundamentals and emphasizing the basics if he wishes to secure his spot in the defensive rotation.
Collin Vaughn
Senior | 6-2, 285 Ibs | Utah State | Stafford Senior HS, VA
Vaughn spent three seasons at NAIA Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He appeared in 26 contests, starting 13 with the Cardinals. The Virginia product booked 89 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 TFLs, and 1 PBU. Earned Mid-States Football Association honorable-mention all-conference during the COVID season. Vaugn transferred to D2 Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina. Played in eleven games and started seven. Recorded 47 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 1 sack. Tested the portal waters once again, landed at Mountain West program Utah State. Suffered an injury early on in the season. Attended Stafford Senior High School in Charlotte, Va. - All-Conference performer. Rated as a three star by 247 sports in this portal cycle.
Analysis
Vaughn surges to the football at an extremely high level, utilizing his upper body strength and fast footwork to track down offenders. For how massive Vaughn’s frame is, you would be surprised at how quick he is, as he is capable of exploding from sideline to sideline in order to prevent chunk plays. The benefits of bringing in a talent like Vaughn is that he is capable of stifling the ground attack while also being athletic and flexible when it comes to pursuing the quarterback. He has been through it all in his career and now he arrives in Youngstown, Ohio with an opportunity to showcase everything that he’s been working towards. His potential is through the roof.
Michael Voitus
Senior | 6-1, 240 Ibs | Poland HS
Voitus has been with the program throughout his entire collegiate career. Attended Poland High School, earning special mention All-Ohio Division IV, Northeast 8 Conference Player of the Year, and first-team Division IV Northeast Inland District honors. Emerged as an essential piece of the defensive front in 2024, leading all defensive linemen on the team with 28 total tackles. Voitus also poured in 8 TFLs and 3.5 sacks, highlighting his high motor and versatility up front.
Analysis
Voitus has worked as hard as anybody since arriving in the spring of 2021. Last season was a culmination of his persistence and consistency on a day-to-day basis. With one final campaign remaining, Voitus will unload everything he has left in the tank in an effort to further improve his skill set and guide YSU back to the playoffs after a disappointing 2024 season. Voitus excels at exploiting offensive linemen who make subtle mistakes in foot work or any other fundamentals. If an offensive tackle is a step too slow off the snap, Voitus will find a way to bypass traffic and get around the edge, wrapping up the quarterback. If an offensive lineman makes an error with his hand placement, then Voitus will use his agility to spin around him and generate a negative play. Having a speed rusher who can also impose his will on the opposition can be a key component of a successful defensive front. Voitus is aiming to become even more disruptive in 2025.
Deshawn Carter
Sophomore | 6-3, 240 Ibs | South Allegheny HS
Carter was rated as a two star prospect according to Rivals. He was an absolute game wrecker at South Allegheny High School where he played both offense and defense. On the defensive line, Carter racked up 71 total tackles, 27 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, and 4 pass break ups. Offensively, Carter grinded out 821 rushing yards and 1,011 all purpose yards, adding 9 touchdowns as well. In 2024, appeared in 9 games for YSU, tallying 3 total tackles. Since signing with the ‘Guins in 2023, Carter has put on an additional 20 Ibs of muscle mass.
Analysis
Carter made creating chaos in the backfield look easy throughout his career in high school. Similar to Voitus, Carter bursts through the offense with his speed and athleticism. The main difference between the two is that Carter has a larger frame and is lengthier than Voitus is. If Carter is able to continue building upper body strength in an attempt to complement his swift movement on the edge, he will be given the opportunity to play a significant role in YSU’s rotation in the trenches.
Ebony Curry Jr.
Sophomore | 6-5, 250 Ibs | Hamilton HS
Curry’s hometown is Hamilton, Ohio which is also where he went to high school and competed in athletics. Curry garnered numerous accolades during his time at Hamilton High School, earning Honorable-Mention Southwest District Division I and Second-Team All-Greater Miami Conference selections. He booked 42 total tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 8 sacks with the Big Blue. Curry has bulked up significantly since joining YSU in 2023, putting on 20 Ibs of muscle mass. In 2024, Curry made appearances in all 12 games, registering 3 total tackles and 2 sacks.
Analysis
Curry went through a crucial developmental season in 2024 and is now primed to earn a starting job on YSU’s defensive line. Curry prefers to truck through offensive linemen with his physicality rather than blow around them off the edge, but he is capable of doing both. In high school, Curry was able to simply overpower the opposition and proved to be a matchup issue for almost every team he faced. Now in his sophomore season, Curry is poised to flood MVFC scouting reports and take an enormous leap forward in evolving his game.
Other Potential Contributors in 2025
Connor Johannesen
Earned first-team All-Sussex/Morris County team and first-team all-conference honors at Parsippany Hills High School in New Jersey. Fast riser on the depth chart. Member of YSU’s 2023 recruiting class.
Devaughn Perkins
First-team All-City Offensive Lineman as a senior at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Listed at 6-0, 320 Ibs as a freshman.
