The GRIT is back with Doug Phillips as the head coach of Youngstown State. The goal was simple this signing day, don’t only go local in Ohio, but expand a bit in the state. And bring the future of winning back to Youngstown or as it’s called, GRITU. It was a different experience this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, it was still a great moment for the players, families, and Penguins. Let’s take a look now at the 2021 Youngstown State signees, their stats, and what to expect from them.
Brandon Alexander
Alexander was the starting quarterback for the Alliance Aviators and is a threat both passing the ball and scrambling around with it. He was a second-team All-Ohio Division III selection as a senior, first-team OPSWA Northeast Inland All-District Division III pick. As well as first-team Eastern Buckeye Conference All-Star. He went 100-177 for 1,650 yards touchdowns in his career. He also rushed for over 500 yards and had two touchdowns. This year may have been a tough one for the Aviators, but he still led the team to three consecutive years in the playoffs. If I’m a defensive coach, run the QB spy.
Luke Hensely
Hensely played wide receiver for the Medina Battling Bees. In fact, this man stung a lot of players and coaches on defense during his time there. Hensely helped Medina to their first-ever Division one regional final, First-team All-Ohio Selection, Cleveland.com Offensive Player of the year, Through his four years with the program, he finished with 145 receptions for 2,367 yards and 28 touchdowns which is a record. He is very quick on his feet and if he escapes your coverage, you are burnt toast and not the good kind.
EJ Johnson
Emariyon (EJ) Johnson played on the offensive line for St. Francis DeSales High School where he was a tough guy to get passed on that offensive line. Johnson was Honorable-Mention A Division III Ohio selection as a senior, first-team OPSWA Northwest All-Direct Division III Pick and Three Rivers Athletic pick. With him on the line, the Knights were able to protect the Quarterback Denim Truss. And able to make the playoffs before losing in the third round. Still, the team finished 6-3. Watch for him to protect the future YSU quarterbacks maybe once fall 2021 comes, we will see him in a rotation.
Karter Kellgren
Kellgren is another big offensive lineman that is going to be a future Penguin. He just finished his final season with the Poland Bulldogs. Kellgren was Honorable Mention All-Ohio Division IV as a senior. As well as first-team OPSWA Northeast Inland Division IV pick. He was WKBN’s Five Blocks of Granite which recognizes the top offensive lineman in the area. Kellgren also made it to a good number of playoff games with wins in the regionals. YSU already has a few Poland boys on the team they are very talented so why not add another of that Bulldog power.
Da’Shun Tanner
Tanner went to high school at Toledo Central Catholic. He was a First-Team All-Ohio Division II selection as a senior, two-star defensive back. Tanner was named OPSWA Northwest All-Division II defensive player of the year in 2020 along with all team and all-district. In seven games, he had 42 tackles, seven tackles for losses, six pass breakups, and three interceptions. The team finished 6-1 during the shortened season.
J’Shun Rushing
J’Shun can definitely rush past you without you even knowing he was there in the first place. He was just behind his teammate Turner as Second-Team Three Rivers Athletic Conference pick as a senior. As well as second-team OPSWA Northwest DII selection for Toledo Central Catholic. Meanwhile finishing his 2020 season with 13 catches for 297 yards and three touchdowns. This man has speed like sonic the hedgehog. He will be the definition of GRIT for the future of YSU.
Jackson Wassler
Wassler was another talented offensive lineman who this past season played for St. Xavier High School. He did a good job upfront limiting the times the running and passing game was stopped. The Bombers finished with a record of 10 and two along with a Division II State title, defeating Pickerington Central by the final of 44-3. It will be exciting to see what he does for the future of Youngstown.
Preston Zandier
Last but not least is Preston Zandier from Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. As a senior, he had 47 receptions for 718 yards and 12 touchdowns, and 34 tackles on defense. The Jaguars would beat the Jersey Shore Bulldogs 21-14. The Jags finished the season 10-1 and 5-1 in their league.
The Future is Now
There may not have been as many early signees as there were during the Bo Pelini era. However as of now due to COVID-19, Doug Phillips and the penguins will just have to be patient. Good luck to the new Penguins and we will see you all during August of 2021. The 2021 Spring Season for Youngstown State is set to kick off February 21st against the North Dakota State Bison.
