April 16, 2008

Football: Quarterback Todd Rowan Goes As No. 1 Pick in Spring Draft

    Youngstown -- Junior quarterback Todd Rowan was the first selection of the Red-White Spring Game Draft during the annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at the DeBartolo Stadium Club.

    Rowan was selected by the Red team who had won a coin toss earlier in the day to grab the top pick. Rowan has had impressive performances the past two Spring Games. He has completed 26-of-32 passes for 448 yards and five touchdowns the past two tilts.

    Junior quarterback Brandon Summers went to the White squad while redshirt freshman Paul Corsaro will also be a member of the Reds and could play for both teams.

    The White team's initial selection was sophomore defensive tackle Torrance Nicholson. The Red's countered with sophomore defensive end Luke Matelan. For that point the offensive line's for both squads were chosen before defensive players went with the next five picks.

    Prior to the draft, Coach Jon Heacock and his staff assigned seniors, specialists and injured players to the Red and White squads.

    Seniors on the Red team are Jarvis Richards, Tom Krupko, Nate Ward, Bobby Lykes-Knight, Da'Michael Horne, Nhemie Theodore, Brad Samsa, Charles Gresham, Kevin Smith and Brian Palmer. Specialists assigned to the squad are Palmer, Bob Gratz, Erik Johnson and Nate Schkurko.

    Seniors on the White team are Tyler Griffin, Tony Kavouras, DeAngelo Wilson, Mike Barlak, Mychal Savage, Tyler Booth, Derrick Bush, Ferlando Williams, Nick Canterino, Ben Lane and Brandon Nicholson. Specialists for the White's are Stephen Blose and Jarrod Satmare.

    Players who will sit out because of injuries are Ben Nowicki, Everett Barney, Brian Mellott, Jaimie Frasure, Jon Penick, Brian McLaughlin, Ely Ducatel and Greg Sazdanoff.

    The Penguins will practice on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon before Friday night's Spring Game. Kickoff for Friday night's contest is set for 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium. Admission is $5.