Fusco

SLIPPERY ROCK — Brandon Fusco has opened some eyes — eyes of opponents, that is.

The Seneca Valley graduate was named the first-team, all-PSAC West center as a sophomore at Slippery Rock University last fall.

"To be recognized at that position at such a young age ... you're making yourself noticed," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "Brandon has become the class of this league at his position and he's done it through hard work."

Tradition hasn't hurt, either.

Fusco is the latest in a long line of outstanding centers in recent SRU history. He's following in the footsteps of Ryan Travis, Bill Ricks and Butler graduates Brian Minehart and Dave Sabolcik.

"I know I'm more of a leader up front this year," Fusco said. "That's something I'm taking very seriously."

Fusco is an all-conference player after never being more than an honorable mention all-section player at Seneca Valley.

As one of only two returning starters up front — senior tackle Mike Tomaino is the other — Fusco is carrying a lot on his shoulders this year.

The Rock isn't likely to have an experienced quarterback or receivers on the field in the 2009 season.

"We know we have to be able to run the football and defenses will be gearing up to stop us," Fusco said. "That's the challenge of an offensive line. We've got a talented backfield and we have to open up holes."

All-conference running back Ryan Lehmeier is coming off a 900-yard season. Damarcus Cleckley, Sayquan Scott-Mitchell and redshirt freshman Akeem Satterfield will see time in the backfield as well.

"Brandon is going to see a few more double teams this year," Mihalik said. "He's more of a target, a recognized face defenses have to deal with.

"The more he can clog up the middle, the more room our backs will get."

Fusco insists he isn't the only talented offensive lineman on squad. Sophomore Austin Fedell, a North Allegheny graduate, started three games at right guard last year before an injury ended his season. Would-be starter Brian Henion was felled by an injury as well.

"We've got more experience up front than people think," Fusco said. "Our offensive line has to be a strength and I think it will be.

"We rushed for more than 300 yards at Clarion last year and the line got a lot of attention when that happened. We're hoping to have a few more games like that this year."

"He hits the weight room hard and he run blocks and pass blocks equally well," Mihalik said about the 6-foot-5, 285 pound Fusco. "Brandon has developed into an impact player, someone the defense has to account for on every play.

"It's up to us as coaches to put that line together as early in camp as possible. We will have some inexperience there and we need to develop a cohesive unit — and Brandon's the glue."