Mooney’s Zordich adjusts to fullback role at Penn St.

By JOE SCALZO

scalzo@vindy.com

STATE COLLEGE, PA.

Moments after Saturday’s 44-14 win over Youngstown State, Penn State sophomore fullback Michael Zordich left one set of teammates for another, seeking out the half-dozen former Cardinal Mooney players on the Penguins’ roster.

“Ever since the game got scheduled, I’ve been looking forward to it,” said Zordich, a 2008 Mooney grad. “To see them on the other sideline was a heck of an experience.”

Zordich was part of the Cardinals’ famed 2007 class, which sent five players to BCS schools. Another member of that class, running back Brandon Beachum, joined him at Penn State and lettered his first two seasons but will redshirt this fall as he recovers from an ACL injury suffered last November.

“It was disappointing,” Zordich said of Beachum’s injury. “He’s worked really hard in the weight room trying to get back and get healthy and he’s pretty much healthy now. The coaches are just trying to do the smart thing for him and his health.”

Those two had been hoping to play against Taylor Hill, another 2008 graduate who led YSU in tackles last fall but will spend this semester getting his academics in order.

Other Mooney grads on YSU’s roster are sophomore LB Mike McGlone, sophomore free safety Vinnie Patella, freshman FB Mark Brandenstein, freshman OL Zach Larson and freshman safety Donald D’Alesio, who started as a sophomore on Mooney’s 2007 team and made three tackles against PSU as a true freshman safety.

“I was very impressed with [YSU],” Zordich said. “They’re a tough team with a lot of great players and I really like what [Coach Eric] Wolford is doing, recruiting all the hometown guys.

“Plus they got [former Mooney defensive coordinator] Coach [Ron] Stoops there. They’re gonna be just fine.”

Zordich, who was recruited by the Nittany Lions as a linebacker, switched to fullback midway through last season. He carried one time for four yards against YSU.

“Linebacker was a fun spot but I had a lot of fun in high school playing fullback and it’s the same way here,” said Zordich (6-foot-1, 236 pounds), the son of former PSU All-American safety of the same name. “I’m just trying to find a role and get on the field.”

He’s also trying to rebuild his reputation after a pair of off-field incidents, both involving underage drinking, in his first two seasons at Penn State. Zordich said he’s grateful to still have his scholarship and is looking forward to his future with the team.

“I really like where I’m at now,” he said. “I made some changes, grew up and realized the opportunities I have in front of me.

“I just had to pick myself up, brush off my shoulders and move ahead. I’ve been having a blast ever since.”