The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) recently unveiled its prestigious 40th Anniversary team, recognizing five outstanding athletes from Youngstown State. This distinguished list includes running backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Jamaine Cook, offensive lineman Brad Samsa, defensive lineman Mychal Savage, and linebacker Tim Johnson. Each player has left an indelible mark on the program with their exceptional performances and numerous accolades.

Running Back Legends: McLaughlin and Cook

Jaleel McLaughlin and Jamaine Cook have both etched their names into the annals of Youngstown State football history as standout running backs. McLaughlin's record-breaking career and Cook's consistent excellence highlight the depth of talent at this position for the Penguins.

McLaughlin’s career is nothing short of legendary. He set a new NCAA All-Division rushing yardage record with 8,166 yards over five years, scoring 79 touchdowns. His three seasons with Youngstown State saw him rush for 3,418 yards and score 30 touchdowns. Prior to joining YSU, he excelled at Division II Notre Dame (Ohio), earning multiple All-American honors. In 2022, McLaughlin was named First-Team All-America by several prestigious organizations. Similarly, Cook made his mark with 4,052 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns over four seasons. He achieved three All-MVFC selections, including a first-team nod in 2011. At the end of his career, Cook held the school record for all-purpose yards with 5,220.

Defensive and Offensive Pillars: Johnson, Samsa, and Savage

The inclusion of Tim Johnson, Brad Samsa, and Mychal Savage underscores the strength of Youngstown State's defense and offense. These players have been instrumental in shaping the success of the team through their remarkable skills and leadership.

Johnson’s two-season tenure was marked by extraordinary statistics. In just 27 games, he accumulated 401 tackles, averaging an impressive 14.8 per game. His senior year earned him consensus First-Team All-America honors. Samsa, on the other hand, played a pivotal role on the offensive line, starting 38 out of 43 games he played. He helped guide the Penguins to the NCAA FCS semifinals in 2006 and was later named to the MVFC’s Silver Anniversary team. Savage, a stalwart on the defensive front, contributed significantly with 161 tackles and was also part of the 2006 semifinal run. Both Samsa and Savage were twice honored as All-Americans, further cementing their legacy at Youngstown State.