Former Super Bowl champion and Youngstown native Ed Muransky will be fulfilling color analyst duties during the upcoming football season.
He will be joining Bob Hannon in the booth and sideline reporter Dave Sess. The trio collectively has more than 50 years of experience.
Muransky, a Cardinal Mooney High School graduate and state champion during his time as a Cardinal, played at the collegiate level for U. Michigan. He lettered three times and was an Academic All-American throughout this time, which included a Rose Bowl victory.
Although he has little analyst experience, Muransky said he feels his successful campaigns at all three levels of play will provide him with unparalleled insight into the game.
“I understand what it takes, and I have a pretty good understanding of the game,” he said. “I’ll have a pretty good relationship with the coaches both home and away.”
Hannon admits he was skeptical about the decision at first, but after realizing what a committed individual he was, the uncertainty diminished.
“And he’s going to miss Ohio State, Michigan,” Hannon said, further acknowledging Muransky’s loyalty.
Although not having played for Youngstown State U., he still remains passionate about the university and realizes the vital role YSU plays in the community.
“It’s a huge piece of our community, the heartbeat of Youngstown,” Muransky said.
His desire for the program, along with YSU football coach Eric Wolford’s plan, was a key factor in Muransky accepting this position.
“One thing I liked about the glory years with Tressel was how proud everyone was. You could be at the airport in Las Vegas, and see someone with a YSU shirt on, and it was a sense of pride about our area,” Muransky said. “It signified the level YSU football was at. Wolford wants to bring the passion back. He struck a chord with me; it was a ‘perfect storm.’ I couldn’t say no.”
Hannon said he feels Muransky can also aide in Wolford’s recruiting.
“He played at the highest level; he knows what it takes to get the program back on track, but most importantly, he speaks highly of YSU,” Hannon said.