Youngstown State wide receivers coach Jelani Berassa is in his second season with the program. The former Penguin joined Head Coach Doug Phillips' staff in February 2023.
Berassa, who was a member of the program from 2009 through 2014, helped coach a talented group to impressive numbers in 2023. That paid dividends as the Guins advanced to the FCS Playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.
In 2023, Bryce Oliver, Max Tomczak, C.J. Charleston all had 30-or-more receptions while others stepped up throughout the season.
With QB Mitch Davidson at the helm, and a taleted group of playmakers at the wide receiver position, YSU averaged a school-record 243.1 yards passing per game. The old mark was 235.8 set back in 1972. YSU set school records for completions (270) and attempts (388) as well as percentage (69.6). YSU's offense set a school record for 40-plus point games with six. YSU also set a new school record by scoring 30-or-more points in six straight games. The Penguins scored 28-plus points in all but two games.
Oliver was named second-team All-MVFC hauling in 64 passes for 978 yards and eight scores. During the season Oliver caught the 26th touchdown reception of his career to set the school's all-time record. The previous mark had stood since 1979.
Tomczak had a breakout season with 56 receptions for 669 yards and a score. Charleston returned after missing the 2022 campaign to haul in 33 passes for 467 yards and four scores. Luke Hensley had 15 catches, including two touchdown grabs while Joey Farthing caught nine passes, four of which were for scores.
Before returning to YSU, he spent five seasons at Florida A&M serving in wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator capacities.
At FAMU, he was instrumental to the development of All-American wide receiver Xavier Smith throughout his tenure. In Smith’s final season with the Rattlers he was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award which recognizes the top offensive player at the FCS level. During Smith's four seasons he caught 280 passes for 3,620 yards and 28 touchdowns. On two occasions, Smith caught 11 touchdown passes in the same season. In 2022, Smith had 87 catches for 1,021 yards and 11 TDs.
In 2022, Florida A&M finished the season with a 9-2 overall record closing out the year on a nine-game winning streak.
A native of Miami, Berassa began his coaching career at Delaware State, where he was wide receivers coach and camp director from 2014-17.
He has a strong familiarity with the program and Youngstown State University. The former YSU wide receiver caught 79 passes for 1,238 yards and 15 touchdowns in the Red and White with his best seasons coming in 2011 and 2014. As a senior in 2014, he had 32 catches for 564 yards and six touchdowns. In 2011, he had a career-high 37 receptions for 552 yards and eight touchdowns.
He earned his degree in Criminal Justice from YSU.
Berassa was a standout wide receiver at Miami Killian High School before joining the Penguins' program in the fall of 2009.
