YOUNGSTOWN - Damian Eargle knows his 6-foot-7, 215-pound frame isn't typical for a power forward.
The Youngstown State University senior's 82-inch wingspan makes him a different type of post player.
He entered his season with 207 blocked shots, 14 behind YSU great Ricky Tunstall, who had 221 in his career spanning from 1982-84.
Last Tuesday against James Madison, Eargle had six blocks to put himself in first place with 226 and counting.
"No, I knew it. That sounds cocky," said Eargle, a Warren G. Harding High School graduate. "No, I knew I was going to get it. I have really good timing when it comes to blocking shots. It was like one of these days I'm going to get it.
"I'm happy I did it."
This is the same Tunstall who has the top three nights in blocked shots during his career in the 1980s. Tunstall had 12 on Jan. 14 1983 against Delaware State, 11 on Jan. 8, 1983 against Middle Tennessee State University and eight against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Dec. 9, 1982.
Eargle tied for third place with his performance on Nov. 18, 2011, against UC-Riverside.
In the game against James Madison, Eargle set another milestone - breaking 1,000 points.
Eargle has 1,023 points in his collegiate career, which started at Greensboro. He then transferred to YSU and sat out one season due to NCAA transfer rules - coming to YSU with 245 points.
The Penguins saw the forward score 755 since playing for them.
"Actually a lot of people don't reach 1,000," Eargle said. "It's a good feeling, especially the blocks. I've been aiming at that for a while. It's good, but on a side note we have to win games with it.
"I'm happy. I finally did it."
YSU coach Jerry Slocum couldn't be happier for his outstanding senior.
"I'm happy and proud of Damian," Slocum said. "He's come a long way in every aspect, not only in basketball, but he's had a great experience here in terms of his life.
"I'm proud of him that he's gotten to be obviously a very good defensive player, but he's improved his offensive skills. I'm happy for him."
