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One of them hopes it's the start of a prosperous career, while the other just couldn't pass up on the opportunity to play competitive football again.

Quarterback Tom Zetts and place kicker Brian Palmer, two area players who went on to have prolific careers at Youngstown State University, signed with the Mahoning Valley Thunder on Monday. Both recently finished their careers with the Penguins (Zetts in 2007 and Palmer this past season) after playing high school football in the area as well (Zetts at Boardman and Palmer at Mineral Ridge). The two will join the Thunder immediately as the team prepares for its final three games.

''It's an opportunity to play,'' Zetts said. ''I don't think I'm chasing any dreams here or anything like that. I've played football for a long time. It's one more opportunity to play, and just like the trip to Italy (to play football) last year, it's another chance to do something different, and I wanted to take advantage of it.''

Zetts, who is YSU's all-time leader in completions and touchdowns, among many other statistical categories, said he was given the opportunity to join the Thunder in the spring, but the 25-year-old is a full-time teacher at Boardman and couldn't join the af2 team. Now that school's out, Zetts decided to give it a try.

''Once the summer hit, there's not a whole lot going on,'' Zetts said. ''(Thunder general manager Adam Tokash) said because of some injuries and them losing some guys, if I still had interest, then I could come down and get a work out in, and if they think I can help them out, then they'd sign me up. And that's kind of how it went.''

Palmer departed YSU this past season third all time in points by a kicker (270) and fifth in total field goals.

The chance to compete in front of friends and family played a big role in his decision, but he also has hopes the opportunity could lead to something bigger.

''I like to play for the Valley and hopefully this could be the start of a career,'' Palmer said. ''You have to start from the bottom and work your way up.''

Palmer's aspirations aren't all that farfetched. Former YSU kicker Jeff Wilkins, who played for the Penguins from 1990 to 1993, enjoyed 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 with the St. Louis Rams, and made the Pro Bowl in 2003. Paul McFadden is another former YSU kicker who played in the pros. McFadden, who finished his career with the Penguins in 1983, played six years of NFL football - four with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 23-year-old Palmer said he's excited for the chance to play in front of a home crowd once again.

''That's the main reason I went to YSU, so my whole family and friends could come and watch me,'' he said. ''There's no better people to have in your corner when you're playing or going through a tough time than family and friends. My buddy already rented out a loge for the final home game. We're getting ready to go out to eat to celebrate right now.''

It's an odd time for the two to join the Thunder (1-12) considering the team only has three games remaining. The shortage of games factored in to Zetts' decision.

''I wondered how much it would really be worth it,'' he said. ''But it's the summer time and a chance to play, so why not?''

Palmer said the Thunder's former kicker, Derek Schorejs, left the team a few weeks ago. Interestingly enough, Schorejs was once Palmer's kicking coach.

''It's pretty funny, he was my kicking coach when I was in high school and a little bit in college,'' Palmer said. ''I think he left for work reasons ... like two or three weeks ago.''

While neither Zetts nor Palmer has discussed playing time with coach Chris MacKeown, Palmer said he may play as soon as this week when Mahoning Valley travels to Illinois to take on the Peoria Pirates (4-9). Zetts said he's not expecting to take any snaps for at least the first week. He first needs to learn the pace of the game and the offensive strategy. Brad Roach is currently the quarterback for the Thunder.

MacKeown is the Thunder's third coach this season. Defensive coordinator Brennen Booth took over for Mike Hold after five games, and MacKeown replaced Booth, an interim coach, on May 26. The Thunder haven't won a game since their home opener on March 27.

jsimon@tribtoday.com