DT might be the key to 2018

[tboyer]

Every other unit, there are proven players and enough depth that the coaches can make it work. It was great to see young DEs play so well the last part of the season.

DT is going to be interesting though. Correct me if I'm wrong, I see only Givens and Windsor returning from the 3deep so we'll be looking for significant contributions from Shelton and Jordan and, really, from the redshirt freshmen as well.

Maybe even true freshmen if Mustipher is ready -- though I can't really recall a true freshman playing DT. And as others have noted, maybe Buchholtz moves inside, though I think that's unlikely given the youth at DE.

 

[PSUcup1]

I think Mustipher will play

 

[djr4rebs]

DT, LB, and S. The replacements are better prospects. Going to be interesting.

 

[Option Bob]

We'll all know more -- perhaps -- after the spring drills, but Penn State is bringing in some elite DT talent:

1. Hansard is about 6-3, 310, and Bolds is about 6-3, 285; with more time in the strength program, they'll be stronger and quicker.

2. Both above players had offers from Alabama, Clemson, and other top-tier programs, an indication that they just might be genuine studs at DT.

3. Ellison Jordan is a fire hydrant at 6-0, 293, and like the 2 above, a 4-star recruit.

4. Kevin Givens seems to get stronger and quicker each year; he is often camped in the offensive backfield and should be quite an adequate replacement for Cothra(e)n.

5. Windsor is a journeyman player who is not the smash-mouth, flashy DT of, say, Christian Wilkins, but Windsor brings solid experience and depth to the DT position. Shelton has not had much PT, so he will need a solid spring to keep Hansard and Bolds from passing him on the DC.

6. Incoming frosh Mustipher, Hawkins. and Culpepper were 4-star athletes with offers from Alabama, etc.

As much as I appreciate the play of the Cothra(e)ns and Chavis, I feel that the DT slots are going to be stronger, quicker, and more explosive going forward than they were in 2017. Furthermore, I believe Coach Spenser is as good a DL coach as Larry Johnson.

 

[83wuzme]

Jordan and Shelton were on the 3 deep for at least one game this season. Jordan impressed me this season.
We will have some depth, but also a lot of youth.
I can seen Buchholz playing at DT, at least situationally.

 

[tmacpolo]

We'll all know more -- perhaps -- after the spring drills, but Penn State is bringing in some elite DT talent:

1. Hansard is about 6-3, 310, and Bolds is about 6-3, 285; with more time in the strength program, they'll be stronger and quicker.

2. Both above players had offers from Alabama, Clemson, and other top-tier programs, an indication that they just might be genuine studs at DT.

3. Ellison Jordan is a fire hydrant at 6-0, 293, and like the 2 above, a 4-star recruit.

4. Kevin Givens seems to get stronger and quicker each year; he is often camped in the offensive backfield and should be quite an adequate replacement for Cothra(e)n.

5. Windsor is a journeyman player who is not the smash-mouth, flashy DT of, say, Christian Wilkins, but Windsor brings solid experience and depth to the DT position. Shelton has not had much PT, so he will need a solid spring to keep Hansard and Bolds from passing him on the DC.

6. Incoming frosh Mustipher, Hawkins. and Culpepper were 4-star athletes with offers from Alabama, etc.

As much as I appreciate the play of the Cothra(e)ns and Chavis, I feel that the DT slots are going to be stronger, quicker, and more explosive going forward than they were in 2017. Furthermore, I believe Coach Spenser is as good a DL coach as Larry Johnson.

Significantly more worried about LB...then safety

 

[psu skp]

Significantly more worried about LB...then safety

Too bad Irvin Charles is gone. Kid would have been a good safety.