Most important new players this year

[bdgan]

By new I mean players that haven't seen meaningful playing time until now.

Wilkerson - because Brenneman is out
Nassib - because Barnes left early
Palmer - because he'll protect Hack's blind side
Julius - because Ficken is gone

 

[PennStateNate]

Palmer by far

 

[psuro]

I know that CJ Olaniyan did not get a lot of publicity, but I always felt he was a steady player on the end. Now that he is gone, I am looking for Sickels to step up to the plate and anchor the end position with solid DL play.

 

[Cvilleguy12]

Palmer or Nassib

 

[81b&w]

No idea how accurate he'll be with FG's but it's gonna be nice seeing Julius boot it out of the end zone on KO's. That in itself is a heck uva weapon, not worrying about KO returns

 

[CappyToCJF]

Go back and watch replays of last years games and you will see that Nassib has in deed seen considerable meaningful playing time. Similar to Haley at DB.

Whoever emerges as the true #2 RB will be a new player and a very important player as the running game must improve considerably to achieve a better season (more wins).

 

[JR4PSU]

Whoever emerges as the true #2 RB will be a new player and a very important player

I predict it will be Barkley.

 

[PSU.:.]

Sickels- Sack Attack
Barkley- hells ya
Palmer- Pancakes
4. Young WRs- All of them

 

[uppermaclion]

1. Palmer - obvious reasons
2. Any of the DE's - all are basically new and am curious to see who really steps up
3. Haley - though we seen a decent amount last year, if he can lock down his side it free's up the D big time

 

[PennStateFacts]

All the WR's...especially Thompkins and Juwan Johnson. Both could be huge x-factors (literally for Johnson). Thompkins speed and Johnson's size could provide matchup nightmares

 

[SR108]

By new I mean players that haven't seen meaningful playing time until now.

Wilkerson - because Brenneman is out
Nassib - because Barnes left early
Palmer - because he'll protect Hack's blind side
Julius - because Ficken is gone

The kick returners which are all new I think, could have an impact in terms of the field possession battle. An occasional run back for a TD would be a bonus as well.

 

[royboy]

All the WR's...especially Thompkins and Juwan Johnson. Both could be huge x-factors (literally for Johnson). Thompkins speed and Johnson's size could provide matchup nightmares

Yeah, I really like the Thompkins/Polk duo at the one receiver slot. Haven't that sort of quickness/speed for a while. Juwan Johnson is a heckuva prospect, but he's got some guys ahead of him who are pretty good.

 

[bdgan]

Sickels- Sack Attack
Barkley- hells ya
Palmer- Pancakes
4. Young WRs- All of them

I didn't pick Sickels because he's already seen plenty of PT. Same with the WRs. I didn't pick Barkley because we have several young RBs and I'm confident at least one of them will do well. But I do agree that the kids you mention could have an important impact.

 

[bjf1984]

By new I mean players that haven't seen meaningful playing time until now.

Wilkerson - because Brenneman is out
Nassib - because Barnes left early
Palmer - because he'll protect Hack's blind side
Julius - because Ficken is gone

1 - Palmer
2 - Palmer
3 - Palmer
4 - Palmer
5 - Palmer
6 - Whomever takes over at PK
7 - Anyone else.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

By new I mean players that haven't seen meaningful playing time until now.

Wilkerson - because Brenneman is out
Nassib - because Barnes left early
Palmer - because he'll protect Hack's blind side
Julius - because Ficken is gone

Brandon Polk...... Because .... PSU finally has an electrifying return man.......who also has great hands. I am thrilled. I was thrilled when he signed. Can't wait to see him do it.

 

[bison13]

I always hesitate to put any faith in KR/PR until they prove something. Since DWill we have had lots of guys who were supposed to be good, D Smith, S Green, (C Powell was good), Belton, and Haley last year but other than Powell, no one really broke anything.

 

[21Guns]

Brandon Polk...... Because .... PSU finally has an electrifying return man.......who also has great hands. I am thrilled. I was thrilled when he signed. Can't wait to see him do it.

...Except Brandon Polk isn't playing on the first team return teams......
This staff is madly in love with Mark Allen.

 

[Ranger Dan]

kick returners

I can't remember the last time that Penn State had a kick return game that consistently performed at a high level.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

...Except Brandon Polk isn't playing on the first team return teams......
This staff is madly in love with Mark Allen.

...Except Brandon Polk isn't playing on the first team return teams......
This staff is madly in love with Mark Allen.

All in due time...

 

[KC-KS-Lion]

Wartman-new position.

So much on defense is related to how the middle linebacker plays and coordinates others.

I think he'll do more than ok, but how many game changing plays will we see from him like we did with Hull last year (OSU interception)?