Parsons at LB
- Thread starter ChiTownLion
- Start date
according to GoPSUSports
6 games played
13 solo tackles
15 Assists
28 total
1 TFL (5 yards)
Congrats to him!
6 games played
13 solo tackles
15 Assists
28 total
1 TFL (5 yards)
Congrats to him!
These guys need to read this board on game days - they would be surprised to know that the internet experts don't feel the same way. 
Since I don't have espn luxury model and can't access full report, I have a couple questions (3, precisely lol).
1. Is it true freshman or freshman eligible? [I believe we have a pretty fair WR who belongs on there if frosh eligible].
2. How many TRUE freshman do we play? I ask because Penn Llive notes Parsons was the only Penn Stater to make the team.
3. If someone has the list, how many teams have multiple frosh on the first team? [Again, if true frosh is the measure, I'd wager not many have mults... leading back to my point that Penn Live makes about Parsons being the ONLY PSU guy to make it.]
Not a question... congrats to the young man!
1. Is it true freshman or freshman eligible? [I believe we have a pretty fair WR who belongs on there if frosh eligible].
2. How many TRUE freshman do we play? I ask because Penn Llive notes Parsons was the only Penn Stater to make the team.
3. If someone has the list, how many teams have multiple frosh on the first team? [Again, if true frosh is the measure, I'd wager not many have mults... leading back to my point that Penn Live makes about Parsons being the ONLY PSU guy to make it.]
Not a question... congrats to the young man!
TE Brevin Jordan, Miami
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 20 overall, No. 1 tight end
The nation's No. 1 ranked tight end in the 2018 class has lived up to the billing in Coral Gables. He has been a permanent starter and has totaled 18 receptions for 208 yards and four TDs, including the game-winning 41-yard TD catch against archrival Florida State.
Here is the whole list
Just getting started: Freshman midseason All-America team
Who are the best first-year players at the halfway point of the season? Here is ESPN.com's midseason freshman All-America team.
OFFENSE
QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 2 overall, No. 1 pocket passer
The former five-star prospect has taken over at QB for the Tigers and completed 69 percent of his passes for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interception. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Peach State product leads all true freshman quarterbacks in passer efficiency and is 10th in the FBS.
RB Pooka Williams Jr., Kansas
ESPN Rank: Four-star, No. 26 running back
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back out of Louisiana has been the most productive offensive player for the Jayhawks, totaling 539 yards and four touchdowns at a 7.5 yards per carry clip. In the Jayhawks' two wins, he has averaged 144 yards per game and hasn't rushed for fewer than 65 yards in any of his five games.
RB Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
ESPN Rank: Three-star, No. 49 running back
Jefferson is second in the nation in rushing yards with 865 (6.7 per carry) with 12 of his 130 carries resulting in TDs. The 5-foot-10, 211-pounder has more than 150 more yards rushing than any other player in the Pac-12. He has added 10 receptions for 67 yards.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 35 overall, No. 3 wide receiver
The latest in a talented family of wide receivers leads the Trojans in receptions, yards and touchdowns as a true freshman with 29 catches for 427 yards and two scores. He has been a fixture in the starting lineup all season and a main target for fellow frosh JT Daniels.
WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 282 overall, No. 45 wide receiver
The dynamic slot WR and return man has been a difference-maker with 558 yards receiving and four touchdowns on 45 receptions, 13 kickoff returns for 269 yards, nine carries for 143 yards and a score, and six punt returns for 41 yards. He leads the Boilermakers with 1,007 all-purpose yards.
TE Brevin Jordan, Miami
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 20 overall, No. 1 tight end
The nation's No. 1 ranked tight end in the 2018 class has lived up to the billing in Coral Gables. He has been a permanent starter and has totaled 18 receptions for 208 yards and four TDs, including the game-winning 41-yard TD catch against archrival Florida State.
OL Penei Sewell, Oregon
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 129 overall, No. 6 guard
The 6-foot-6, 345-pound tackle became the first freshman offensive lineman to start up front for the Ducks in more than two decades. He has the look of a high NFL draft choice after his junior season.
OL Chris Murray, UCLA
ESPN Rank: Four-Star, No. 22 guard
While the Bruins have certainly struggled on the field this season, Murray has been a bright spot. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound freshman was inserted into the starting lineup at center against Oklahoma and has excelled. He has been a fixture in the starting lineup with starts at center and right guard.
OL Cade Mays, Georgia
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 25, No. 3 tackle
Mays was thrust into the starting lineup in Athens because of an injury and has proven to be a future star. The 6-foot-6, 318-pound lineman has shown his versatility with one start at left tackle when Andrew Thomas was injured and three at right guard when Ben Cleveland was out.
OL Donovan Laie, Arizona
ESPN Rank: Three-star, No. 90 guard
The 6-foot-4, 318-pound freshman from Oceanside High in California has started all season for the Wildcats. He started the first two contests at left tackle before flipping to right tackle, where he has settled in. He will appear on many freshmen All-America teams following this season.
OL Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
ESPN Rank: Two-star
Not a highly touted prospect, but Virginia Tech saw promise and upside in the big man, and the Hokies have quickly been rewarded. Out of Riverdale Baptist in Maryland then Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, he has exceeded expectations and became one of only nine FBS true freshmen to start on the offensive line in Week 1. He has since made several starts for the Hokies at left tackle.
Returner Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 77 overall, No. 12 wide receiver
Waddle has been a difference-maker on a loaded Crimson Tide offense from day one on special teams and receiver. He has already totaled 340 receiving yards, averaging nearly 21 yards per catch. He has added 200 punt return yards and a touchdown and has quickly become one of the nation's most dangerous return men.
DEFENSE
DL Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 81, No. 9 defensive end
The Show Me State product is tied for the team lead in sacks with three to go with 14 tackles, four tackles for loss and three QB hurries.
DL Jordan Redmond, Virginia
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 55 defensive tackle
He has started multiple games at nose tackle for the Cavaliers. The season stats of seven tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack don't tell the story, as he plays over the ball and takes on two blocks on many snaps.
DL Israel Antwine, Colorado
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 41 defensive tackle
He has been a key defender up front for Colorado, logging more than 30 snaps per game. He has seven total tackles, one TFL and one QB hurry and has been stout against the run.
DL Xavier Thomas, Clemson
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 4, No. 2 defensive end
Even without a start or playing many snaps as a reserve behind future first-round NFL selections, the former five-star has been very productive when on the field totaling 15 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks in just 97 snaps.
LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 7, No. 4 defensive end
The former five-star prospect has been in the starting lineup all season for the Nittany Lions. He's fifth on the team in tackles with 28, to go with two QB hurries, one tackle for loss and half a sack.
LB Mike Rose, Iowa State
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 59 outside linebacker
The 6-foot-3, 228-pound linebacker from Ohio has become one of the most productive defenders for the Cyclones' top 50-ranked defense. Rose is fourth on the team in tackles with 32, along with four tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup starting all five contests.
LB Merlin Robertson, Arizona State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 179, No. 5 inside linebacker
The Under Armour All-America Game alum has been one of the most productive freshmen in the country regardless of position. He has garnered National Player of the Week honors already this season, and is second on the Sun Devils in tackles with 39. He has added 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
DB Jaiden Woodbey, Florida State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 70, No. 4 safety
Woodbey has been a hit in Tallahassee since enrolling in the spring. He has totaled 22 tackles, two pass breakups 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a QB hurry starting for the Seminoles.
DB Caden Sterns, Texas
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 39, No. 3 safety
Sterns has started at safety all season for the ascending Longhorns. He leads the team in interceptions with four and has added 26 tackles, one pass breakup, and a tackle for loss. He has also been a playmaker on special teams with one blocked kick.
DB Andre Cisco, Syracuse
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 52 safety
Cisco has turned heads all season helping the Orange to a 4-2 start this season. He not only leads the team in interceptions with four, but is also tied for most in all of college football. He has added 19 tackles and three PBUs to the stat sheet.
DB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 5, No. 1 cornerback
The former five-star prospect has started the last three games at cornerback for the Crimson Tide. The son of former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain has totaled 15 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, one tackle for loss and one QB hurry this season.
Nickel Brendan Radley-Hiles, Oklahoma
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 101, No. 9 athlete
A preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year pick. He has started all six games at nickelback, totaling 28 tackles, two pass breakups, one tackle for loss and one QB hurry. He has shown the ability to play man to man against some very athletic receivers.
K Evan McPherson, Florida
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 2 kicker
McPherson has been an impact player from day one in Gainesville. He has converted 11 of 12 field goal attempts with a long of 48 and leads the Gators in scoring. He has added 24 touchbacks on kickoffs.
Just getting started: Freshman midseason All-America team
Who are the best first-year players at the halfway point of the season? Here is ESPN.com's midseason freshman All-America team.
OFFENSE
QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 2 overall, No. 1 pocket passer
The former five-star prospect has taken over at QB for the Tigers and completed 69 percent of his passes for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interception. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Peach State product leads all true freshman quarterbacks in passer efficiency and is 10th in the FBS.
RB Pooka Williams Jr., Kansas
ESPN Rank: Four-star, No. 26 running back
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back out of Louisiana has been the most productive offensive player for the Jayhawks, totaling 539 yards and four touchdowns at a 7.5 yards per carry clip. In the Jayhawks' two wins, he has averaged 144 yards per game and hasn't rushed for fewer than 65 yards in any of his five games.
RB Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
ESPN Rank: Three-star, No. 49 running back
Jefferson is second in the nation in rushing yards with 865 (6.7 per carry) with 12 of his 130 carries resulting in TDs. The 5-foot-10, 211-pounder has more than 150 more yards rushing than any other player in the Pac-12. He has added 10 receptions for 67 yards.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 35 overall, No. 3 wide receiver
The latest in a talented family of wide receivers leads the Trojans in receptions, yards and touchdowns as a true freshman with 29 catches for 427 yards and two scores. He has been a fixture in the starting lineup all season and a main target for fellow frosh JT Daniels.
WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 282 overall, No. 45 wide receiver
The dynamic slot WR and return man has been a difference-maker with 558 yards receiving and four touchdowns on 45 receptions, 13 kickoff returns for 269 yards, nine carries for 143 yards and a score, and six punt returns for 41 yards. He leads the Boilermakers with 1,007 all-purpose yards.
TE Brevin Jordan, Miami
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 20 overall, No. 1 tight end
The nation's No. 1 ranked tight end in the 2018 class has lived up to the billing in Coral Gables. He has been a permanent starter and has totaled 18 receptions for 208 yards and four TDs, including the game-winning 41-yard TD catch against archrival Florida State.
OL Penei Sewell, Oregon
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 129 overall, No. 6 guard
The 6-foot-6, 345-pound tackle became the first freshman offensive lineman to start up front for the Ducks in more than two decades. He has the look of a high NFL draft choice after his junior season.
OL Chris Murray, UCLA
ESPN Rank: Four-Star, No. 22 guard
While the Bruins have certainly struggled on the field this season, Murray has been a bright spot. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound freshman was inserted into the starting lineup at center against Oklahoma and has excelled. He has been a fixture in the starting lineup with starts at center and right guard.
OL Cade Mays, Georgia
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 25, No. 3 tackle
Mays was thrust into the starting lineup in Athens because of an injury and has proven to be a future star. The 6-foot-6, 318-pound lineman has shown his versatility with one start at left tackle when Andrew Thomas was injured and three at right guard when Ben Cleveland was out.
OL Donovan Laie, Arizona
ESPN Rank: Three-star, No. 90 guard
The 6-foot-4, 318-pound freshman from Oceanside High in California has started all season for the Wildcats. He started the first two contests at left tackle before flipping to right tackle, where he has settled in. He will appear on many freshmen All-America teams following this season.
OL Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
ESPN Rank: Two-star
Not a highly touted prospect, but Virginia Tech saw promise and upside in the big man, and the Hokies have quickly been rewarded. Out of Riverdale Baptist in Maryland then Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, he has exceeded expectations and became one of only nine FBS true freshmen to start on the offensive line in Week 1. He has since made several starts for the Hokies at left tackle.
Returner Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 77 overall, No. 12 wide receiver
Waddle has been a difference-maker on a loaded Crimson Tide offense from day one on special teams and receiver. He has already totaled 340 receiving yards, averaging nearly 21 yards per catch. He has added 200 punt return yards and a touchdown and has quickly become one of the nation's most dangerous return men.
DEFENSE
DL Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 81, No. 9 defensive end
The Show Me State product is tied for the team lead in sacks with three to go with 14 tackles, four tackles for loss and three QB hurries.
DL Jordan Redmond, Virginia
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 55 defensive tackle
He has started multiple games at nose tackle for the Cavaliers. The season stats of seven tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack don't tell the story, as he plays over the ball and takes on two blocks on many snaps.
DL Israel Antwine, Colorado
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 41 defensive tackle
He has been a key defender up front for Colorado, logging more than 30 snaps per game. He has seven total tackles, one TFL and one QB hurry and has been stout against the run.
DL Xavier Thomas, Clemson
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 4, No. 2 defensive end
Even without a start or playing many snaps as a reserve behind future first-round NFL selections, the former five-star has been very productive when on the field totaling 15 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks in just 97 snaps.
LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 7, No. 4 defensive end
The former five-star prospect has been in the starting lineup all season for the Nittany Lions. He's fifth on the team in tackles with 28, to go with two QB hurries, one tackle for loss and half a sack.
LB Mike Rose, Iowa State
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 59 outside linebacker
The 6-foot-3, 228-pound linebacker from Ohio has become one of the most productive defenders for the Cyclones' top 50-ranked defense. Rose is fourth on the team in tackles with 32, along with four tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup starting all five contests.
LB Merlin Robertson, Arizona State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 179, No. 5 inside linebacker
The Under Armour All-America Game alum has been one of the most productive freshmen in the country regardless of position. He has garnered National Player of the Week honors already this season, and is second on the Sun Devils in tackles with 39. He has added 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
DB Jaiden Woodbey, Florida State
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 70, No. 4 safety
Woodbey has been a hit in Tallahassee since enrolling in the spring. He has totaled 22 tackles, two pass breakups 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a QB hurry starting for the Seminoles.
DB Caden Sterns, Texas
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 39, No. 3 safety
Sterns has started at safety all season for the ascending Longhorns. He leads the team in interceptions with four and has added 26 tackles, one pass breakup, and a tackle for loss. He has also been a playmaker on special teams with one blocked kick.
DB Andre Cisco, Syracuse
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 52 safety
Cisco has turned heads all season helping the Orange to a 4-2 start this season. He not only leads the team in interceptions with four, but is also tied for most in all of college football. He has added 19 tackles and three PBUs to the stat sheet.
DB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 5, No. 1 cornerback
The former five-star prospect has started the last three games at cornerback for the Crimson Tide. The son of former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain has totaled 15 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, one tackle for loss and one QB hurry this season.
Nickel Brendan Radley-Hiles, Oklahoma
ESPN 300 Rank: No. 101, No. 9 athlete
A preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year pick. He has started all six games at nickelback, totaling 28 tackles, two pass breakups, one tackle for loss and one QB hurry. He has shown the ability to play man to man against some very athletic receivers.
K Evan McPherson, Florida
ESPN Rank: Three-Star, No. 2 kicker
McPherson has been an impact player from day one in Gainesville. He has converted 11 of 12 field goal attempts with a long of 48 and leads the Gators in scoring. He has added 24 touchbacks on kickoffs.
Geez, the Texas freshman S has 4 interceptions ... how many does our entire secondary have?
My 2 pet peeves about PSU football have been (1) failure to convert 3rd/4th and <2 and (2) failure to intercept passes.
The offense has done a great job of solving #1. I would like to see the secondary actually intercepting passes at some point. Heck, Neal Smith had 12 all by himself in 1969 ... in 11 games. One would think an entire secondary could equal that amount in 12 or 13.
My 2 pet peeves about PSU football have been (1) failure to convert 3rd/4th and <2 and (2) failure to intercept passes.
The offense has done a great job of solving #1. I would like to see the secondary actually intercepting passes at some point. Heck, Neal Smith had 12 all by himself in 1969 ... in 11 games. One would think an entire secondary could equal that amount in 12 or 13.
I think we're bad at creating turnovers altogether. How many fumbles have we failed to recover this season? Seems like one or two every week.
LOL at the ESPN write-up - says Parsons has been starting all year
CJF shares your concern, he mentioned the failure to recover fumbles and catch INTs in his presser yesterday. He said it will be a point of emphasis.
As noted above, ESPN is FOS regarding Parsons starting. And considering he has played about half the snaps (?) his stats look pretty good. A real starting LB (such as Poz, Mauti, .... back when we had them...) might play at least 80% of the defensive snaps. Parsons may not even have played 50% so far.
Parssons needs to start and play every down. And where the heck is Luketa? Dude needs to be on the field...and not just special teams.
I am sure about every down, but I agree, every snap #7 takes is a wasted snap.
I'm sure not disputing the consensus on Farmer, but isn't it interesting that when we had Cabinda on the field last year making lots of plays all over the field, and Bowen as well for many games, that we didn't notice how little Farmer seems to add to the success of the Defense?
It almost seems that you really just need 1 or 2 good LB's on the field, and that having 3 is really a luxury that leads to an ELITE defense (in CJF's terms.....)....
That statement is more of an indictment on the linebackers we have than what we’ve seen of Parsons.
He hasn't jumped out yet with killer plays but he's a long way from finished here. I think he's gotten humbled and has handled it really well. I think more of him now as a teammate and player than I thought I would, he's gonna be a good one
I love how Parsons finishes tackles. I have yet to see him allow an opponent to fall forward for extra yards. I was worried that he’d be more sizzle than steak, but I’m very impressed thus far.
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
On the one MSU drive (before the bogus holding call) he made like three goal line tackles. This will pay off big time next year.
Agree...he's going to be a good one. This last class appears to be awesome (Slade, Friermuth, Parsons, et all). True freshmen. And, Parsons has no experience at LB. We have been asking a LOT of him.
Parson looks solid so far. Considering his insane athleticism, he hasn't stood out like I thought he would but only a freshmen. Wants he learns to read and react better he will be a very good one.
Yes. No matter how much talent a player has, it is a huge transition to go from a HS stand-up DE (with freedom to roam) to a CFB LB. In fact, the more talent, the more difficult in most cases, because in HS the player was able to make up for being out of position by sheer athleticism. Hard to break habits in half a season. Also, the player is trying so hard not to be out of position that he isn't able to let his athletic ability just flow with the game. He's making good progress.
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