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Penn State 2019 Season articles



OUTLOOK At Penn State, this appears to be the linebacker renaissance fans have long awaited.

Returning a pair of starters in Cam Brown
and Jan Johnson, plus the returning leading tackler for the 2018 season,
Micah Parsons , the Nittany Lions are looking to continue a development that repeatedly manifest itself last fall.

That Parsons made such an impact was even more notable considering his 494 snaps for the season according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. They were fewer than both Brown (719) and Farmer (544) while slightly edging out Johnson’s 477 reps.

“The fact that Micah led our defense in tackles and started only one game tells the tale,” said Pry. “He has some growing and maturing to do still, but my hat’s off to him for the year he did put in. He’s a young man that had never played linebacker, but he worked hard to learn it, played hard, and didn’t allow things to slow him down.”
 
Rare escape from the portal....

https://247sports.com/college/penn-...ithdraws-from-NCAA-Transfer-Portal-129541608/


Penn State wide receiver Cam Sullivan-Brown has withdrawn from the NCAA’s Transfer Portal, a source confirmed to Lions247. The redshirt sophomore put his name into the mix for a potential transfer on Feb. 10.

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https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatef...her-amani-oruwariye-waiting-in-the-wings.html

Penn State’s DB picture in 2019: Lions have numbers, but is there another Amani Oruwariye waiting in the wings?
Updated 10:30 AM; Posted 11:00 AM
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Penn State cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields moves in on Wisconsin wide receiver Danny Davis III during the fourth quarter on Nov. 10, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com (JOE HERMITT)

By Bob Flounders | bflounders@pennlive.com

Two members of James Franklin’s first recruiting class at Penn State rank as two of the biggest losses for the Nittany Lions’ program heading into 2019. Nick Scott arrived in State College as a running back but then Saquon Barkley showed up a year later … and Scott was soon headed to the defensive backfield. A top special teams player for Penn State early in his career, Scott took over a starting safety stop in 2018 and the team captain finished fourth on the Lions in tackles with 65.

Amani Oruwariye is an even bigger loss. The lanky corner made serious strides during his final two seasons at Penn State, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 before being selected to the Big Ten’s first team last fall. Oruwariye, who racked up three interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2018, is expected to go in the top 60 picks of the upcoming NFL draft and could land in Round 1.

Scott and Oruwariye will be missed but there are plenty of speedy, athletic defensive backs on the Penn State roster capable of emerging this year. Here is a closer look at the Lions’ defensive backfield.


Penn State seniors Amani Oruwariye, safety Nick Scott, running back Mark Allen, quarterback Trace McSorley, linebacker Koa Farmer and running back Johnathan Thomas take a final lap around Beaver Stadium following the 38-3 win over Maryland on Senior Day on Nov. 24, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com JOE HERMITT
What went right (and wrong) in 2018: Oruwariye blossomed into one of the top corners in the country. Scott, a converted running back, was solid as one of the two starting safeties. Another player conversion, Garrett Taylor (6-0, 203), finished third on the team in tackles with 71 and played some of his best football down the stretch. Taylor arrived at Penn State in 2015 as a cornerback prospect.

And Penn State may have found its next top corner in Tariq Castro-Fields (6-0, 186), who was credited with seven pass breakups and five tackles for loss. Castro-Fields is entering his third season at Penn State. He was a key reserve in 2018 and also made three starts.

With Oruwariye and Scott moving on, PSU must find some DBs capable of producing momentum-turning plays. The duo combined for six interceptions, 116 tackles and 13 pass breakups.

Leaders of the pack: Scott was a team captain who made a big impact on the defense and on special teams last season. His leadership will be missed. Look for a couple of fifth-year players, Taylor and cornerback John Reid (5-10, 180), to take charge in 2019.

Moving up: Castro-Fields has the talent to be a top corner in the Big Ten. Penn State’s coaching staff played him as a true freshman and his experiences the last two seasons should have him primed for a major step forward. Another corner to watch is Donovan Johnson (5-11, 169), a redshirt sophomore who could push to start. Johnson appeared in 12 games last season. The Lions employ plenty of five-defensive back sets and Reid’s talents may best be utilized as a slot corner.


Penn State cornerback Amani Oruwariye celebrates with safety Garrett Taylor after Taylors interception during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on Nov. 17, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com JOE HERMITT
At safety, the Lions have a couple of contenders for the starting spot opposite Taylor. Jonathan Sutherland (5-11, 201), a redshirt sophomore, could be first in line if the continues to develop in the spring and summer.

Wild cards: Safety Lamont Wade (5-9, 194), the prep standout from western Pennsylvania, was a transfer possibility at one point this winter but opted to return to the Lions’ program. Now in his third year, can he push for regular playing time on defense? One other veteran safety worth mentioning is fifth-year man John Petrishen (6-0, 206). The former Pittsburgh Central Catholic star has been used primarily as a special teams player.

New arrivals: Penn State’s coaching staff will be breaking in a large assortment of first-year defensive backs. JUCO safety S Jaquan Brisker (6-2, 197), who last played at Lackawanna C.C. and is from Monroeville, Pa. Brisker was a coveted JUCO recruit who could make an early impact. The Lions have also added corners Daequan Hardy(5-10, 160), Joey Porter (6-2, 185), Marquis Wilson (6-0, 175). and Keaton Ellis (6-0, 180) and safety Tyler Rudolph (6-1, 205).

Rudolph, Wilson and Ellis are January enrollees and the weight room sessions and spring practices should have them ready to make a solid push during August.

2019 outlook: Safety Garrett Taylor and corners John Reid and Tariq Castro-Fields figure to be the leaders of the Lions’ defensive backfield and it will be up to James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry to find another safety and corner to use in the Lions’ nickel package. Corner Donovan Johnson and safety Jonathan Sutherland head the list of players to watch. As for the first-year scholarship players, expect a few of them to make a depth chart move and also contribute on special teams.
 
Wade and Sullivan-Brown back is big. This were two transfers that I felt were a loss. Might have been one DB as well that I liked, McPherson? A backup OL as well?
 
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Whereas just a few years ago, we all were in awe of Saquon doing superhuman things in the weight room, now there are like 5, 6, 7,8 guys that seem to be just killing it in a strength and performance perspective. 2019 could be really special.
 
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Judge Smails said:
Spend 10 minutes watching this. Oweh almost at 260. Talks Parsons, Jan Johnson, Rasheed Walker, Mustipher, etc.

View embedded media
Click to expand...
The way Galt speaks, it's like hearing a carbon copy of CJF. Or vice versa. Can see why Dwight volunteered himself when CJF asked for recommendations for the S&C job at Vandy, as they are on the same exact page.

Didn't expect Jan Johnson to be pumping out such big numbers. Good for him.
 
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https://victorybellrings.com/2019/03/01/penn-state-football-c-j-holmes-forgotten-name-heading-2019/

Penn State Football: CJ Holmes a forgotten name heading into 2019

by Barry Leonard Jr.10 hours ago Follow @barryleonardjr

Transfer running back eligible to play this year for Penn State football

When looking ahead to the 2019 season, particularly the running back depth chart, it’s easy to see that Penn State football still has some talented runners, even with the departure of Miles Sanders to the NFL. Names like sophomore Ricky Slade and true freshmen Devyn Ford and Noah Cain jump out as likely players who will make a big impact in the backfield. However, one name that could get overlooked is that of CJ Holmes.

Many Penn State fans may even have completely forgotten about Holmes, as he has yet to play a down for the Nittany Lions. He entered Penn State as a walk-on in 2018 after spending a season at Notre Dame. Unfortunately, he ran into some trouble as a member of the Irish and was dismissed from the program after a shoplifting incident in 2017. The charges were eventually dismissed in July of 2018.

Holmes appeared in just three games for the Irish, carrying the ball eight times for 32 yards and no touchdowns.

Abiding by NCAA rules, Holmes had to sit out the entire 2018 season at Penn State since he transferred from one FBS school to another.

Now with a fresh start at Penn State and eligible to play, Holmes is a player to keep an eye on.

Holmes is six-foot and weighs over 200 pounds. He’s big and fast and has versatility, having played several different positions in high school.

A former, four-star recruit, Holmes was a coveted member of Notre Dame’s 2017 recruiting class. He was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 19 running back and the No. 245 overall recruit in the class.

A native of Connecticut, he was the No. 2 prospect from his home state.

When he was being recruited out of high school, Holmes held offers from a number of schools, including Penn State. Alabama, UCLA, Michigan, Maryland, and Mississippi State were also among the schools interested in Holmes.

Although Penn State appears to have a crowded backfield, Holmes could be an x-factor this season. He already has some college experience and was considered a talented prospect just two years ago.
 
Nice article, and pretty thorough, about the position battles on Offense. About the only omission I see is that he fails to mention Effner. Effner was looked at as a swing olinemen by many, and if he is not long enough to compete at OT that will play into Holmes moving back to OT this Spring. I believe Holmes will get into serious competition along with Walker and Whigan to replace Bates. The author seems to think it would be a leap for Holmes to compete for and win the OT job because he practiced last season (actually only part of last season) at Guard. I don't believe that will hurt Holmes at all given that he practiced at OT to start his PSU career, and knowing the other positions on the OL will only make him a smarter more flexible player. Guard seems more stacked, with Thorpe and Miranda as the front runners, along with Scruggs and possibly Effner. And Guard also has the two highly rated true freshmen in the pipe line..... making it important for Holmes and/or possibly Effner to be viable options and part of the 2 deep along with Fries, Whigan and Walker.

https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article226789059.html

Breaking down Penn State football’s top-4 offensive position battles entering spring camp
BY JOHN MCGONIGAL
  • With that in mind, let’s take a look at four offensive position battles to watch.

    Note: Defensive position battles will be broken down the next day.

    IowaPSu043

    Tommy Stevens filled in for Trace McSorley against Iowa and Michigan. And if the Nittany Lions need him against Wisconsin, he’ll be ready.
    Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com


    QUARTERBACK
    Gone: Trace McSorley

    Returners: Tommy Stevens, Sean Clifford, Will Levis

    Newcomers: Ta’Quan Roberson (spring), Michael Johnson Jr. (spring)

    Outlook: On National Signing Day in early February, James Franklin said Stevens would be the No. 1 quarterback, followed by Clifford and Levis, when asked about a future spring depth chart. However, he noted that, like every position, quarterback will be an open competition.

    Stevens didn’t travel to Orlando after picking up what Franklin called a “pretty significant injury” during the regular season and undergoing surgery prior to the Citrus Bowl. The hope was, at the time, that Stevens would be ready for spring camp.

    Now, Stevens was seen performing leg-presses at Penn State’s open weightlifting session last week. But does that mean he’ll be a full participant in spring camp, right out of the gate? We’re not sure.

    If Stevens misses time in the spring, it’ll be beneficial for Clifford to get the extra reps. If Stevens is full-go, then the open competition — in which Stevens is the clear front-runner — will begin.

    “I’ve got so much confidence in Tommy. It’s going to be a tremendous spring. It’s going to be a tremendous summer. And I’ve got a lot of confidence in the guys that we have in our quarterback room,” Franklin said. “I really do.”



    Citrus012

    Penn State wide receiver Justin Shorter push away Kentucky cornerback Chris Westry during the Citrus bowl on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at Camping World Stadium.
    Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com


    WIDE RECEIVER
    Gone: Juwan Johnson, DeAndre Thompkins, Brandon Polk

    Returners: KJ Hamler, Jahan Dotson, Justin Shorter, Mac Hippenhammer, Daniel George, Cam Sullivan-Brown

    Newcomers: John Dunmore (fall), TJ Jones (fall), George Campbell (fall)

    Outlook: Penn State’s starting three at receiver might seem simple. Hamler, after leading the team in catches and receptions in 2018, was electrifying. Dotson, who started the final four games as a true freshman, boasted reliability. And Shorter is a former five-star freak athlete just waiting to break out.

    But there’s more to Gerad Parker’s room than the presumed first-teamers. Hippenhammer wedged his way into four-wide sets all season long, and George, a former four-star prospect, is built at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. And Sullivan-Brown, despite reportedly entering the transfer portal, will stay at Penn State for at least another year.

    This spring is important to Hamler, Dotson and Shorter, no doubt. But it’s perhaps more important for Hippenhammer, George and Sullivan-Brown. It’s an opportunity for them to flourish without Johnson, Polk or Thompkins in the picture. And it’s a chance for them to do so before Dunmore, Jones and Campbell enter the fold.

    George, Hippenhammer and Sullivan-Brown are talented, and they’ll compete with Dotson and Shorter for looks. But they’ll also get a jump-start on the two-deep battle that lies ahead in fall camp.



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    Penn State offensive lineman Ryan Bates, Charlie Shuman and C.J. Thorpe block for a field goal during practice on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.
    Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com


    GUARD
    Gone: Connor McGovern, Zach Simpson

    Returners: Steven Gonzalez, CJ Thorpe, Mike Miranda, Des Holmes, Juice Scruggs

    Newcomers: Caedan Wallace (fall), Saleem Wormley (fall)

    Outlook: The loss of McGovern to the NFL stings. As described by NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, McGovern made a name for himself at Penn State as a “drive blocker” and “finisher.” Now, it’s Matt Limegrover’s job to find a replacement for the possible second-round selection.

    Thorpe ought to be considered a front-runner. The lineman who plays with what Franklin once called “nastiness” was moved to defensive tackle in 2018 to provide depth at the depleted position. But he’s back on Limegrover’s side, and the former No. 89 overall prospect in the 2017 recruiting class will make his case this spring.

    Miranda will also have a shot. The rising redshirt sophomore impressed in his first spring at Penn State and started against Maryland last season. Meanwhile, Holmes might swing back to tackle if he’s needed, and Scruggs — the Nittany Lions’ third-string center as a true freshman — could find his way onto the two-deep at guard.

    Simpson, Penn State’s No. 2 center in 2018, was added to the departure list here because his presence in 2019 would have given Limegrover more options. Michal Menet, seemingly entrenched as the Nittany Lions’ starting center, was recruited as a guard and could have theoretically moved back to the position if Simpson was around and Limegrover felt good about him starting at center. However, Simpson, a redshirt junior, decided to forfeit his final year of eligiblity and walk at Senior Day.

    Wallace and Wormley, while promising as prospects, won’t start as true freshmen and should be considered redshirt candidates, especially with the newly implemented four-game rule.



    815%20Practice%2010.JPG

    Penn State freshman offensive lineman Rasheed Walker during practice on Aug. 15, 2018.
    Abby Drey Centre Daily Times, file


    TACKLE
    Gone: Ryan Bates, Chasz Wright, Alex Gellerstedt

    Returners: Will Fries, Rasheed Walker, Des Holmes

    Newcomer: Anthony Whigan (spring)

    Outlook: Outside of whatever the quarterback duel has in store, right tackle provides the most intriguing storyline of the spring.

    Why? Because there are really only two starting options — and they’re both relatively new players eager to cement themselves as a starter for 2019 and beyond.

    Bates’ somewhat unexpected departure leaves the position vacant. Wright’s graduation, Gellerstedt’s transfer to Virginia and Fries’ comfort on the left side make this a two-man race between Walker and Whigan. Holmes, of course, could make a run. But after spending last season at guard, it would be quite a leap to start at tackle against Idaho come Aug. 31.

    Walker, a redshirt freshman who gained some experience last season, was the No. 65 overall prospect and No. 6 tackle in the 2018 class. His ceiling is undeniable. Whigan, meanwhile, played two years at Lackawanna C.C. and has two years of eligibility in State College.

    Even if it was at the JUCO level, Whigan — who also received offers from Oklahoma, TCU, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Nebraska — holds the edge in experience over Walker. But if Walker impresses in spring camp, it will be tempting to reward him with the job and let him grow into the role over several seasons.

    That’s the wrinkle that will make this battle so intriguing not only in the spring, but also the fall.



    IowaPSu043

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https://triblive.com/sports/pitts-pat-narduzzi-starts-over-with-his-players-in-5th-spring/

From the day he stood up at his first news conference, rocking back and forth with nervous energy while laying out his plan for Pitt football, Pat Narduzzi has left his imprint on the program.

Players, assistant coaches and staff members from the equipment room to the recruiting office have come and gone in the ensuing four years. Armed with the blessings of Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and athletic director Heather Lyke and a contract extension through 2024, Narduzzi has shaped the program largely to his liking.

Now, while preparing for his fifth season that gets started Wednesday with the first day of spring drills, Narduzzi is in charge of a defending champion. Pitt won the ACC Coastal Division and played in its first conference title game last year.

But it’s almost like he’s starting over.

Every player who signed letters of intent with former coach Paul Chryst exhausted their eligibility. Fifteen seniors who made significant contributions have left. Every team must reload annually, but Narduzzi is doing it with a roster totally of his choosing.

Here’s what to expect this spring:

Quarterback

No one expects Kenny Pickett to lose his starting job, but Pitt needs more from this position in big games than the 274 passing yards, zero touchdowns and 43.3 completion percentage he compiled against Miami, Clemson and Stanford last season.

Narduzzi fired offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and hired Mark Whipple because the passing game had stalled. Whipple comes in with no preconceived ideas and will give backups Jeff George Jr., Nick Patti and even freshman Davis Beville long looks.

But it’s still Pickett’s huddle.

Running back

There are plenty of backs eager to replace 1,000-yard runners Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall. None with much experience, however.

Junior A.J. Davis, who has 42 carries and 147 yards on his two-season resume, will get the first opportunity, but Pitt needs at least two. Sophomore Todd Sibley Jr. will be in the mix while redshirt freshman Mychale Salahuddin recovers from a lower-body injury. How much freshmen Vincent Davis and Daniel Carter will factor into the mix when they arrive this summer will be determined after coaches evaluate Davis, Sibley and Salahuddin this spring.

Wide receiver

New WR coach Chris Beatty has a big job ahead of him, but he’ll lean heavily on Taysir Mack and Maurice Ffrench. Both have room to grow, but both had their moments last season, gaining a total of 1,072 yards with seven touchdowns (six by Ffrench, the senior). They will be pushed by Aaron Mathews, Shocky Jacques-Louis, Tre Tipton, Dontavious Butler-Jenkins and Michael Smith.

Mathews does the dirty work — blocking downfield — that coaches appreciate. A talented athlete with a good head on his shoulders, Tipton enters the senior season of an injury-plagued career.

Offensive line

Replacing four starters is not ideal, but there are plenty of able, if inexperienced, bodies. The leader is junior center Jimmy Morrissey, a two-year starter coming off a foot injury that kept him out of the last three games of 2018.

Bryce Hargrove has an edge at guard after he took over for Connor Dintino, who replaced Morrissey. Brandon Ford and Chase Brown, who came from Lackawanna College last year, are other guard candidates.

Narduzzi fished the graduate transfer market again and came up with tackle Nolan Ulizio, formerly of Michigan. Gabe Houy, Jerry Drake Jr. and Carter Warren hope to give line coach Dave Borbely options. If Carson Van Lynn is not needed at tight end, he also will help.

Tight end

Watson ignored the position because no one stepped forward to make an impact. Whipple might have a different philosophy, especially if Will Gragg, a transfer from Arkansas who caught only five passes for Pitt last season, makes a good first impression.

Defensive end

Junior Patrick Jones plays with a mean streak, and classmate Rashad Weaver led the team with 6½ sacks. There was some buzz around John Morgan last year when he was a freshman, so he’s worth keeping an eye on this spring.

Defensive tackle

The idea here is to build depth because it’s such a grueling position. Pitt has achieved that with Amir Watts, Keyshon Camp, Jaylen Twyman, Rashad Wheeler and Devin Danielson.

Linebacker

Seniors Seun Idowu, Quintin Wirginis and Elijah Zeise will be difficult to replace because they are tough and smart. But linebackers coach Rob Harley has kept backups Elias Reynolds, Chase Pine, Saleem Brightwell and Cam Bright busy. Reynolds started seven games after Wirginis was lost with a knee injury. Look for safety Phil Campbell to get a look at outside linebacker.

Cornerback

Lots of experience here, with senior Dane Jackson returning for his second full season as a starter. On the other side, junior Jason Pinnock, 6-foot, 195 pounds, has the size Narduzzi likes in his corners and he also picked off two passes.

In reserve are Damarri Mathis, who played in every game, and Marquis Williams, who made an impact as a freshman (at least on the practice field).

Safety

After senior Damar Hamlin, who led the team in tackles, coaches have choices. Paris Ford, a highly regarded recruit two years ago, has bounced between safety and corner and now has a chance to make his mark. But Jazzee Stocker, Bricen Garner and Therran Coleman have been around the program longer.

Special teams

Everyone returns, and it’s a good group, too, with kicker Alex Kessman (24 career field goals), punter Kirk Christodoulou (19 punts inside the 20-yard line), junior snapper Cal Adomitois and sophomore holder Jake Scarton.
 
Another good article on the team's position battles:

https://www.blackshoediaries.com/20...-and-defensive-tackle-penn-state-football-bsd

Three Position Battles That Will Heat Up This Spring
42 NEW, 42
Football is almost back.
By Patrick Koerbler Mar 6, 2019, 5:29am PSTSHARE
usa_today_11727109.0.jpg
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a long, cold winter filled with Pat Chambers bickering, but none of that matters because finally — football is back. We are just one week away from the start of spring practice in Happy Valley, so let’s take a look at three intriguing position battles that will take place this March and April.

RIGHT GUARD
CJ Thorpe vs. Mike Miranda vs. Juice Scruggs

With the departure of Connor McGovern, Penn State will have a new full-time starting right guard for the first time since 2015. The likely leader for that spot heading into the spring? Redshirt sophomore CJ Thorpe, who makes the move back to the offensive line (much to chagrin of Sean Spencer, I’m sure) after spending the conference portion of the 2018 schedule at defensive tackle.

Thorpe checks a lot of the boxes you look for in a offensive guard. He has good size at 6-foot-3, 328 pounds, moves very well for his size, and — I mean this in the most respectful way possible — is an absolute psychopath when it comes to finishing his blocks.




OLine Coach Limegrover@CoachLimegrover
All Day, Every Day!!! #OLPride #Mindset

I mean, sheesh. That is playing through the whistle.

The question for Thorpe though this spring won’t be about his love for punishing opponents in the run game, but rather, how much he’s progressed as a pass blocker. He looked pretty solid during his time against Kent State, but being that he played the rest of the season at defensive tackle, there’s reason to question his progression since then.

If Thorpe proves rusty, fellow redshirt sophomore Mike Miranda should be ready to take ahold the starting job. Miranda has his limitations physically — he’s a good thirty pounds smaller than Thorpe, and has Derek Dowrey-level arm length — but the kid is a natural along the offensive front. He stepped in for an injured Michal Menet against Maryland, and performed admirably on an offensive line that paved the way for 310 yards on the ground.

Miranda might not have the upside of his competition, but he’s dependable, smart player. On an offensive front that had a little trouble with consistency last year, having someone like Miranda man the right guard spot might be a good thing.

While Thorpe and Miranda are certainly the favorites, keep an eye on redshirt freshman Juice Scruggs. He impressed enough as a 278-pound freshman to get some run during the Maryland game, so with an offseason to to add bulk, he’s a darkhorse candidate to win the job.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
PJ Mustipher vs. Antonio Shelton

We know Robert Windsor will be one of the starting defensive tackles, but the other spot remains up for grabs. While there are a myriad (10 other defensive tackles on the roster, to be exact) of options on the interior, redshirt junior Antonio Shelton and sophomore PJ Mustipher are likely your most realistic options. Neither player put up gaudy stats last season, but both were playing their best football by season’s end. Shelton in particular I thought really progressed as the year went along, culminating with a solid performance in the Citrus Bowl where he stepped in for a suspended Windsor.

Shelton isn’t the most nimble big guy on the team, but he has good size at 6-foot-2, 310 pounds, and is one of the stronger players on the roster. If he wins the job, I’d imagine he’d stay at the 1-Tech where his strength and run-stopping ability would be more helpful, with Windsor moving over to the 3-Tech.

Meanwhile, Mustipher offers you a little more positional versatility. He has the length and athleticism to play the 3-Tech, while an offseason of adding mass with Dwight Galt should help him as a 1-Tech. Although he was listed at 300 pounds, it was clear that Mustipher’s frame wasn’t close to filled out. At least body wise, expect a big jump from year one to two for Mustipher.

From a talent perspective, I don’t think Penn State has had someone of Mustipher’s level at defensive tackle since Austin Johnson. To steal a Mayockism, he’s a dancing bear. Will he be ready for the full-time gig? We shall see, but with this battle in particular, I think you’ll see quite a bit of Mustipher and Shelton regardless of who is the “starter.” Just the way defensive line coach Sean Spencer would like to operate with his rotations on the interior.

QUARTERBACK
Tommy Stevens vs. Sean Clifford

Tommy Stevens will start the spring atop the depth chart, but it remains to be seen just how active of a participant he’ll be this March and April. He’s coming off what was essentially a year long foot injury, and while he’s no longer in a walking boot, one would imagine Penn State is going to be cautious with Stevens after his foot complications in 2018. Because of that, Sean Clifford is going to have a prime opportunity to get a ton of first team reps, which can only be beneficial down the line.

Will Tommy Stevens be the starting quarterback for Penn State come Idaho? Most likely. And to be honest, I hope that’s the case. But from what we know about Clifford, he’s an absurd competitor. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes the bull by the horns this spring, and makes this thing a little tighter than James Franklin and Ricky Rahne expected.
 
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Penn State’s Strength in 2019 Will be its Defense
by Mike Poorman on March 07, 2019 7:30 PM



In 2019, the strength of the Penn State football team will be its defense.

And the strength of the defense will be, in many ways, its coaches.

Let’s not overstep, though. X’s and O’s are important, but as legendary PSU D-coordinator Tom Bradley preached to me for many years, it’s all about the Jimmys and Joes.

And that’s true for Penn State in the season ahead, which officially begins next Wednesday when spring drills commence.

THE PLAYERS

So, let’s begin with the Nittany Lions’ linebacking corps, a two-deep group with a strong and disparate set of skills. There’s uber-talented and still occasionally raw Micah Parsons, solid and steady Jan Johnson, and under-rated but not under-appreciated Cam Brown. Back-ups Ellis Brooks, Jesse Luketa and hyped-up freshman Brandon Smith are each full of size and potential.

That’s a big group; on average, they stand 6-foot-3 and weigh 232 pounds. Still, compare that — in size, not ability; there’s a long ways to reach that territory — to the stellar 1999 starting trio of LaVar Arrington (6-3, 233) and Brandon Short (6-3, 252), both All-Americans, and Mac Morrison (6-1, 242). It’s a unit that 2019’s No. 11 & Co. can aspire to.

Just like the 1999 Nittany Lions — who had the No.1 overall draft pick, defensive end Courtney Brown — the 2019 Lions also boast of a high-end D-end in Yetur Gross-Matos. Add DT Robert Windsor, as well as a 1-2 secondary punch of safety Garrett Taylor and corner John Reid, and Penn State’s defense will have talent at all three levels. As a starting unit, you can make a (pretty easy) case that the Lions’ widest array of proven opening day top talent is on defense.

And not only talented, but experienced.

THE EXPERIENCE & RETURNING PRODUCTION

Five of the Nittany Lions’ top six tacklers from 2018 are back — Parsons (1st, with 82 tackles), despite just one start last year; Johnson (No. 2, 72 tackles), Taylor (No. 3, 71 tackles), Brown (No. 5, 63 tackles) and Gross-Matos (No. 6, 54 tackles). The only dearly-departed from the top 6? Safety Nick Scott, No. 4 with 65 stops in 2018.

Let’s count experience another way — career starts. Reid is tied with O-lineman Steven Gonzalez for most returning starts with 29. All of the following defenders have at least a dozen starts under their belts: Brown and Windsor, with 14; Gross-Matos and Johnson, with 13; and Taylor, with 12.

Contrast that with the 2019 Nittany Lion offense, which must replace many of its top producers.

In 2019, Penn State’s offense returns just 15% of its rushing yards from 2018, only 10.75% of its passing yards and 63.6% of its receiving yards. (The ignitable K.J. Hamler represents 27% of those receiving yards — 754 of 2,835.)

Penn State’s experience on offense is centered around the O-line, where fully two-thirds of the entire offense’s career starts (61 of 94) are represented in just three players — Gonzalez (29), tackle Will Fries (19) and center Michael Menet (13). Only Hamler, with 13 starts, and tight end Pat Freiermuth (9) also have more than a handful, and both saw the playing field for the first time as collegians last fall.

THE POINTS

Penn State finished last season by going 5-4 — hardly an inspiring finishing run. No offense, but the Nittany Lions had problems scoring points over that stretch, as Trace McSorley gamely fought off injuries and the backfield dealt with a prolonged absence of Ricky Slade, as well as consistencies at wide receiver.

In those four losses, Penn State scored just 75 points, with a scoring average of just less than 19 points per game. That 75 over 240 minutes is a far cry for the back-to-back 63’s the Nittany Lions hung on Kent State and Illinois over a six-day period. In reality, that was fool’s gold.

Over the final nine games, Penn State outscored the opposition by a fairly faint 220-186 margin — 24.4 to 20.7 points. Scarcely a Jake Pinegar field goal. Pretty darn good defense, save for the Michigan game. And even that was a bit of a misnomer, as the Wolverines scored 28 points in the final 956 seconds, including a pick-6.

Take away The Argh in Ann Arbor, and the Nittany Lion D — the one that has five of its six leading tacklers back in 2019 — gave up just 17.5 points per game over the final nine contests. In the final four games of the 2019 season, counting 27 points by Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, Penn State’s defense gave up just 44 points — 11 per game — in its final 240 minutes.

Pretty good reason to be excited about the PSU defense in 2019.

THE COACHES

For the most part, head coach James Franklin leaves the Penn State defense to D-coordinator and Brent Pry. Which makes sense. I would, too.

Pry, who enters his fourth season as the Nittany Lions’ primary defensive mastermind, is darn good at his job. And despite what you read elsewhere, trust me when I say that Pry is being handsomely rewarded to the tune of $1 million-plus annually for defense’s successes. That no one has pried Brent away, especially a few seasons ago when he turned away as many three head coaching opportunities, is a huge plus for the Nittany Lions.

Same goes for the rest of the Penn State defensive staff.

Like Pry, defensive line coach and associate head coach Sean Spencer is in his ninth season as an assistant under Franklin — three at Vanderbilt and going on six at Penn State. Now an associate head coach, Spencer is pumping out NFL-ready D-lineman almost as prodigiously as LJ Sr. did for many years under Joe Paterno.

Former Nittany Lion captain Terry Smith, who coaches the cornerbacks — past standouts like Grant Haley and Christian Campbell, and present stalwarts Reid and Tariq Castro-Fields — is also in his sixth season on Franklin’s staff.

Safeties coach Tim Banks, a former D-coordinator at Illinois who coached for two seasons with Franklin at Maryland (2003-4), is now in Year 4 at Penn State. In a short time, in a very understated fashion, Banks has developed a long line of top-notch safeties — Malik Golden, Marcus Allen, Troy Apke, Scott and Taylor among them.

Longevity is important.

But, to a man, the defensive coaches are good teachers, technicians and tacticians who have been coaching in the college ranks, on average, for over 20 years. They are pros at developing players, who have improved as the season goes on.

Take away the Rose Bowl against USC, and over the final four games of the past three seasons — 11 games in all (again, not counting Jan. 2, 2017) — Penn State’s defense has given up just 14.7 points per game.

Two touchdowns. Wow.

Mad props to Pry & Co.

This is not to disparage the Nittany Lions’ offensive staff — O-line coach Matt Limegrover has almost three decades in the profession and was O-coordinator at Minnesota, while Ricky Rahne is in Year 11 with Franklin. However, Ja-Juan Seiders, Tyler Bowen and brand-new Gerad Parker have worked with Franklin for a grand total of six seasons.

Between the two of them, Pry and Spencer have been with CJF for 18 seasons — and a combined five-plus decades as college coaches.

Penn State’s defensive staff has, on average, been at PSU for 5.5 seasons, with Franklin for an average of 7.5 seasons, and have been in the profession at the college level for an average of 20.25 seasons.

Conversely, Penn State’s offensive staff has been at Penn State for an average of 3.0 seasons, with Franklin for an average of 4.2 seasons, and have been college coaches for an average of 15.4 seasons.

Just another reason for Penn State to be defensive in 2019.
 
Need at least half of these players to emerge in order to replace and possibly upgrade the open positions and develop depth and better special teams....

https://expo.pennlive.com/sports/g6...need-to-make-a-move-this-march-and-april.html

Penn State’s 2019 spring practice sessions: The Lions who need to make a move this March and April
By Bob Flounders | bflounders@pennlive.com | Posted March 09, 2019 at 05:00 AM

Bob Flounders | bflounders@pennlive.com

It’s almost time! Forget about the painful Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky. (And that 35-point loss to Michigan, for that matter.). It’s time to find some new leaders and standouts on the Penn State football team. James Franklin’s program is set to begin spring drills in the next few days and there has been plenty of change since the Lions dropped a 27-24 decision to Kentucky on Jan. 1 in Orlando. New players have arrived. New coaches are part of Franklin’s staff.

Penn State will have a new quarterback, a new tailback, a new right side of the offensive line and the Lions’ defensive coaches had better find a new corner who can provide support to Tariq Castro-Fields and John Reid. It’s also the second year for offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne. What changes, if any, will he make to his approach in 2019? The Blue-White game is set for April 13 but that date is a long way off. Who are the Penn State players that need to have a strong spring? Here is my list …


Journey Brown

Penn State career to date: Brown, listed at 5-11, 205 pounds for the 2018 season, will be a redshirt sophomore in 2019. A prep start at Meadville High School, Journey finished last season as Penn State’s No. 3 tailback behind Miles Sanders and Ricky Slade. A season-ending injury to Mark Allen elevated him on the depth chart. Brown played special teams and he also got a handful of carries, scoring at touchdown in PSU’s win at Illinois. Brown was a pure speedster when he arrived in State College and he has added size and strength to prepare him for Year Three.

2019 impact: Brown has one less obstacle in his way to significant playing time now that Miles Sanders has moved on following his junior year. Sanders, who ran for more than 1,200 yards last season, was one of the best backs in the Big Ten. The lead role is open and most expect second-year back Ricky Slade to claim the job. PSU also added a pair of very talented true freshmen in Noah Cain and Devyn Ford. Cain enrolled in January and that should help his chances. Brown has his work cut out for him this spring and he must take a step forward.


C.J. Thorpe

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Penn State defensive lineman C.J. Thorpe heads into Holuba Hall for practice on Dec. 14, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: A true power player, Thorpe boasts impressive size and he was listed at 6-3, 328 pounds in 2018. A top offensive line recruit and a Pittsburgh Central Catholic standout, Thorpe redshirted in 2017 and was expected to battle for a reserve interior offensive line spot last year. But with the Lions short a defensive tackle after the season’s first month, Penn State’s staff moved Thorpe to defensive tackle. Thorpe was considered a key “get” in James Franklin’s 2017 recruiting class and he turned 20 earlier this month.

2019 impact: The question to be asked is, will Thorpe stay at defensive tackle or move back to offense? The Lions must build depth on both lines. If Penn State switches Thorpe to offensive guard, where he was viewed as a four-star prospect, he will likely have to overtake Mike Miranda for the one open spot. Steven Gonzalez is back at left guard and Miranda was PSU’s top reserve at the end of last season. Thorpe has the physical tools to play a bigger role in 2019. Is he ready to show it in the spring?


Mac Hippenhammer

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Penn State wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer gets in extra work after practice on Oct. 3, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Hippenhammer, who was listed at 5-11, 177 pounds last season, will be a redshirt sophomore wideout in 2019. He is a legit two-sport athlete at Penn State, having played both football and baseball. Hippenhammer did make one start last season (against Michigan) and his first career catch — an 11-yarder in Week 2 at Pittsburgh — was good for a touchdown. Hippenhammer was also the star of the 2018 Blue-White game, catching two touchdown passes. Mac was viewed as a three-star recruit coming out of Indiana and he was also recruited by Notre Dame and Michigan State.

2019 impact: The Penn State wideout room is short a couple of experienced players after DeAndre Thompkins graduated and Juwan Johnson transferred to Oregon. Speedy KJ Hamler is the Lions’ most dangerous wideout and three second-year receivers — Justin Shorter, Jahan Dotson and Daniel George — are all viewed as potential breakout players. But Hippenhammer should not be overlooked in a program that is desperate to find receivers who can consistently catch the ball. A strong spring could seal a top-six receiver spot for Mac.


Shane Simmons

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Penn State defensive ends Shane Simmons and Shaka Toney move in on Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke during the second quarter on Oct. 13, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Simmons’ impact has been minimal during his first three seasons and the 6-3, 250-pounder missed half of the 2018 campaign with an undisclosed injury. The Maryland prep star, a four-star recruit who was a high school teammate of former Penn State running back Mark Allen, looked to be on the right track in 2017 as a reserve end. But 2018 was more like a lost season. The fourth-year junior turns 22 in June. He was part of James Franklin’s 2016 class that also included Miles Sanders and Michal Menet and most recruiting experts ranked Simmons ahead of Connor McGovern, Cam Brown, Shaka Toney and Will Fries.

2019 impact: Let’s put it this way: the expectation when Simmons signed in 2016 was that he would be a starter by now and likely contending for All-Big Ten honors. He has the speed and size to be a disruptive player for the Lions off the edge. But the Lions’ defensive end room is a talented one — led by Yetur Gross-Matos — and Simmons will have to battle Toney, Jayson Oweh, Nick Tarburton and Daniel Joseph for playing time. A healthy spring and summer would go a long way toward a potential Simmons’ breakout season.


CJ Holmes

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Penn State running back CJ Holmes during practice on Sept. 5, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Holmes is just getting started in State College. A four-star running back who originally was recruited by the likes of PSU, Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi State and Pittsburgh, Holmes signed with Notre Dame and played in eight games during his true freshman season. But Holmes left the Irish program for Penn State and 2018 was his redshirt season. Holmes was listed at 6-0, 215 pounds this year.

2019 impact: Journey Brown is one of several bigger backs who could fit into the Lions’ running back rotation now that Miles Sanders has moved on. True freshman Noah Cain, a January enrollee, is another contender. The four-star recruit has size and speed. And so does Holmes, a four-star himself. There are roughly 250 carries available and Ricky Slade, the presumed starter, is not going to get all of them. PSU needs a back who can pick up the tough yards between the tackles. Why not Holmes?


Damion Barber

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Penn State defensive tackle Damion Barber during Citrus Bowl practice on Dec. 30, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: It has been a slow-go for Barber in his first two years with the Lions. Barber was likely viewed as a project by the Lions’ coaching staff coming out of Harrisburg High School, where he was a teammate of Micah Parsons and helped lead the Cougars to the state championship game during his season season. Barber was a three-sport athlete at Harrisburg and he was a disruptive defensive end. But Barber, who redshirted in 2017, quickly grew out of the D-end spot. The 6-3 Barber, who played at closer to 245 in high school, was listed at 283 last season.

2019 impact: It’s time for Barber to make a move. Penn State returns nose tackle Robert Windsor but 3-technique Kevin Givens has moved on. The Lions will look at several tackle candidates to fill out Sean Spencer’s rotation. PJ Mustipher, Antonio Shelton, Fred Hansard, Judge Culpepper, Ellison Jordan and Aeneas Hawkins are all talented contenders. Barber fits in the tackle picture somewhere but he has to climb over several players on the Penn State tackle depth chart.


Jesse Luketa

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Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa tackles Pittsburgh wide receiver Maurice Ffrench in the fourth quarter of the 51-6 win over Pittsburgh at Heinz Field on Sept. 8, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Luketa is only in his second year with the Lions after spending his prep career at Mercyhurst Prep. Luketa, who is originally from Canada, was a three-time captain at Mercyhurst and the 6-3, 236-pounder jump-started his Penn State career by early enrolling in January of 2018. Luketa’s true freshman season was mostly relegated to special teams’ play. The 20-year-old rates as one of the more intriguing pieces of Penn State’s 2019 defensive puzzle.

2019 impact: A strong spring and summer can put Luketa in contention for a top-six linebacker spot. But this is a tough group, given the fact that Jan Johnson, Micah Parsons and Cam Brown all return. Penn State will also take a long look at Ellis Brooks in the middle and Cumberland Valley graduate Charlie Katshir is coming off his redshirt season. And we didn’t even get to the blue-chip true freshmen linebackers who have enrolled early — five-star Brandon Smith and Lance Dixon.


Daniel George

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Penn State wide receiver Daniel George jumps over Maryland defensive back RaVon Davis during the second quarter on Nov. 24, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Few freshmen in Penn State history have ever made a splash like the one George made last September at Beaver Stadium against Kent State. George, listed at 6-2, 220 last season, teamed up with backup quarterback Sean Clifford on a 95-yard touchdown, the longest in program history. George was a prep star in Maryland and also lettered in track three seasons. His redshirt season with the Lions afforded him time to get to know all of PSU’s returning quarterbacks, including Clifford and Will Levis.

2019 impact: Penn State’s 2018 recruiting class was loaded with quality wideouts. George could loom large in James Franklin’s big picture and the same could be said for fellow second-year wideouts Justin Shorter and Jahan Dotson. Shorter is the biggest name in the group and the five-star made big strides during December practices, according to former quarterback Trace McSorley. But a 95-yard touchdown reception in your first career college game shows what George may be capable of in a bigger role.


Donovan Johnson

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Michigan State wide receiver Cam Chambers hauls in a pass as Penn State cornerback Donovan Johnson defends during the first quarter on Oct. 13, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Johnson emerged from his 2017 redshirt season to help Penn State as a reserve cornerback and special teams player. The Lions pulled Johnson out of Cass Tech in Michigan. He was considered one of the top prep corners in the midwest and one of the premier players in Michigan. Johnson was also pursued by Virginia Tech and Arizona. The 5-9, 182-pounder turns 20 in April.

2019 impact: If nothing else, Johnson has the speed and skill to be a key performer on the Penn State special teams. But with top cornerback Amani Oruwariye moving on to the NFL, there is an opening or two in the Lions’ cornerback rotation. Tariq Castro-Fields and John Reid will be the leaders in the corner room in 2019, but the Lions are going to play a lot of five-DB sets. All signs point to Johnson earning a long look as a top-three corner if he continues to develop in the spring and the summer.


Ellis Brooks

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Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks tackles Illinois running back Mike Epstein during the fourth quarter on Sept. 21, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Penn State career to date: Who does Penn State have to thank for the presence of Ellis Brooks, who will be a third-year inside linebacker this season? Maybe we should throw a little credit Michael Robinson’s way. According to Brooks’ bio on the PSU website, Robinson, the Lions’ dual-threat QB and leader of the 2005 team, is close friend of the Brooks’ family. The 6-1, 233-pounder was the top backup to Jan Johnson in the middle, appearing in all 13 games. LSU was in hot pursuit of the Virginia prep star, but the SEC’s loss is James Franklin’s gain.

2019 impact: Jan Johnson enters 2019 as the presumed starter in the middle. He has earned the trust of James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry. But Johnson could face a difficult challenge from Brooks, who should be more comfortable in Pry’s defense as a redshirt sophomore. He has considerable physical gifts but lacks Johnson’s experience. And Johnson, by the way, is also a very good athlete. Brooks should take another step forward in the spring and the competition between Ellis and Johnson could be closer than you think.


Des Holmes

Penn State career to date: Large frame, nice upside. Wasn’t that always the book on Penn State third-year tackle Des Holmes, a prep star for Cardinal O’Hara who was considered a three-star recruit in the 2017 class? Holmes did not have a lot of major offers but James Franklin and offensive line coach Matt Limegrover evidently saw something. He redshirted in his first year and Holmes played sparingly last season. Penn State has missed on some offensive tackles in recent years but Holmes has added size (6-5, 322) and he looks the part of a major college lineman.

2019 impact: Penn State’s offensive line must replace a pair of starters in center/guard Connor McGovern and guard/tackle Ryan Bates. Will Fries returns as a starter at one of the tackle spots and expectations are high for second-year tackle Rasheed Walker, a key piece of James Franklin’s 2018 recruiting class. But the Lions are not going to make it through a Big Ten season without three tackles who can play. Holmes must make a move sooner rather than later.


Jonathan Sutherland

Penn State career to date: Much like linebacker Jesse Luketa, Sutherland is another Penn State player with ties to Canada. Sutherland did play his high school football in Virginia and the four-star recruit made some significant strides in 2018 as a redshirt freshman. The 5-11, 201-pound defensive back was a special teams player and a backup safety behind Nick Scott and Garrett Taylor. Sutherland’s most productive game occurred in the Lions’ Big Ten road win at Illinois when he compiled eight tackles and a tackle for loss. Sutherland also made a spot start in Penn State’s victory over Iowa at Beaver Stadium.

2019 impact: Lamont Wade is a contender to start at safety with Nick Scott gone. And so is Sutherland, who has the size and speed to form a nice tandem with returning starter Garrett Taylor. It was Sutherland, not Wade, who got the start against Iowa when PSU was down a safety. Pay attention to James Franklin when he discusses the young players who have made the most progress as spring practices begin to wind down. If he mentions Sutherland, then the redshirt sophomore becomes the odds-on favorite to replace Scott at safety.


Lamont Wade

Penn State career to date: Wade’s first two years have been an education for the young safety. He is an aggressive player with very good speed, and both those qualities have shown up on special teams in 2017 and 2018. No redshirt year for the Clairton High star, who flirted with the newfangled transfer portal but opted to return to the Nittany Lions’ program. The 5-9, 194-pound Wade posted 10 special teams tackles in 2017, tying him for the team lead. The 20-year-old Wade has yet to make his mark on coordinator Brent Pry’s defense.


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Penn State safety Lamont Wade talks with strength coach Alvin Futrell during winter workouts on Feb. 28, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

2019 impact: Former Nittany Lion Nick Scott was a special teams captain before claiming a starting safety job in 2018. Is that the path that Wade must follow? Scott’s departure means there is an opening at safety and Wade is one of several candidates. Here’s another possibility: Wade could follow Michal Menet’s path at Penn State. Menet was a big name recruit in James Franklin’s 2016 class and he was a reserve lineman for two years before locking down the starting center in his third year. Wade, a 2017 recruiting headliner, is more than capable of earning the starting safety job. Two years as a reserve, starter in Year Three?
 
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/q-a-stevens-confident-comfortable-in-advance-of-lions-spring-practice
i1du4xtjopaknmchzqjp


BWI: From a playing standpoint, what are the gaps that need to be bridged in your development from now until the start of the season?

Tommy Stevens: I think just as an offense, getting chemistry down because new faces. New quarterback, I guess complete shocker. It's a big deal. But having a new quarterback in there, having new leadership, there's a lot of different, new variables. We're going to have a new receiver coming in to compete for a spot. (Ed. note: Former Florida State five-star George Campbell will be a graduate transfer with the Nittany Lions) There's a lot of talent, there really is. And I don't want to make it a slight to the guys that were here when I first got here as a true freshman because obviously we had very talented guys then. But on paper, this is a very, very talented team. Five-star, four-star, four-star, five-star, across the board. There's a lot of talent and it's exciting.

It's never really been about anything else. It's never been about proving people wrong. It's always been about doing what I can to make myself the best player that I can here to win the most football games and be the best person that I can be. But it's fun. It’s fun to prove people wrong. It's fun to prove that I can throw the ball. It's going to be fun to prove to people that I can throw the ball.

BWI: Do you feel like the job is yours now? What’s your approach to a competition for the starting role with Sean Clifford?

TS: I don't want to speak for Cliff, but I bet he's probably approaching it the exact same way as i am. And at the end of the day, it was how me and Trace approached it when the job was up for grabs then, too.

Both of us, I would imagine, there's no way - and I would say this if he was sitting right there - there's no way that he doesn't think that it's his job as much as I think that it's my job. But at the end of the day, like how me and Trace did it, we can't let that interfere with making the team as good as we can.

To be blunt, both of us are going to come in, compete as hard as we can and whatever happens, happens. But I'm comfortable with where I am. I’m finally healthy. And I'm excited. I'm excited for the opportunity because it's been a long time.
 
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Rule #1 of the offseason: All gained weight is good news
Rule #2 of the offseason: All lost weight is good news



 
Judge Smails said:
There were reports out of Georgia that Fields didn't look so hot in their practices last season.

From 247:
Justin Fields
"He's had a reported rocky start during the first week of spring practice."

https://247sports.com/LongFormArtic...s-2019-Brett-McMurphy-129777059/#129777059_21
Click to expand...

He's an elite athlete. Even when he was committed here most said it could take him some time to develop as a well-rounded QB. The QB position requires so much more than athleticism, we'll see if it works out for the kid.
 
Franklin says QB Tommy Stevens will be able to participate in spring camp but adds he'll be limited at start. The goal is to get him at full go by end of spring.
 
Sticking this here but Franklin said Hippenhammer is full-time baseball right now so no spring practice for him.
 
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