Penn State 2019 Season articles
- Thread starter Judge Smails
- Start date
LOL I’m glad I’m not the only one getting tired of “at the end of the day” and “we’ll have to wait and see”. Dude doesn’t give a firm answer to anything
Impressed with Tommy’s poise in this interview
Maybe I'm too critical...but there is just nothing there with that dude. It's just a bland, generic, vaguely pessimistic take on all things Penn State with cliches to string it all together. His value was when he was calling recruits, but those days are long gone. I think Dustin is terrific, he saves those segments.
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatef...utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=psufootball_sf
Don't know if it is significant, or more than temporary, but they had CJ Thorpe running first string at right guard
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Penn State practice
Penn State offensive lineman C.J. Thorpe pass protects during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
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Penn State practice
Penn State's defense celebrates an interception by safety Drew Hartlaub during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
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Penn State practice
Penn State quarterback Will Levis throws during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Don't know if it is significant, or more than temporary, but they had CJ Thorpe running first string at right guard
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Penn State practice
Penn State offensive lineman C.J. Thorpe pass protects during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
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Penn State practice
Penn State's defense celebrates an interception by safety Drew Hartlaub during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
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Penn State practice
Penn State quarterback Will Levis throws during practice on April 3, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Couldn’t agree more. Especially about Dustin being terrific and saving the segments with Greg.
Could be, but I think TS will start the year. This offense will have the luxury hopefully of a really good defense. You have AA's at DE and LB. Lots of athleticism all over the place and if they can stay healthy the O just has to be efficient.Or SC throwing strikes.
Another mention of Chisena having a good spring. CJF has made it a point to mention him in every PC this spring. This kid is gunna factor in this year.
Look at the guns on Wade (photo 9)
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/bwi-photos-april-3-practice
Look at the length on Tariq (photo 10)
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/bwi-photos-april-3-practice
Wish I knew how to post links/pics properly lol
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/bwi-photos-april-3-practice
Look at the length on Tariq (photo 10)
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/bwi-photos-april-3-practice
Wish I knew how to post links/pics properly lol
On a desktop computer (I struggle to do it from my phone) you can simply highlight the photo and right click, select copy picture, come here and select paste.
Or you can right click on the photo, select "Copy Image Address", and then hit the post card looking button above and paste the address into the field.
I’m gonna go on a rant here...
It also drives me crazy that he hardly ever has anything to say about what he saw in open practices. It’s always along the lines of “Not many takeaways from the open practice session this week.”
Okay, thanks.
Meanwhile, other sites can tell me the entire two deep, who wasn’t dressed, and if any particular player stood out.
Pickel writes multiple articles per day on Pennlive. Is there some sort of restriction that free news outlets can’t talk about what they saw in practice?
Pennlive beat writers don’t understand that the daily fluff features are total crap. I get that it’s tough to publish an article every day, but don’t gloss over what you could be writing about just from studying everything you get to see during the weekly open practice sessions. It’s like they show up for their own enjoyment and then just copy and paste everything from the interview sessions to publish the next day’s article. Flounders article from last night was a little bit better, but Pickel just regurgitated the entire Tommy Stevens interview.
I can listen to that on GoPSUTV.
What did you see in practice?
Sounds like Holland might enter the portal. CJF mentioned 4 TE’s that will factor in this year and didn’t even mention one of his most experienced, Holland.
Holland is still on the roster, but I've seen no evidence that he is practicing this spring.
What an article.... I’m all aboard the shorter hype train!!
Jesus. People worry about our DTs? Harbaugh on their defensive line.
“Can really say that about the defensive line as well. Aidan Hutchinson is having a greatspring. He’s becoming a dominant player. He’s elevated his game. Played in all 13 games as a true freshman and he’s just doing an incredible job. Donovan Jeter’s our starting 3-tech right now. He continues to be an ascending player. He’s just…he appears hellbent on being the starting defensive tackle. Kwity Paye also, nothing but good there. Doing a tremendous job. And Carlo Kemp, talked about him before, extremely strong. He’s our starting nose.
“And then the backups, you know, there’s been some fluctuation there. Luiji Vilain has come on at defensive end. He’s backing up Kwity. Mazi Smith’s backing up Carlo right now, and Ben Mason is in that rotation be it starter or rotation but he’s all the way up at least backing up both those positions right now on our defensive line and coming on like gangbusters every single day. Julius Welschof’s made a move."
Kemp is playing nose listed at 6-3 280. Jeter had three tackles last year, starting at 3 tech. Mazi Smith is a true freshman, top backup at NT. Ben Mason is listed at 6-3, 254 and is the other DT backup. He played FULLBACK last year.
“Can really say that about the defensive line as well. Aidan Hutchinson is having a greatspring. He’s becoming a dominant player. He’s elevated his game. Played in all 13 games as a true freshman and he’s just doing an incredible job. Donovan Jeter’s our starting 3-tech right now. He continues to be an ascending player. He’s just…he appears hellbent on being the starting defensive tackle. Kwity Paye also, nothing but good there. Doing a tremendous job. And Carlo Kemp, talked about him before, extremely strong. He’s our starting nose.
“And then the backups, you know, there’s been some fluctuation there. Luiji Vilain has come on at defensive end. He’s backing up Kwity. Mazi Smith’s backing up Carlo right now, and Ben Mason is in that rotation be it starter or rotation but he’s all the way up at least backing up both those positions right now on our defensive line and coming on like gangbusters every single day. Julius Welschof’s made a move."
Kemp is playing nose listed at 6-3 280. Jeter had three tackles last year, starting at 3 tech. Mazi Smith is a true freshman, top backup at NT. Ben Mason is listed at 6-3, 254 and is the other DT backup. He played FULLBACK last year.
That is because those who are the most vocal critics are usually idiots that live inside a PSU box.Jesus. People worry about our DTs? Harbaugh on their defensive line.
“Can really say that about the defensive line as well. Aidan Hutchinson is having a greatspring. He’s becoming a dominant player. He’s elevated his game. Played in all 13 games as a true freshman and he’s just doing an incredible job. Donovan Jeter’s our starting 3-tech right now. He continues to be an ascending player. He’s just…he appears hellbent on being the starting defensive tackle. Kwity Paye also, nothing but good there. Doing a tremendous job. And Carlo Kemp, talked about him before, extremely strong. He’s our starting nose.
“And then the backups, you know, there’s been some fluctuation there. Luiji Vilain has come on at defensive end. He’s backing up Kwity. Mazi Smith’s backing up Carlo right now, and Ben Mason is in that rotation be it starter or rotation but he’s all the way up at least backing up both those positions right now on our defensive line and coming on like gangbusters every single day. Julius Welschof’s made a move."
Kemp is playing nose listed at 6-3 280. Jeter had three tackles last year, starting at 3 tech. Mazi Smith is a true freshman, top backup at NT. Ben Mason is listed at 6-3, 254 and is the other DT backup. He played FULLBACK last year.
Easy Shorter. Baby steps. You have great ability, but as we all know the best ability is AVAILABILITY...let’s start by trying to get and stay healthy for a season.
Looks like one of our 5 star frosh LBs, Brandon Smith, made a big play.
Haven't been in this thread and don't want to reply to each individually so get them all in one here.
Man, do these kids look good. Weapons all over the place. Who wouldn't want to QB this team. Can't help but notice a few of the defensive players who are getting beat. Was that Dotson or Shorter that flew by Tariq?
Pickel had a schtick of being a free recruiting guy, but as a football guy has no value. It wouldn't kill him to re-read his articles before publishing them either. The mistakes are inexcusable for a "real" newspaper.
Jeepers, Yetur looks even bigger this year. Raiders might as well claim him now with the first pick in 2020. Reminds me of a traditional PSU D. Strong on the edge and at LB with questions at Safety. Granted these corners are much better than even some of the better PSU defenses of yesteryear.
The Big Ten is very winnable. Michigan is not the same team and we get them at home and Fields is being called overrated at his second school in as many tries. It's April, but this team should have high expectations.
I think we bought low on a really talented coach. Any highly sought after high school WR (not pointing to anyone specifically) who watches this unit this fall is going to fall in love with playing for Parker.
There were some quotes from national guys about Fields looking shaky at Ohio State practices a few weeks ago. I've been looking and it's seems like it is a radio blackout on all info about him since. Where have you read anything about him recently? You'd think if he was lighting it up all the OSU writers would be hiring skywriting planes to announce it.
Is it true that Fields is being called overrated and presumably struggling a bit at OSU? If so, couldn't happen to a more deserving person.
My words of over rated were probably an over reach on the same shaky comments you heard. A reporter from Toldeo explained it away as, "rust, nerves or over-excitement." A few articles have come out saying it's a real competition between him and Baldwin. That could just be because they can't risk losing their only true backup option, but you'd think they'd be more pumped if they were so sure this kid has the Heisman locked up already. I don't think he's going to be superman just yet.
EDIT: for example this was posted on the UGA board, "I live in Cleveland, the morning news this AM did a segment on the buckeyes and had interviews with several OL. Two of them said they were glad to have Justin but he was having trouble getting the ball out quickly.. “he really needs to work on getting rid of the ball”
Never heard this mentioned as a problem for him before. Super annoying to hear them talking about him on the local news."
There are a lot of Bulldog fans that mention he couldn't read defenses the same way Fromm could and it's why he didn't win that competition.
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Justin Fields is the assumed starter in waiting at Ohio State, but so far at least head coach Ryan Day is not claiming separation between him and Matthew Baldwin. How real is this quarterback competition?
When Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State, not only did fans buy more scarlet and gray pajamas and start to look at where the College Football Playoff games are next year, but it was thought to be a foregone conclusion that he would be the starting quarterback in Columbus in 2019.
Sure there’s a playbook to learn, culture to absorb and players and coaches to convince, but how could one of the best all-time rated quarterbacks to ever come out of high school miss out on taking the reigns of the Ohio State offense with Dwayne Haskins off to the riches of the NFL?
So far so good for Fields?
All indications coming out of spring ball is that Fields is acclimating himself well, so much so that he had his black stripe removed rather early in his efforts on the banks of the Olentangy. But there have also been mixed reviews. He has looked good at times, and not as good at others.
Kyle Rowland
✔@KyleRowland
Reporters were allowed to watch the first hour of Ohio State's spring practice. Justin Fields took the first reps with the quarterbacks, and he looked shaky most of the morning. Call it rust, nerves or over-excitement. Regardless, I wouldn't read too much into it.
It’s a reminder that Fields is brand new to the program. That means he has to absorb a new language, entirely new playbook, all while dealing with snow in the winter and sleet in the spring. His GPS is likely set and active at all times as he traverses the Arch City’s streets.
But perhaps the most eye-brow raising comments we’ve had come out of spring is the realization that Fields has been splitting first-team reps 50/50 with fellow quarterback gladiator Matthew Baldwin. That means that both guys are getting equal looks right now as Ryan Day looks to replace Ohio State comic book superhero Dwayne Haskins.
What the coach says …
Appearing before the media earlier this week, Day was asked about the separation at the quarterback position.
“We’re going to start looking at the completion percentage and who’s moving the ball a little bit here as we get towards the end of the spring,” said Day. “We haven’t really dug into that. I think later today I actually want to see the numbers and kind of see where we’re at with that … because we’re starting to get to the point where I think there’s enough snaps of film, we can start to get an idea of where guys are at right now, but as I sit right here right now no.”
When pressed about assigning leader at least in the competition, Day still seemed to leave things open between the quarterbacks.
“Hopefully, they’re all leaders,” said Day. “They all need to be leaders. But in terms as who’s ahead of who, we’ll see, we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Clear?
No, not really. Of course the two guys Day is referencing is Baldwin and Fields based on who’s getting snaps in practice. And at this point, the two have both had very good moments, and some not so great moments.
Fields has done things with his legs that hardly any earthling can do, yet Baldwin can really sling the ball and is a little more comfortable with the offense having seen it for a year. Baldwin’s upside is not nearly as high as Fields’ is.
Dave Biddle
✔@davebiddle
I asked Ryan Day if there’s any separation between Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin yet. He sidestepped the question a bit and said they’re still evaluating the process.
https://twitter.com/davebiddle
But will this really shake out as a competition beyond spring and into summer camp? The answer is likely yes. One of Urban Meyer’s defining principles was competition, and Day has been hearing and seeing the fruits of that labor now for a couple of years.
He’s tasted it and is unlikely to spit it out. In the end, it’ll make both guys better, and I fully believe that the coaching staff will give every opportunity to both guys.
When Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State, not only did fans buy more scarlet and gray pajamas and start to look at where the College Football Playoff games are next year, but it was thought to be a foregone conclusion that he would be the starting quarterback in Columbus in 2019.
Sure there’s a playbook to learn, culture to absorb and players and coaches to convince, but how could one of the best all-time rated quarterbacks to ever come out of high school miss out on taking the reigns of the Ohio State offense with Dwayne Haskins off to the riches of the NFL?
So far so good for Fields?
All indications coming out of spring ball is that Fields is acclimating himself well, so much so that he had his black stripe removed rather early in his efforts on the banks of the Olentangy. But there have also been mixed reviews. He has looked good at times, and not as good at others.
Kyle Rowland
✔@KyleRowland
Reporters were allowed to watch the first hour of Ohio State's spring practice. Justin Fields took the first reps with the quarterbacks, and he looked shaky most of the morning. Call it rust, nerves or over-excitement. Regardless, I wouldn't read too much into it.
It’s a reminder that Fields is brand new to the program. That means he has to absorb a new language, entirely new playbook, all while dealing with snow in the winter and sleet in the spring. His GPS is likely set and active at all times as he traverses the Arch City’s streets.
But perhaps the most eye-brow raising comments we’ve had come out of spring is the realization that Fields has been splitting first-team reps 50/50 with fellow quarterback gladiator Matthew Baldwin. That means that both guys are getting equal looks right now as Ryan Day looks to replace Ohio State comic book superhero Dwayne Haskins.
What the coach says …
Appearing before the media earlier this week, Day was asked about the separation at the quarterback position.
“We’re going to start looking at the completion percentage and who’s moving the ball a little bit here as we get towards the end of the spring,” said Day. “We haven’t really dug into that. I think later today I actually want to see the numbers and kind of see where we’re at with that … because we’re starting to get to the point where I think there’s enough snaps of film, we can start to get an idea of where guys are at right now, but as I sit right here right now no.”
When pressed about assigning leader at least in the competition, Day still seemed to leave things open between the quarterbacks.
“Hopefully, they’re all leaders,” said Day. “They all need to be leaders. But in terms as who’s ahead of who, we’ll see, we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Clear?
No, not really. Of course the two guys Day is referencing is Baldwin and Fields based on who’s getting snaps in practice. And at this point, the two have both had very good moments, and some not so great moments.
Fields has done things with his legs that hardly any earthling can do, yet Baldwin can really sling the ball and is a little more comfortable with the offense having seen it for a year. Baldwin’s upside is not nearly as high as Fields’ is.
Dave Biddle
✔@davebiddle
I asked Ryan Day if there’s any separation between Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin yet. He sidestepped the question a bit and said they’re still evaluating the process.
https://twitter.com/davebiddle
But will this really shake out as a competition beyond spring and into summer camp? The answer is likely yes. One of Urban Meyer’s defining principles was competition, and Day has been hearing and seeing the fruits of that labor now for a couple of years.
He’s tasted it and is unlikely to spit it out. In the end, it’ll make both guys better, and I fully believe that the coaching staff will give every opportunity to both guys.
Honestly, without seeing him I can't really say. I've seen, on message boards mind you, that he double pats a lot before throwing, doesn't get the ball out quick, and has trouble reading defenses. The fact that this stuff is out there and the coach isn't naming him the guy and the hype wagon isn't being pushed by the OSU press makes believe there might be truth to it.Justin Fields is the assumed starter in waiting at Ohio State, but so far at least head coach Ryan Day is not claiming separation between him and Matthew Baldwin. How real is this quarterback competition?
When Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State, not only did fans buy more scarlet and gray pajamas and start to look at where the College Football Playoff games are next year, but it was thought to be a foregone conclusion that he would be the starting quarterback in Columbus in 2019.
Sure there’s a playbook to learn, culture to absorb and players and coaches to convince, but how could one of the best all-time rated quarterbacks to ever come out of high school miss out on taking the reigns of the Ohio State offense with Dwayne Haskins off to the riches of the NFL?
So far so good for Fields?
All indications coming out of spring ball is that Fields is acclimating himself well, so much so that he had his black stripe removed rather early in his efforts on the banks of the Olentangy. But there have also been mixed reviews. He has looked good at times, and not as good at others.
Kyle Rowland
✔@KyleRowland
Reporters were allowed to watch the first hour of Ohio State's spring practice. Justin Fields took the first reps with the quarterbacks, and he looked shaky most of the morning. Call it rust, nerves or over-excitement. Regardless, I wouldn't read too much into it.
It’s a reminder that Fields is brand new to the program. That means he has to absorb a new language, entirely new playbook, all while dealing with snow in the winter and sleet in the spring. His GPS is likely set and active at all times as he traverses the Arch City’s streets.
But perhaps the most eye-brow raising comments we’ve had come out of spring is the realization that Fields has been splitting first-team reps 50/50 with fellow quarterback gladiator Matthew Baldwin. That means that both guys are getting equal looks right now as Ryan Day looks to replace Ohio State comic book superhero Dwayne Haskins.
What the coach says …
Appearing before the media earlier this week, Day was asked about the separation at the quarterback position.
“We’re going to start looking at the completion percentage and who’s moving the ball a little bit here as we get towards the end of the spring,” said Day. “We haven’t really dug into that. I think later today I actually want to see the numbers and kind of see where we’re at with that … because we’re starting to get to the point where I think there’s enough snaps of film, we can start to get an idea of where guys are at right now, but as I sit right here right now no.”
When pressed about assigning leader at least in the competition, Day still seemed to leave things open between the quarterbacks.
“Hopefully, they’re all leaders,” said Day. “They all need to be leaders. But in terms as who’s ahead of who, we’ll see, we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Clear?
No, not really. Of course the two guys Day is referencing is Baldwin and Fields based on who’s getting snaps in practice. And at this point, the two have both had very good moments, and some not so great moments.
Fields has done things with his legs that hardly any earthling can do, yet Baldwin can really sling the ball and is a little more comfortable with the offense having seen it for a year. Baldwin’s upside is not nearly as high as Fields’ is.
Dave Biddle
✔@davebiddle
I asked Ryan Day if there’s any separation between Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin yet. He sidestepped the question a bit and said they’re still evaluating the process.
But will this really shake out as a competition beyond spring and into summer camp? The answer is likely yes. One of Urban Meyer’s defining principles was competition, and Day has been hearing and seeing the fruits of that labor now for a couple of years.
He’s tasted it and is unlikely to spit it out. In the end, it’ll make both guys better, and I fully believe that the coaching staff will give every opportunity to both guys.
All in all, no reason to be scared to go into Columbus this year.
And you post that here because? Who gives a spit about him?Justin Fields is the assumed starter in waiting at Ohio State, but so far at least head coach Ryan Day is not claiming separation between him and Matthew Baldwin. How real is this quarterback competition?
When Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State, not only did fans buy more scarlet and gray pajamas and start to look at where the College Football Playoff games are next year, but it was thought to be a foregone conclusion that he would be the starting quarterback in Columbus in 2019.
Sure there’s a playbook to learn, culture to absorb and players and coaches to convince, but how could one of the best all-time rated quarterbacks to ever come out of high school miss out on taking the reigns of the Ohio State offense with Dwayne Haskins off to the riches of the NFL?
So far so good for Fields?
All indications coming out of spring ball is that Fields is acclimating himself well, so much so that he had his black stripe removed rather early in his efforts on the banks of the Olentangy. But there have also been mixed reviews. He has looked good at times, and not as good at others.
Kyle Rowland
✔@KyleRowland
Reporters were allowed to watch the first hour of Ohio State's spring practice. Justin Fields took the first reps with the quarterbacks, and he looked shaky most of the morning. Call it rust, nerves or over-excitement. Regardless, I wouldn't read too much into it.
It’s a reminder that Fields is brand new to the program. That means he has to absorb a new language, entirely new playbook, all while dealing with snow in the winter and sleet in the spring. His GPS is likely set and active at all times as he traverses the Arch City’s streets.
But perhaps the most eye-brow raising comments we’ve had come out of spring is the realization that Fields has been splitting first-team reps 50/50 with fellow quarterback gladiator Matthew Baldwin. That means that both guys are getting equal looks right now as Ryan Day looks to replace Ohio State comic book superhero Dwayne Haskins.
What the coach says …
Appearing before the media earlier this week, Day was asked about the separation at the quarterback position.
“We’re going to start looking at the completion percentage and who’s moving the ball a little bit here as we get towards the end of the spring,” said Day. “We haven’t really dug into that. I think later today I actually want to see the numbers and kind of see where we’re at with that … because we’re starting to get to the point where I think there’s enough snaps of film, we can start to get an idea of where guys are at right now, but as I sit right here right now no.”
When pressed about assigning leader at least in the competition, Day still seemed to leave things open between the quarterbacks.
“Hopefully, they’re all leaders,” said Day. “They all need to be leaders. But in terms as who’s ahead of who, we’ll see, we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Clear?
No, not really. Of course the two guys Day is referencing is Baldwin and Fields based on who’s getting snaps in practice. And at this point, the two have both had very good moments, and some not so great moments.
Fields has done things with his legs that hardly any earthling can do, yet Baldwin can really sling the ball and is a little more comfortable with the offense having seen it for a year. Baldwin’s upside is not nearly as high as Fields’ is.
Dave Biddle
✔@davebiddle
I asked Ryan Day if there’s any separation between Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin yet. He sidestepped the question a bit and said they’re still evaluating the process.
But will this really shake out as a competition beyond spring and into summer camp? The answer is likely yes. One of Urban Meyer’s defining principles was competition, and Day has been hearing and seeing the fruits of that labor now for a couple of years.
He’s tasted it and is unlikely to spit it out. In the end, it’ll make both guys better, and I fully believe that the coaching staff will give every opportunity to both guys.
I brought it up, so count me?
You haven’t had one post on this board, ever, that was either coherent or insightful.
Shaddup.
Go to hell you over blown wind bag. You shut up!!!!!!!
This is a Penn State board not fir Buckeye second pickings. Nothing to do with our spring practice, etc
Nice breakdown from Brennan on all of the defensive ends....
https://247sports.com/college/penn-...haka-Toney-Jayson-Oweh-130991299/#130991299_8
Penn State coach James Franklin made a pretty bold statement following a recent spring practice session. About 10 minutes after reporters saw defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos have a textbook strip sack that led to a fumble recovery by fellow DE Shaka Toney, Franklin said the Nittany Lions are more loaded at D-end than any team he’s been with in nearly a quarter of a century as a coach.
“Last year, I think we led the nation in sacks,” he added. “You look over a three-year period, I think we’ve had as many sacks as anybody. I think that number will continue to trend up.”
Penn State’s 3.62 sacks per game were, in fact, tops in the nation in 2018.
YETUR GROSS-MATOS, JUNIOR
(Photo: Steve Manuel)
If you see a 2020 NFL mock draft that DOES NOT include Yetur Gross-Matos as a first-round pick — and they are out there — disregard it. If he stays healthy, the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder stands to make a lot of money with an early exit to the NFL. Consider that as a true sophomore and first-time starter last season, he logged team highs of 20 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He won first-team All-Big Ten notice. Also consider that he has been clocked at 4.66 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Gross-Matos has very long arms and wears size 18 shoes. He is athletic enough to beat offensive tackles with a speed rush and physical enough to slide inside to play some defensive tackle in obvious passing situations.
JAYSON OWEH, RS-FRESHMAN
(Photo: Steve Manuel)
Jayson Oweh is a former high school basketball standout who may be the most impressive pure athlete in the program. He holds the defensive line record for the 40-yard dash (4.45 seconds) and has broad jumped more than 10 feet. He now carries more than 250 pounds on his 6-5 frame, and everyone in Lasch Building seems to agree that it is only a matter of time until he picks up the football instincts that will make him a dominant pass rusher. He only played in four games last season — thus maintaining his redshirt — but showed a glimpse of his potential with two sacks and a QB hurry in the win over Kent State.
https://247sports.com/college/penn-...haka-Toney-Jayson-Oweh-130991299/#130991299_8
Penn State coach James Franklin made a pretty bold statement following a recent spring practice session. About 10 minutes after reporters saw defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos have a textbook strip sack that led to a fumble recovery by fellow DE Shaka Toney, Franklin said the Nittany Lions are more loaded at D-end than any team he’s been with in nearly a quarter of a century as a coach.
“Last year, I think we led the nation in sacks,” he added. “You look over a three-year period, I think we’ve had as many sacks as anybody. I think that number will continue to trend up.”
Penn State’s 3.62 sacks per game were, in fact, tops in the nation in 2018.
YETUR GROSS-MATOS, JUNIOR
(Photo: Steve Manuel)
If you see a 2020 NFL mock draft that DOES NOT include Yetur Gross-Matos as a first-round pick — and they are out there — disregard it. If he stays healthy, the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder stands to make a lot of money with an early exit to the NFL. Consider that as a true sophomore and first-time starter last season, he logged team highs of 20 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He won first-team All-Big Ten notice. Also consider that he has been clocked at 4.66 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Gross-Matos has very long arms and wears size 18 shoes. He is athletic enough to beat offensive tackles with a speed rush and physical enough to slide inside to play some defensive tackle in obvious passing situations.
JAYSON OWEH, RS-FRESHMAN
(Photo: Steve Manuel)
Jayson Oweh is a former high school basketball standout who may be the most impressive pure athlete in the program. He holds the defensive line record for the 40-yard dash (4.45 seconds) and has broad jumped more than 10 feet. He now carries more than 250 pounds on his 6-5 frame, and everyone in Lasch Building seems to agree that it is only a matter of time until he picks up the football instincts that will make him a dominant pass rusher. He only played in four games last season — thus maintaining his redshirt — but showed a glimpse of his potential with two sacks and a QB hurry in the win over Kent State.
