PSU Will go into the Spring with just 10 scholarship OL

[stormingnorm]

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

 

[91Joe95]

Still more than FLO ever recruited.

 

[GregInPitt]

Yep, with the 2 OL that left early, we may see 2 more in the late signing period. OR we may just see CJF focus on DL where he seems to be in well with a number of top players, and then go for the OL gusto in the 2020 class to the tune of 5 or 6 Olinemen.....

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Mike Munchak still has a year of eligibility....

Now a serious question....do your numbers include our two way lineman Thorpe.

 

[HazletonLion]

See if there is any unhappy campers at Georgia, btw i think did Alabama's OL coach go to G.Tech ?

 

[artsandletters]

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

Did you include Thorpe?

 

[PSUAlum]

What is the story with Jenkins again? Is he transferring or just giving up football? I wonder if they don't let Jenkins give one last attempt to get PT for the spring.

 

[GregInPitt]

What is the story with Jenkins again? Is he transferring or just giving up football? I wonder if they don't let Jenkins give one last attempt to get PT for the spring.

Moving on from football.
He has had 4 years to show his level of play.

Here are the returning 10 for the Spring:
51 Alex Gellerstedt OL Jr. So. 6-6 311 Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Coffman
53 Rasheed Walker OL Fr. Fr. 6-6 308 Waldorf, Md. / North Point
62 Michal Menet OL Jr. So. 6-4 298 Birdsboro, Pa. / Exeter Township Senior
69 C.J. Thorpe DT/OL So. Fr. 6-3 328 Glenshaw, Pa. / Central Catholic
70 Juice Scruggs OL Fr. Fr. 6-3 278 Ashtabula, Ohio / Cathedral Prep (Pa.)
71 Will Fries OL Jr. So. 6-6 306 Cranford, N.J. / Cranford
72 Bryce Effner OL Fr. Fr. 6-5 272 Aurora, Ill. / Metea Valley
73 Mike Miranda OL So. Fr. 6-3 298 Stow, Ohio / Stow-Munroe
74 Steven Gonzalez OL Sr. Jr. 6-4 325 Union City, N.J. / Union City
75 Des Holmes OL So. Fr. 6-5 322 Norristown, Pa. / Cardinal O'Hara

Plus Whigan who has reportedly enrolled for the Spring and participate in Spring practice.

With the other 2 signed for 2019 so far (Wallace and Wormley) that would be 13 for the Fall, pending additions during the February signing period.

Additionally, there are a few walks on Olinemen that are likely returning.
Knutsson Redshirt FR next Fall
Konigus Redshirt FR next Fall
De Boef Redshirt FR next Fall
Kelly Redshirt (OL/DL) JR next Fall

And I believe there are a couple of new walk on olinemen that will enter the program next Fall.

 

[PSUAlum]

Moving on from football.

He has had 4 years to show his level of play.

I know that and his chance to actually earn PT is really, really low. We will have 10/11 OL in the spring. They might want an extra body, especially if Gonzo declares.

 

[GregInPitt]

I know that and his chance to actually earn PT is really, really low. We will have 10/11 OL in the spring. They might want an extra body, especially if Gonzo declares.

Feel free to take it up with him, but he has announced he is moving on.

 

[Chris92]

Whigan is already enrolled for this semester.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

We’re still in it for that Nestor kid right? Not sure what his status is but thought he de-committed from OSU.

 

[KC-KS-Lion]

Mike Munchak still has a year of eligibility....

Now a serious question....do your numbers include our two way lineman Thorpe.

I would be on the phone with Munchak to if not give the team a talk, at least their position coach.

 

[Countrylion]

Moving on from football.
He has had 4 years to show his level of play.

Here are the returning 10 for the Spring:
51 Alex Gellerstedt OL Jr. So. 6-6 311 Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Coffman
53 Rasheed Walker OL Fr. Fr. 6-6 308 Waldorf, Md. / North Point
62 Michal Menet OL Jr. So. 6-4 298 Birdsboro, Pa. / Exeter Township Senior
69 C.J. Thorpe DT/OL So. Fr. 6-3 328 Glenshaw, Pa. / Central Catholic
70 Juice Scruggs OL Fr. Fr. 6-3 278 Ashtabula, Ohio / Cathedral Prep (Pa.)
71 Will Fries OL Jr. So. 6-6 306 Cranford, N.J. / Cranford
72 Bryce Effner OL Fr. Fr. 6-5 272 Aurora, Ill. / Metea Valley
73 Mike Miranda OL So. Fr. 6-3 298 Stow, Ohio / Stow-Munroe
74 Steven Gonzalez OL Sr. Jr. 6-4 325 Union City, N.J. / Union City
75 Des Holmes OL So. Fr. 6-5 322 Norristown, Pa. / Cardinal O'Hara

Plus Wormley who has reportedly enrolled for the Spring and participate in Spring practice.

With the other 2 signed for 2019 so far (Wallace and Wormley) that would be 13 for the Fall, pending additions during the February signing period.

Additionally, there are a few walks on Olinemen that are likely returning.
Knutsson Redshirt FR next Fall
Konigus Redshirt FR next Fall
De Boef Redshirt FR next Fall
Kelly Redshirt (OL/DL) JR next Fall

And I believe there are a couple of new walk on olinemen that will enter the program next Fall.

Missing whigman

 

[GregInPitt]

Missing whigman

Fixed it. Had Wormley enrolling and also reporting....

 

[ras5051]

Sterling was on the scout team this year, the only thing he would have helped with next year is to be a body for practice..

 

[Locolion]

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

I am completely convinced (and have posted this a cpl of times) that we over-sign DB’s and WR’s and undersign OL and DL. Your post sheds direct light on that.

 

[Ian]

They had 13 this year and will have 14 in 2019.

Big Nana was a huge loss.

DG

 

[danvillenit]

They had 13 this year and will have 14 in 2019.

Big Nana was a huge loss.

DG

For sure. I think Nana was the highest rated OT Franklin has recruited

 

[ras5051]

For sure. I think Nana was the highest rated OT Franklin has recruited

Rasheed walker was rated higher on rivals, 247 and in the 247 composite

 

[ga.lion]

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

I think this also makes the 5 star Ohio State kid pull the trigger for Penn State. My guess is only the Given’s announcement surprised Franklin so he’s been focused on linemen for the balance of this class.

 

[cvilleelkscoach]

They had 13 this year and will have 14 in 2019.

Big Nana was a huge loss.

DG

Ran into big nana at the pool in Orlando. Man he is a huge human being. A real loss.

 

[djr4rebs]

If we had produced an awesome OL this past year, would this be as huge of a concern?

Hopefully, we don't fool around and change Menet this off season. Gonzo coming back solidifies the left side (as long as Fries stays put). Whether it's Miranda, Thorpe, or someone else, RG doesn't bother me much. We have talent and experience. Bates is an interesting replacement, but merely because their is no heir apparent. Bates was a marvel as a freshman when we were used to an OL that couldn't protect our QB from a 2 man rush. He seemed to average out once the rest of the talent pool arrived.

 

[GregInPitt]

They had 13 this year and will have 14 in 2019.

Big Nana was a huge loss.

DG

Yep, if Nana was playing CJF would have a RS Junior (Gellerstadt), a JC player (Whigan) and two top redshirt Juniors (Nana and Walker) as well as two young swing players (Homes and Effner) competing to replace a player that could have returned but left early. And then those that did not win the starting job waiting for an opening.

But if Walker is the player he is said to be, plus the others above, the cupboard sure is not bare. Nana would have been the icing on the cake, getting CJF's OL talent to oh-high-ya levels. But the beat goes on as if he can add another top OLinemen in the 2019 class. And either way I fully expect a loaded 2020 OL class.

 

[GregInPitt]

I don’t if that be true.

There were five kids drop off the OL roster this year...... who all had eligibility remaining for 2019 (Martin, Asiadu, McGovern, Bates, and Jenkins). But can’t see that happening again in the normal course of events.

So this year seems more an anomaly than anything else. IIRC, every year since coming here CJF has recruited exactly 4 offensive linemen (you could check the commitment lists link to see fornsure) which seems, to me, to be about the right number - - - and, with normal redshirting and normal attrition, would probably leave 12 or 13 “veterans”, plus 4 incoming freshmen, each year.

Yep, and there will be years when PSU loses 2 or 3 from the OL roster and years when PSU loses 4 or 5. You listed 5 players, but two of the players were not "players", Martin and Jenkins, and this is pretty normal attrition. And another was an injury/illness retirement which will happen occasionally. The 3 real players were pretty much a worst case scenario, 2 starters and a top young talent. And still there is a very nice pool of talent that will compete for both the open Guard and OT positions. With top talent OL players along with some early transitions to the NFL that goes with it, the turnover will be greater than what we were used to before CJF got rolling. This is the new normal.

 

[spoog19050]

So we ha

… and just two freshman (and one JuCO) scheduled to be added to the roster.

That's certainly not a 2014/2015 level of crisis.... but far fewer than one would find to be ideal.
(6 OL dropped off the roster in the last 12 months - Martin, Asiadu, Bates, Jenkins, McGovern, Wright... with only Wright being out of eligibility)


Unless CJF and staff just have a hugely successful "second signing day", there will be scholarships available under the 85 limit.


Will they be taking a close look at Grad Transfer OL? To try to bring the depth and maturity level of the OL room up to par?



From an earlier post (about the "transfer portal"), couple of names caught my eye:

1) RJ Proctor. A more than serviceable interior lineman from Virginia
and
2) The Pettibone kid (son of the coach?) who was originally from the DC area - PSU recruited him - and went to Alabama as a very highly regarded recruit. Injuries and what not led to him never contributing significantly at Bama..... but that may not be the most damning mark for a player.



An interesting - IMO - aspect to follow as things move into, and past, the second signing day.

So we have 4 leaving and 3+ coming in. The horror.

 

[GregInPitt]

They had 6 drop off this year (the 5 above, plus Wright).
That is not normal - - - - it cannot be normal - - - - unless PSU is signing 6 new OL prospects per year . (Math)

In any event, for whatever reasons, if they keep signing 4 per year, it will balance out over time..... it has to (Math)
But, in the meantime, I would expect it will have Likegrover crossing his fingers and knocking on wood over the next several months.

That's the point I was trying to make. Peaks and valleys for the OL roster will be the new normal. CJF won't necessarily get 6 just because he loses 6. When it plays out like it did this year he will adjust, as he likely is now trying to find 2 talented olinemen before February. But he may not, and if he does not he will sign another or 2 from the average in 2020. After evaluating the young group from 2018 and 2019 he will make that call. It's just part of the roster management that so far he has shown he is pretty good at.

Gonzo could have left as well, and he sure wouldn't have backed off the DL talent he is pursuing and went all in for 7 total olinemen for 2019. There's just going to be some ups and downs at positions, and it's pretty easy to see that the early signing period is working against an even roster at a position such as OL as well.

Looking ahead to this time next year there may be only 1 olinemen leaving - Gonzo. But it will likely be the 2020 class were CJF makes up for the big losses in OL numbers this year.

 

[canuckhal]

Considering they don't rotate OL like they do DL, is this really a big deal? Still over 2 deep, but then you are into inexperience. So unless there are a rash injuries, I don't see much of a problem. However, as I've said before, I would have liked the whole OL to return for a run in '19.

 

[spoog19050]

It’s 6 leaving and 3 coming in (take off your mittens, if necessary, to help you count)


Who said that is a horror?

You idiotic, worhtless, shit-for-brains spoogbag?
(With all due respect..... obviously )

No. It is not 6 leaving. 4 are leaving. One retired with an unexpected health problem. One left last spring and was not on the team this year.

They have signed 4 ol every year.

 

[ras5051]

This is interesting..

Alabama’s starting RT is a true soph, he was the #7 OT in the 247 composite. Walker was the #6, so he may be in the starting lineup next year as a second year player as well. When you recruit like the big boys (which we are now doing..), these highly rated players have to be expected to be able to contribute early.

Oklahoma started a RS FR center this year.
OSU started a RS FR and a true soph.
UGA started 2 true sophomores and a true frosh.
ND started two true sophomores.

Our o line next year really won’t be that young when compared to what I just mentioned. Only one player should be in their second year of eligibility.. and he just so happens to have the most upside (walker)

LT - fries (RS jr)
LG - Gonzalez (RS sr)
C - menet (RS jr)
RG - Miranda/Thorpe/Holmes (all will have RS soph eligibility)
RT - walker (RS fr)

 

[Locolion]

This is interesting..

Alabama’s starting RT is a true soph, he was the #7 OT in the 247 composite. Walker was the #6, so he may be in the starting lineup next year as a second year player as well. When you recruit like the big boys (which we are now doing..), these highly rated players have to be expected to be able to contribute early.

Oklahoma started a RS FR center this year.
OSU started a RS FR and a true soph.
UGA started 2 true sophomores and a true frosh.
ND started two true sophomores.

Our o line next year really won’t be that young when compared to what I just mentioned. Only one player should be in their second year of eligibility.. and he just so happens to have the most upside (walker)

LT - fries (RS jr)
LG - Gonzalez (RS sr)
C - menet (RS jr)
RG - Miranda/Thorpe/Holmes (all will have RS soph eligibility)
RT - walker (RS fr)

I hope we have recruited someone that can beat out Fries. If not, the dudes we are recruiting are crap

 

[ras5051]

I hope we have recruited someone that can beat out Fries. If not, the dudes we are recruiting are crap

It’s been mentioned that fries was playing through injuries for at least some of the season.. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, that if he’s healthy going into next year that he might have a better season.

The coaching worries me much more than the talent that we have available

 

[Marylovesthelions]

It is a position in which you substitute the least other than QB. If 6-8 are ready, so what. Recruit more. It’s the ability of the first 6-8 that matter. No one else sees meaningful playing time.

 

[JayWye]

Feel free to take it up with him, but he has announced he is moving on.

Guess again, amigo...

 

[GregInPitt]

Guess again, amigo...

Not my guess. Pay attention to the news!!

 

[ALion4Life]

Not my guess. Pay attention to the news!!

Sterling Jenkins is finishing his FB career at Duquesne

 

[GregInPitt]

Sterling Jenkins is finishing his FB career at Duquesne

Good for him. Hope he has his undergraduate degree in hand and is getting a masters from Duquesne. He didn't have the talent to get on the field at PSU but he reportedly was a leader in the S&C program. Just saw it.

Sterling Jenkins Announces Transfer to Duquesne
The former four-star recruit is headed closer to home for his final season of college football.
By Dylan Callaghan-Croley Jan 5, 2019, 5:17pm PST

https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2019/1/5/18170242/sterling-jenkins-announces-transfer-to-duquesne