Spring Practice
- Thread starter Overthereguy
- Start date
Damn. Just read that Martell struggled with the 1s vs the 1s, and the 2s vs the 3s.
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article229077439.html
https://247sports.com/college/penn-...mpetition-with-Penn-State-football-131188656/
Lions' QB battle lingers as spring camp closes
ByTYLER DONOHUE 3 hours ago
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State concluded a month-long stretch of spring practices Saturday, punctuating the process with its 15th session. The Blue-White Game attracted Nittany Lions fans and recruits from across the country, included an impressive Beaver Stadium debut for freshman running back Noah Cain, and provided long looks at rising contributors.
It did not, however, feature Tommy Stevens, the fifth-year senior quarterback long-perceived as heir apparent to Trace McSorley.
Stevens, who served as Penn State's primary backup QB each of the last three seasons, was in uniform and led Nittany Lions passers through pregame drills. Considering his "limited" status throughout spring camp after offseason surgery it was no surprise to see him sit out when live action commenced.
It was also no surprise to hear James Franklin proclaim during a postgame press conference that Penn State is not prepared to name a starter at the position.
"Tommy’s situation – we were put in a tough spot because he had an injury that made it difficult," Franklin said. "We want to be able to name the starter as soon as we possibly can, but we are not ready to do that right now and it’s going to need to be more of a true competition."
Redshirt sophomore Sean Clifford handled the bulk of first-team reps this spring, and he threw nearly half of the 40 passes attempted Saturday by five different quarterbacks. His afternoon featured 118 yards and one touchdown through the air on 11-of-19 passing, with an additional 31 rushing yards.
He didn't dazzle. He didn't disappoint. He didn't leave Beaver Stadium as Penn State's starting quarterback.
Regardless of how well Clifford performed on Saturday, or throughout the previous 14 spring practice sessions, a question loomed...
Can a QB battle be declared finished before it's fully begun?
From the outside looking in, it's been more of a waiting game than a full-fledged competition as Stevens works to again become a full participant. Franklin's stated desire for "more of a true competition" seems to confirm that sentiment.
Last Wednesday, Clifford called the situation a "day-to-day process" that requires plenty of work away from the field. He also pointed to Stevens as a positional spearhead.
“Tommy does a great job of keeping everybody’s standard high," Clifford said. "That’s one of his strengths — bringing everyone up to his level. So when I throw an incompletion or I make a wrong read, obviously he’s not yelling at me but he’s coaching me up on what I can do better on the next play. He knows that the competition is what it is, but we all want to get better for the team. That’s what the final goal is for the fall, to put the best product out there.”
McSorley and Stevens (No. 2) watch Clifford (No. 14) during a recent practice (Photo: Mark Brennan)
A frustrating stretch for Stevens has been well-documented. After accounting for nine total touchdowns as a passer, receiver and rusher in 2017, he spent substantial time in a walking boot last year, sidelined for spring camp, much of preseason camp, the first four games and the Citrus Bowl.
Stevens, who is down to his last season of college eligibility, has been forced to miss more action during the last four weeks.
"Tommy has done everything right for four years," Franklin said. "There’s been a huge body of work that we’ve seen from him. I think last year, in a lot of ways, wasn’t fair for him because he was playing with an injury, a pretty significant injury."
Stevens addressed the setback, and it's repercussions, earlier this month.
“I’ve kind of been bothered by the whole ‘injury prone’ stigma," he said. "Up until this point last year, I’d never missed a practice. In high school, I never missed anything and played a lot. I wouldn’t say that durability is an issue. I guess (the initial injury) was never really fixed the right way the first time. It was fixed right this time. I’m glad it was fixed right and I’m ready to prove my durability, my worth."
That proving ground looks likely to stretch into the coming months; perhaps even deep into August.
"Our coaching staff has all the belief in the world in Tommy," Franklin said. "Our coaching staff understands what Tommy has done and who he can be, but we also have belief in the other guys, and we’ve created real good competition in our quarterback room."
Redshirt freshman Will Levis impressed as Penn State's scout team QB in 2018 and has instilled escalated confidence with a quality offseason. Freshmen Michael Johnson Jr. and Taquan Robersonenrolled in January and essentially spent this spring following by example.
All due respect to those quarterbacks and their futures at Penn State, this ultimately shapes up as a two-man showdown.
“It’s gonna be as intense as we make it," Clifford said. "We’re trying to put a bunch of pressure on each other to get each other better.”
Clifford, who stepped up as No. 2 QB last season during Stevens' absence, has earned considerable admiration from Penn State coaches and players during his development since enrolling on campus in June 2017.
He's transformed his body and cultivated a reputation as one of the locker room's most competitive personalities.
“You all have seen some of the throws he can make when he comes into games—he’s still doing that," senior cornerback John Reid. "He has really good touch. He can put the ball in those little holes in the zone, so he’s showing a lot of growth. He’s showing a lot of good things this spring.”
Reid, who arrived on campus in 2015 alongside Stevens and missed the entire 2017 season with a knee injury, identifies with Stevens' struggle and believes the quarterback continues to make strides behind the scenes.
"Even when he's not in, you'll see him behind the offense going through his drop, looking and getting his reads," Reid said. "So it's almost like he's still getting reps. It's so mental from a quarterback aspect that he's like still getting those. ... The decision-making as a quarterback is ultra important and he's been working on that a lot this spring."
The next phase in Stevens' recovery — the one that genuinely launches this quarterback competition — will be a full-time replacement of mental reps with those of the physical variety.
"Obviously having Tommy back is going to be huge for all of us and I’m really excited about that," Franklin said.
Stevens has long been viewed as PSU's next starter. (Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY)
Penn State doesn't open the season for another four and a half months, so priorities and patience have been important for Stevens.
"Obviously I want to be doing everything but, with the exception of the spring game, there are no games in April," he said. "It’s all about being healthy for the season.”
Penn State starts its 2019 campaign Aug. 31 against Idaho in Beaver Stadium. Stevens has embraced the battle that awaits
"If you’re not getting pushed, there’s a problem," he said. "Even when Trace was here, I was trying to push him every day. ... Cliff’s done a great job, with an increase of reps, too. He plays well and he’s on scholarship at Penn State for a reason. Talented football player.”
Clifford worked to build upon the foundation of his case for starting consideration this spring. Sustained efforts are required to strengthen it.
"I’d tell you that I’m the most competitive guy on this team, because I am," he said. "… Backing it up is the biggest thing.”
The quarterback question mark — directly following a three-season stretch of the most productive quarterback play seen at Penn State — will be a dominant topic of discussion as the offseason continues.
Regarding any potential timeline to determine the outcome, stay tuned.
"Based on how things have played out, I don’t know when that will happen," Franklin said.
Lions' QB battle lingers as spring camp closes
ByTYLER DONOHUE 3 hours ago
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State concluded a month-long stretch of spring practices Saturday, punctuating the process with its 15th session. The Blue-White Game attracted Nittany Lions fans and recruits from across the country, included an impressive Beaver Stadium debut for freshman running back Noah Cain, and provided long looks at rising contributors.
It did not, however, feature Tommy Stevens, the fifth-year senior quarterback long-perceived as heir apparent to Trace McSorley.
Stevens, who served as Penn State's primary backup QB each of the last three seasons, was in uniform and led Nittany Lions passers through pregame drills. Considering his "limited" status throughout spring camp after offseason surgery it was no surprise to see him sit out when live action commenced.
It was also no surprise to hear James Franklin proclaim during a postgame press conference that Penn State is not prepared to name a starter at the position.
"Tommy’s situation – we were put in a tough spot because he had an injury that made it difficult," Franklin said. "We want to be able to name the starter as soon as we possibly can, but we are not ready to do that right now and it’s going to need to be more of a true competition."
Redshirt sophomore Sean Clifford handled the bulk of first-team reps this spring, and he threw nearly half of the 40 passes attempted Saturday by five different quarterbacks. His afternoon featured 118 yards and one touchdown through the air on 11-of-19 passing, with an additional 31 rushing yards.
He didn't dazzle. He didn't disappoint. He didn't leave Beaver Stadium as Penn State's starting quarterback.
Regardless of how well Clifford performed on Saturday, or throughout the previous 14 spring practice sessions, a question loomed...
Can a QB battle be declared finished before it's fully begun?
From the outside looking in, it's been more of a waiting game than a full-fledged competition as Stevens works to again become a full participant. Franklin's stated desire for "more of a true competition" seems to confirm that sentiment.
Last Wednesday, Clifford called the situation a "day-to-day process" that requires plenty of work away from the field. He also pointed to Stevens as a positional spearhead.
“Tommy does a great job of keeping everybody’s standard high," Clifford said. "That’s one of his strengths — bringing everyone up to his level. So when I throw an incompletion or I make a wrong read, obviously he’s not yelling at me but he’s coaching me up on what I can do better on the next play. He knows that the competition is what it is, but we all want to get better for the team. That’s what the final goal is for the fall, to put the best product out there.”
McSorley and Stevens (No. 2) watch Clifford (No. 14) during a recent practice (Photo: Mark Brennan)
A frustrating stretch for Stevens has been well-documented. After accounting for nine total touchdowns as a passer, receiver and rusher in 2017, he spent substantial time in a walking boot last year, sidelined for spring camp, much of preseason camp, the first four games and the Citrus Bowl.
Stevens, who is down to his last season of college eligibility, has been forced to miss more action during the last four weeks.
"Tommy has done everything right for four years," Franklin said. "There’s been a huge body of work that we’ve seen from him. I think last year, in a lot of ways, wasn’t fair for him because he was playing with an injury, a pretty significant injury."
Stevens addressed the setback, and it's repercussions, earlier this month.
“I’ve kind of been bothered by the whole ‘injury prone’ stigma," he said. "Up until this point last year, I’d never missed a practice. In high school, I never missed anything and played a lot. I wouldn’t say that durability is an issue. I guess (the initial injury) was never really fixed the right way the first time. It was fixed right this time. I’m glad it was fixed right and I’m ready to prove my durability, my worth."
That proving ground looks likely to stretch into the coming months; perhaps even deep into August.
"Our coaching staff has all the belief in the world in Tommy," Franklin said. "Our coaching staff understands what Tommy has done and who he can be, but we also have belief in the other guys, and we’ve created real good competition in our quarterback room."
Redshirt freshman Will Levis impressed as Penn State's scout team QB in 2018 and has instilled escalated confidence with a quality offseason. Freshmen Michael Johnson Jr. and Taquan Robersonenrolled in January and essentially spent this spring following by example.
All due respect to those quarterbacks and their futures at Penn State, this ultimately shapes up as a two-man showdown.
“It’s gonna be as intense as we make it," Clifford said. "We’re trying to put a bunch of pressure on each other to get each other better.”
Clifford, who stepped up as No. 2 QB last season during Stevens' absence, has earned considerable admiration from Penn State coaches and players during his development since enrolling on campus in June 2017.
He's transformed his body and cultivated a reputation as one of the locker room's most competitive personalities.
“You all have seen some of the throws he can make when he comes into games—he’s still doing that," senior cornerback John Reid. "He has really good touch. He can put the ball in those little holes in the zone, so he’s showing a lot of growth. He’s showing a lot of good things this spring.”
Reid, who arrived on campus in 2015 alongside Stevens and missed the entire 2017 season with a knee injury, identifies with Stevens' struggle and believes the quarterback continues to make strides behind the scenes.
"Even when he's not in, you'll see him behind the offense going through his drop, looking and getting his reads," Reid said. "So it's almost like he's still getting reps. It's so mental from a quarterback aspect that he's like still getting those. ... The decision-making as a quarterback is ultra important and he's been working on that a lot this spring."
The next phase in Stevens' recovery — the one that genuinely launches this quarterback competition — will be a full-time replacement of mental reps with those of the physical variety.
"Obviously having Tommy back is going to be huge for all of us and I’m really excited about that," Franklin said.
Stevens has long been viewed as PSU's next starter. (Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY)
Penn State doesn't open the season for another four and a half months, so priorities and patience have been important for Stevens.
"Obviously I want to be doing everything but, with the exception of the spring game, there are no games in April," he said. "It’s all about being healthy for the season.”
Penn State starts its 2019 campaign Aug. 31 against Idaho in Beaver Stadium. Stevens has embraced the battle that awaits
"If you’re not getting pushed, there’s a problem," he said. "Even when Trace was here, I was trying to push him every day. ... Cliff’s done a great job, with an increase of reps, too. He plays well and he’s on scholarship at Penn State for a reason. Talented football player.”
Clifford worked to build upon the foundation of his case for starting consideration this spring. Sustained efforts are required to strengthen it.
"I’d tell you that I’m the most competitive guy on this team, because I am," he said. "… Backing it up is the biggest thing.”
The quarterback question mark — directly following a three-season stretch of the most productive quarterback play seen at Penn State — will be a dominant topic of discussion as the offseason continues.
Regarding any potential timeline to determine the outcome, stay tuned.
"Based on how things have played out, I don’t know when that will happen," Franklin said.
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2019/04/penn-state-football-what-did-we-learn-about-the-2019-nittany-lions-after-15-spring-practices.html
Penn State football: What did we learn about the 2019 Nittany Lions after 15 spring practices?
Today 7:30 AM
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
STATE COLLEGE -- Penn State coach James Franklin was all smiles after his team’s 15th and final spring practice of 2019 took place without any apparent injuries on a sun-soaked day at Beaver Stadium.
The entire roster saw action, a few touchdowns were scored, and everyone in attendance had a good time. All was well.
Entering his sixth season at Penn State and ninth as a head coach, it’s probably exactly how Franklin probably envisions the finale going. He knows this time of year well, and the focus is on teaching new concepts, refining old ones, and thriving in as many of the little areas as is possible so that a lot gets done to build a knowledge and skill foundation for young and veteran players before summer camp begins.
Sometimes, big signs of progress are evident. Other times, questions are asked but not answered.
How should this year’s set of drills be summarized?
“I thought, overall, we had a really good spring from the beginning, practice one, through practice 15,” Franklin said on Saturday.
“The spring game is a great opportunity for us to get out in front of the fans. It was really good work.”
Issues that plagued the team a year ago, like drops and a struggling run game, were evident again during the team’s first public appearance in 2019. Offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne said neither was a theme over the previous 14 practice opportunities, and one can only take his word for it.
What we do know about the offense is that:
--The starting quarterback has not been picked.
--Mike Miranda and CJ Thorpe will probably both play at guard to replace the departed Connor McGovern.
--Receiver and running back will see many young faces play critical roles alongside returnign and expected stars KJ Hamler and Jahan Dotson.
--Nick Bowers has grown into a reliable second tight end behind 2018 All-Big Ten selection Pat Freiermuth.
Defensively, the word that was endlessly used to describe this group over the last month is ‘fast.’
Actual running is certainly a part of it, as defensive coordinator Brent Pry has recruited a ton of athletes who can glide and fly. Beyond that, it is also the most experienced unit, which means it can play without hesitation, or in other words, a different type of fast.
Still, questions linger about who the other starting safety will be beside Garrett Taylor; Lamont Wade does look like the clubhouse leader, though.
Otherwise, things seem shored up: Antonio Shelton and PJ Mustipher will both see a lot of defensive tackle reps in place of Kevin Givens and Shaka Toney looks to have the end job opposite Yetur Gross-Matos locked up. Micah Parsons is definitely graduating into being named a starter, and Amani Oruwariye’s starting job is being handed off to Tariq Castro-Fields.
Finally, Saturday’s game saw the specialists thrive, but consistency was the biggest problem kicker Jake Pinegar and punter Blake Gillikin faced a year ago. It’s still unclear if new special teams coordinator Joe Lorig has solved that riddle yet.
In the end, then, observers can be confident that the push toward the opener against Idaho on Aug. 31 is on, the Lions are healthy, and they seemingly took a step in the right direction between the Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky and now.
Everything else is still a bit of a mystery regarding the outlook of the 2019 version of the Penn State football program, though, as spring practice indeed answered some questions but definitely not all.
“We have a lot of work to do between now and the first game,” Franklin said
Penn State football: What did we learn about the 2019 Nittany Lions after 15 spring practices?
Today 7:30 AM
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
STATE COLLEGE -- Penn State coach James Franklin was all smiles after his team’s 15th and final spring practice of 2019 took place without any apparent injuries on a sun-soaked day at Beaver Stadium.
The entire roster saw action, a few touchdowns were scored, and everyone in attendance had a good time. All was well.
Entering his sixth season at Penn State and ninth as a head coach, it’s probably exactly how Franklin probably envisions the finale going. He knows this time of year well, and the focus is on teaching new concepts, refining old ones, and thriving in as many of the little areas as is possible so that a lot gets done to build a knowledge and skill foundation for young and veteran players before summer camp begins.
Sometimes, big signs of progress are evident. Other times, questions are asked but not answered.
How should this year’s set of drills be summarized?
“I thought, overall, we had a really good spring from the beginning, practice one, through practice 15,” Franklin said on Saturday.
“The spring game is a great opportunity for us to get out in front of the fans. It was really good work.”
Issues that plagued the team a year ago, like drops and a struggling run game, were evident again during the team’s first public appearance in 2019. Offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne said neither was a theme over the previous 14 practice opportunities, and one can only take his word for it.
What we do know about the offense is that:
--The starting quarterback has not been picked.
--Mike Miranda and CJ Thorpe will probably both play at guard to replace the departed Connor McGovern.
--Receiver and running back will see many young faces play critical roles alongside returnign and expected stars KJ Hamler and Jahan Dotson.
--Nick Bowers has grown into a reliable second tight end behind 2018 All-Big Ten selection Pat Freiermuth.
Defensively, the word that was endlessly used to describe this group over the last month is ‘fast.’
Actual running is certainly a part of it, as defensive coordinator Brent Pry has recruited a ton of athletes who can glide and fly. Beyond that, it is also the most experienced unit, which means it can play without hesitation, or in other words, a different type of fast.
Still, questions linger about who the other starting safety will be beside Garrett Taylor; Lamont Wade does look like the clubhouse leader, though.
Otherwise, things seem shored up: Antonio Shelton and PJ Mustipher will both see a lot of defensive tackle reps in place of Kevin Givens and Shaka Toney looks to have the end job opposite Yetur Gross-Matos locked up. Micah Parsons is definitely graduating into being named a starter, and Amani Oruwariye’s starting job is being handed off to Tariq Castro-Fields.
Finally, Saturday’s game saw the specialists thrive, but consistency was the biggest problem kicker Jake Pinegar and punter Blake Gillikin faced a year ago. It’s still unclear if new special teams coordinator Joe Lorig has solved that riddle yet.
In the end, then, observers can be confident that the push toward the opener against Idaho on Aug. 31 is on, the Lions are healthy, and they seemingly took a step in the right direction between the Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky and now.
Everything else is still a bit of a mystery regarding the outlook of the 2019 version of the Penn State football program, though, as spring practice indeed answered some questions but definitely not all.
“We have a lot of work to do between now and the first game,” Franklin said
Take a look at the video of the introduction of the 2019 class at the B/W game. The takeaway for me is that Brisker is huge for a Safety. Should add an interesting twist to the competition at Safety in Fall camp. And Porter is a large framed DB that will add size to the defensive backfield unless he ends up at LB.......
Nice article with quotes from teammates about Keaton Ellis, and other notes.
https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article229185564.html
https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article229185564.html
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2019/04/how-did-penn-state-footballs-former-5-stars-micah-parsons-brandon-smith-and-lance-dixon-progress-this-spring.html
How did Penn State football’s former 5-stars Micah Parsons, Brandon Smith, and Lance Dixon progress this spring?
Today 11:16 AM
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
Penn State could have three former five-star linebackers roaming the field for it this fall.
There is no question that sophomore Micah Parsons, last year’s leading tackler, will ascend to a starting role beside veterans Cam Brown and Jan Johnson.
The question, then, is how much will January enrollees Brandon Smith and Lance Dixon see the field during their first season?
Both arrived in January, and the fact that they did so before the standard June report date certainly helped their hopes of playing a lot in year one, because, like Parsons, they came for the spring semester to begin their academic careers and also received the benefit of 15 extra practices.
Smith checks in at 6-foot-3, 231 pounds while Dixon is 6-2, 213. Both appeared a little bit light during last weekend’s Blue-White game, but bulking up over the next few months with head strength coach Dwight Galt and his team will not be an issue.
Their respective snap counts will be decided after summer camp, and it feels more likely than not that each will play in the four games allowed by NCAA rule while still retaining a redshirt year. Whichever performs best will get the nod for to play in more games from there, in all likelihood, and it’s a real toss-up as to whether or not the program would consider greenlighting both or maybe just one while saving a year of eligibility for the other.
“I’m pleased with both those guys,” defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. "They’re very talented, have a lot of length and cover a lot of ground. They both are conscientious and want to be right, and that’s slowed them down a bit this spring.
“I think with Micah (Parsons) last spring, he didn’t know what he didn’t know and in some ways that was a good thing for him. He didn’t know when he was wrong. He just played fast and chased the ball. These guys have played linebacker and played more at the back end, so they have an idea of things. Those guys both made big strides this spring, and I’m very pleased with both of them.”
Speaking of Parsons, Pry said he continues to see definite signs of progress from a player who has stated that he wants to be an All-American this fall.
“He’s so much further ahead just as a linebacker than where he was when I think back a year ago,” Pry said. "He has a much better understanding of the word linebacker. He’s gaining a better understanding of the defense in its entirety. He’s trying to master his craft and be better at some technique things that he needs to improve on.
“He’s a very hard worker. We’ve identified the points where he has to elevate his game to be the elite player he wants to be and can be this fall.”
It will be up to Parsons, Brown, Johnson, and others to mentor and lead the youngest players in the room. Guys like Jesse Luketa, Charlie Katshir, and others will be fighting for reps, too.
Brown sees something that he already likes out of Dixon.
“Lance has been looking good this spring,” Brown said. “He’s grown really fast, and he’s learned the defense. I think that as he becomes surer of himself, as he builds some more confidence, as he gets the whole scheme of the defense down and not just his assignment, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Enrolling in January can be a significant shock to the system, as prospects go from being big-time recruits and the stars of their high school to the low men on the totem pole in an unfamiliar environment at the drop of a hat.
Smith, Dixon, and the 12 other January arrivals appear to be on the right track to make an impact this fall, though, whether it’s on the field, on the scout team, or in some other capacity.
“I applaud all of the early enrollees,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. He did not have the luxury of arriving early but instead showed up in June and quickly acclimated himself before catching eight touchdowns.
“I think everyone came in [at the Blue-White game] with a really good mentality and played really well. They came in ready to work, and I never doubted any of them on the field. They all gave it their best, and they know the playbook. They put in the extra work and know the plays. They all did really well.”
How did Penn State football’s former 5-stars Micah Parsons, Brandon Smith, and Lance Dixon progress this spring?
Today 11:16 AM
By Greg Pickel | gpickel@pennlive.com
Penn State could have three former five-star linebackers roaming the field for it this fall.
There is no question that sophomore Micah Parsons, last year’s leading tackler, will ascend to a starting role beside veterans Cam Brown and Jan Johnson.
The question, then, is how much will January enrollees Brandon Smith and Lance Dixon see the field during their first season?
Both arrived in January, and the fact that they did so before the standard June report date certainly helped their hopes of playing a lot in year one, because, like Parsons, they came for the spring semester to begin their academic careers and also received the benefit of 15 extra practices.
Smith checks in at 6-foot-3, 231 pounds while Dixon is 6-2, 213. Both appeared a little bit light during last weekend’s Blue-White game, but bulking up over the next few months with head strength coach Dwight Galt and his team will not be an issue.
Their respective snap counts will be decided after summer camp, and it feels more likely than not that each will play in the four games allowed by NCAA rule while still retaining a redshirt year. Whichever performs best will get the nod for to play in more games from there, in all likelihood, and it’s a real toss-up as to whether or not the program would consider greenlighting both or maybe just one while saving a year of eligibility for the other.
“I’m pleased with both those guys,” defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. "They’re very talented, have a lot of length and cover a lot of ground. They both are conscientious and want to be right, and that’s slowed them down a bit this spring.
“I think with Micah (Parsons) last spring, he didn’t know what he didn’t know and in some ways that was a good thing for him. He didn’t know when he was wrong. He just played fast and chased the ball. These guys have played linebacker and played more at the back end, so they have an idea of things. Those guys both made big strides this spring, and I’m very pleased with both of them.”
Speaking of Parsons, Pry said he continues to see definite signs of progress from a player who has stated that he wants to be an All-American this fall.
“He’s so much further ahead just as a linebacker than where he was when I think back a year ago,” Pry said. "He has a much better understanding of the word linebacker. He’s gaining a better understanding of the defense in its entirety. He’s trying to master his craft and be better at some technique things that he needs to improve on.
“He’s a very hard worker. We’ve identified the points where he has to elevate his game to be the elite player he wants to be and can be this fall.”
It will be up to Parsons, Brown, Johnson, and others to mentor and lead the youngest players in the room. Guys like Jesse Luketa, Charlie Katshir, and others will be fighting for reps, too.
Brown sees something that he already likes out of Dixon.
“Lance has been looking good this spring,” Brown said. “He’s grown really fast, and he’s learned the defense. I think that as he becomes surer of himself, as he builds some more confidence, as he gets the whole scheme of the defense down and not just his assignment, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Enrolling in January can be a significant shock to the system, as prospects go from being big-time recruits and the stars of their high school to the low men on the totem pole in an unfamiliar environment at the drop of a hat.
Smith, Dixon, and the 12 other January arrivals appear to be on the right track to make an impact this fall, though, whether it’s on the field, on the scout team, or in some other capacity.
“I applaud all of the early enrollees,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. He did not have the luxury of arriving early but instead showed up in June and quickly acclimated himself before catching eight touchdowns.
“I think everyone came in [at the Blue-White game] with a really good mentality and played really well. They came in ready to work, and I never doubted any of them on the field. They all gave it their best, and they know the playbook. They put in the extra work and know the plays. They all did really well.”
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2019/04/penn-state-spring-exit-interviews-kj-hamler-is-the-gamebreaker-at-wideout-but-who-are-the-other-starters.html
Penn State spring exit interviews: KJ Hamler is the gamebreaker at wideout but who are the other starters?
Today 11:30 AM
Penn State wide receiver KJ Hamler goes for a long gain during the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
By Bob Flounders | bflounders@pennlive.com
If you combine the numbers of the top three Penn State receivers from last season, you get these totals: 92 receptions, 1,435 yards, 8 touchdowns, a 15.6-yard average per catch.
Not great, but not awful.
The problem is that two of the three wideouts, Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins, combined for just 50 catches, 681 yards, three touchdowns and a 13.6-yard average per catch.
Once you get past the contributions from Hamler, the wideout production wasn’t there for the Nittany Lions in 2018. Hamler is back, looking to build on a 42-catch, 754-yard season that also included five touchdown reception, one a 93-yard catch-and-run job vs. Ohio State.
Hamler is dangerous in space, as a receiver, return man and runner. But with Johnson and Thompkins moving on, there are opportunities for some talented young players to become key pieces in the Penn State passing game.
Here is a closer look at the Lions’ wide receiver picture coming out of the spring practice sessions …
Ranking the position: Strength, weakness or to be determined? There is a lot of potential with this group but it’s “to be determined”.
Hamler can hurt a defense short and long. The redshirt sophomore should become a much bigger part of the offense but it’s worth mentioning that Hamler didn’t score a touchdown in Penn State’s last seven games. And Hamler received just two touches (52 total yards) in the Lions’ Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky.
Penn State returns three talented second-wideouts plus redshirt sophomore Mac Hippenhammer, who missed spring football to play for the Lions’ baseball team (with James Franklin’s blessing).
Franklin also made a change at wide receivers coach, replacing David Corley with Gerad Parker.
“There are definitely changes to getting to know a (new) coach,’’ Penn State second-year sophomore wideout Jahan Dotson said.
“Relationships don’t come with just the snap of a finger. It’s fun to build those relationships with coaches but sometimes it’s challenging as well.’’
Go-to guy: The 5-9, 168-pound Hamler averaged just under 18 yards per reception and he could become the Lions’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Chris Godwin put up 1,101 yards in 2015. But he needs to get the ball more than 42 times in the passing game.
Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson runs away from Wisconsin cornerback Deron Harrell during the second quarter on Nov. 10, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Players to watch: Dotson and Justin Shorter. Dotson’s role in the passing game grew during the final month of the regular season. He finished with 13 catches for 203 yards and Dotson became one of Trace McSorley’s preferred options. It helped that he has good hands. Drops were an issue last year.
Shorter was one of three five-star recruits in James Franklin’s 2018 recruiting class but he was slowed by a knee injury early in 2018 and never became a factor. The Lions redshirted him but McSorley raved about the progress Shorter made in the December practices leading up to the Citrus Bowl.
The 6-4, 232-pound Shorter has the speed to get over the top and the size to win contested catches. Penn State’s outside receivers must be able to take the pressure off Hamler, who will likely work from the slot.
X-factors: Hippenhammer, Daniel George and perhaps even Dan Chisena.
Hippenhammer has some catching up to do after missing the spring to concentrate on baseball. George, a redshirt freshman, has nice size (6-2, 224) and he caught a 95-yard touchdown pass from Sean Clifford in 2018, the longest in Penn State history.
The 6-3, 203-pound Chisena, recently put on scholarship by Franklin, has 4.3 speed and he showcased his wheels on a 59-yard touchdown catch in the Blue-White game. The wideout was praised throughout spring drills by Franklin.
Key questions: Can new Penn State wideouts coach Gerad Parker cure the receiving corps of the “drops”? And is Shorter ready to take a major step forward in his second year?
Penn State spring exit interviews: KJ Hamler is the gamebreaker at wideout but who are the other starters?
Today 11:30 AM
Penn State wide receiver KJ Hamler goes for a long gain during the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
By Bob Flounders | bflounders@pennlive.com
If you combine the numbers of the top three Penn State receivers from last season, you get these totals: 92 receptions, 1,435 yards, 8 touchdowns, a 15.6-yard average per catch.
Not great, but not awful.
The problem is that two of the three wideouts, Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins, combined for just 50 catches, 681 yards, three touchdowns and a 13.6-yard average per catch.
Once you get past the contributions from Hamler, the wideout production wasn’t there for the Nittany Lions in 2018. Hamler is back, looking to build on a 42-catch, 754-yard season that also included five touchdown reception, one a 93-yard catch-and-run job vs. Ohio State.
Hamler is dangerous in space, as a receiver, return man and runner. But with Johnson and Thompkins moving on, there are opportunities for some talented young players to become key pieces in the Penn State passing game.
Here is a closer look at the Lions’ wide receiver picture coming out of the spring practice sessions …
Ranking the position: Strength, weakness or to be determined? There is a lot of potential with this group but it’s “to be determined”.
Hamler can hurt a defense short and long. The redshirt sophomore should become a much bigger part of the offense but it’s worth mentioning that Hamler didn’t score a touchdown in Penn State’s last seven games. And Hamler received just two touches (52 total yards) in the Lions’ Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky.
Penn State returns three talented second-wideouts plus redshirt sophomore Mac Hippenhammer, who missed spring football to play for the Lions’ baseball team (with James Franklin’s blessing).
Franklin also made a change at wide receivers coach, replacing David Corley with Gerad Parker.
“There are definitely changes to getting to know a (new) coach,’’ Penn State second-year sophomore wideout Jahan Dotson said.
“Relationships don’t come with just the snap of a finger. It’s fun to build those relationships with coaches but sometimes it’s challenging as well.’’
Go-to guy: The 5-9, 168-pound Hamler averaged just under 18 yards per reception and he could become the Lions’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Chris Godwin put up 1,101 yards in 2015. But he needs to get the ball more than 42 times in the passing game.
Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson runs away from Wisconsin cornerback Deron Harrell during the second quarter on Nov. 10, 2018. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Players to watch: Dotson and Justin Shorter. Dotson’s role in the passing game grew during the final month of the regular season. He finished with 13 catches for 203 yards and Dotson became one of Trace McSorley’s preferred options. It helped that he has good hands. Drops were an issue last year.
Shorter was one of three five-star recruits in James Franklin’s 2018 recruiting class but he was slowed by a knee injury early in 2018 and never became a factor. The Lions redshirted him but McSorley raved about the progress Shorter made in the December practices leading up to the Citrus Bowl.
The 6-4, 232-pound Shorter has the speed to get over the top and the size to win contested catches. Penn State’s outside receivers must be able to take the pressure off Hamler, who will likely work from the slot.
X-factors: Hippenhammer, Daniel George and perhaps even Dan Chisena.
Hippenhammer has some catching up to do after missing the spring to concentrate on baseball. George, a redshirt freshman, has nice size (6-2, 224) and he caught a 95-yard touchdown pass from Sean Clifford in 2018, the longest in Penn State history.
The 6-3, 203-pound Chisena, recently put on scholarship by Franklin, has 4.3 speed and he showcased his wheels on a 59-yard touchdown catch in the Blue-White game. The wideout was praised throughout spring drills by Franklin.
Key questions: Can new Penn State wideouts coach Gerad Parker cure the receiving corps of the “drops”? And is Shorter ready to take a major step forward in his second year?
https://bwi.rivals.com/news/nittany-lions-confident-in-ol-spring-gains
Nittany Lions confident in OL spring gains
Nate Bauer • BlueWhiteIllustrated.com
@NateBauerBWI
Nittany Lions confident in OL spring gains
@NateBauerBWI
I'll believe Rahne when I see this OL block consistently in B1G play.https://bwi.rivals.com/news/nittany-lions-confident-in-ol-spring-gains
Nittany Lions confident in OL spring gains
Nate Bauer • BlueWhiteIllustrated.com
@NateBauerBWI
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2019/4/24/18477665/the-future-is-now-its-sean-clifford-time-tommy-stevens-transfer-penn-state-football-bsd
The Future Is Now: It’s Sean Clifford Time
With the transfer of Tommy Stevens, it means that the Sean Clifford era will get underway a year early in Happy Valley.
By Patrick Koerbler Apr 24, 2019, 5:09am PDT
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
I was ready for the Tommy Stevens era. The idea of a fifth-year senior who waited his time, showed loyalty to the program, and did whatever was asked of him to finally get the spotlight was as pure a storyline as there can be in college sports. Sure, expectations in Happy Valley for 2019 aren’t as high as they’ve been in year’s past (mostly talking 2017 here), but with the level of talent surrounding Stevens, the chance for the movie-like ending for the fifth-year senior was there.
As we all know now, that ending won’t be happening in Happy Valley, and instead will be taking place elsewhere. Although I wish the Stevens era wasn’t ending before it even started, I can’t say I’m all that disheartened on how Penn State will move forward. Because as one potential chapter closes, another begins — welcome to the Sean Clifford era.
Might want to throw with the laces, Sean.
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
One thing that has always stuck with me about Clifford was the buzz that followed right after he enrolled. It wasn’t buzz about his arm strength, his accuracy, or the way he diagnosed a defense. It was how impressed people were with his intangibles — from his preparation, to the way he competed, to just the way he carried himself. Not to compare the two because they are very different quarterbacks, but another certain quarterback (who will be drafted this weekend) had similar buzz just after he enrolled.
The intangibles are pretty much where the similarities start and end though between Trace McSorley and Clifford, because from a skill perspective on the field, they are very different. I know it’s become a bit of a joke, but Trace legitimately was a Power 5 level athlete as a safety, whereas Clifford didn’t even play defense in high school.
That’s not to say that Clifford is a Morelli-esque statue — he actually moves pretty well in the pocket, and to his credit, has been working on becoming quicker. But it’s safe to say that Clifford isn’t going to rack up the rushing stats, and to Ricky Rahne’s dismay, the QB draw is going to have to be scrapped from the playbook.
Which I think is the thing I’m most intrigued by in all of this — what changes are made to the playbook? With McSorley-to-Stevens, things could largely stay the same. Sure, there would have been tweaks and new wrinkles added, but generally speaking, McSorley and Stevens were pretty interchangeable scheme wise.
With Clifford, that’s not really the case. Like I joked about above, QB draws and heavy zone read calls aren’t going to put Clifford in the best spot to succeed. So not to say an overhaul is coming, but having the option of depending upon the quarterback’s legs are certainly gone.
The fortunate thing: the overall identity of the offense should stay the same because while it’s preferred to have the wrinkle of a sub-4.6 quarterback running the show, a dual-threat quarterback isn’t mandatory to make the Moorhead (Rahne) offense go. In 2014 at Fordham, quarterback Michael Nebrich — coming off a torn ACL — had -96 rushing yards on the season. But yet, the offense still found a way to churn out 40.64 PPG because mobility at quarterback is just a piece of the pie. Other, perhaps larger, pieces of the pie? Making correct reads on RPOs, being accurate, and just flat out knowing the offense.
Can Clifford do those things, and can he grasp the offense to level that’s necessary? I’m not 100% sure, but I like to think he can. And the good news is that James Franklin and Ricky Rahne clearly have confidence in Clifford. If they didn’t, it’s likely that Stevens would have been named the starter last week. But he wasn’t — for a myriad of reasons — and one of those reasons being that Clifford took advantage of his first-team reps this spring. He made the situation difficult, and forced the hands of Tommy Stevens and the coaching staff.
Will Clifford be better than Stevens? Again, I don’t know. No one does yet. But one thing is for sure: the Sean Clifford era has begun in Happy Valley. No matter how it got done, Clifford will take the reigns for the next three seasons during a pivotal moment in Franklin’s tenure.
Is he the quarterback to take Penn State to the next level? We’ll just have to wait and see.
The Future Is Now: It’s Sean Clifford Time
With the transfer of Tommy Stevens, it means that the Sean Clifford era will get underway a year early in Happy Valley.
By Patrick Koerbler Apr 24, 2019, 5:09am PDT
I was ready for the Tommy Stevens era. The idea of a fifth-year senior who waited his time, showed loyalty to the program, and did whatever was asked of him to finally get the spotlight was as pure a storyline as there can be in college sports. Sure, expectations in Happy Valley for 2019 aren’t as high as they’ve been in year’s past (mostly talking 2017 here), but with the level of talent surrounding Stevens, the chance for the movie-like ending for the fifth-year senior was there.
As we all know now, that ending won’t be happening in Happy Valley, and instead will be taking place elsewhere. Although I wish the Stevens era wasn’t ending before it even started, I can’t say I’m all that disheartened on how Penn State will move forward. Because as one potential chapter closes, another begins — welcome to the Sean Clifford era.
Might want to throw with the laces, Sean.
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
One thing that has always stuck with me about Clifford was the buzz that followed right after he enrolled. It wasn’t buzz about his arm strength, his accuracy, or the way he diagnosed a defense. It was how impressed people were with his intangibles — from his preparation, to the way he competed, to just the way he carried himself. Not to compare the two because they are very different quarterbacks, but another certain quarterback (who will be drafted this weekend) had similar buzz just after he enrolled.
The intangibles are pretty much where the similarities start and end though between Trace McSorley and Clifford, because from a skill perspective on the field, they are very different. I know it’s become a bit of a joke, but Trace legitimately was a Power 5 level athlete as a safety, whereas Clifford didn’t even play defense in high school.
That’s not to say that Clifford is a Morelli-esque statue — he actually moves pretty well in the pocket, and to his credit, has been working on becoming quicker. But it’s safe to say that Clifford isn’t going to rack up the rushing stats, and to Ricky Rahne’s dismay, the QB draw is going to have to be scrapped from the playbook.
Which I think is the thing I’m most intrigued by in all of this — what changes are made to the playbook? With McSorley-to-Stevens, things could largely stay the same. Sure, there would have been tweaks and new wrinkles added, but generally speaking, McSorley and Stevens were pretty interchangeable scheme wise.
With Clifford, that’s not really the case. Like I joked about above, QB draws and heavy zone read calls aren’t going to put Clifford in the best spot to succeed. So not to say an overhaul is coming, but having the option of depending upon the quarterback’s legs are certainly gone.
The fortunate thing: the overall identity of the offense should stay the same because while it’s preferred to have the wrinkle of a sub-4.6 quarterback running the show, a dual-threat quarterback isn’t mandatory to make the Moorhead (Rahne) offense go. In 2014 at Fordham, quarterback Michael Nebrich — coming off a torn ACL — had -96 rushing yards on the season. But yet, the offense still found a way to churn out 40.64 PPG because mobility at quarterback is just a piece of the pie. Other, perhaps larger, pieces of the pie? Making correct reads on RPOs, being accurate, and just flat out knowing the offense.
Can Clifford do those things, and can he grasp the offense to level that’s necessary? I’m not 100% sure, but I like to think he can. And the good news is that James Franklin and Ricky Rahne clearly have confidence in Clifford. If they didn’t, it’s likely that Stevens would have been named the starter last week. But he wasn’t — for a myriad of reasons — and one of those reasons being that Clifford took advantage of his first-team reps this spring. He made the situation difficult, and forced the hands of Tommy Stevens and the coaching staff.
Will Clifford be better than Stevens? Again, I don’t know. No one does yet. But one thing is for sure: the Sean Clifford era has begun in Happy Valley. No matter how it got done, Clifford will take the reigns for the next three seasons during a pivotal moment in Franklin’s tenure.
Is he the quarterback to take Penn State to the next level? We’ll just have to wait and see.
https://victorybellrings.com/2019/04/24/penn-state-football-2019-early-position-preview-secondary/
Penn State Football 2019 Early Position Preview: Secondary
by Barry Leonard Jr.1 hour ago Follow @barryleonardjr
Penn State will have some new faces in the secondary in 2019
Penn State Football 2019 Early Position Preview: Secondary
by Barry Leonard Jr.1 hour ago Follow @barryleonardjr
Penn State will have some new faces in the secondary in 2019
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