And a 71-yard FG (yes, not opposed...but still) And notice that he kicked that with a pretty stiff L-R wind.
2016 Penn State Football
- Thread starter SoxJox
- Start date
Seems Michigan and Penn State are bouncing off each other as the funnel diameter shrinks as NLI Signing Day approaches. The Lions offer Rashad Weaver in the wake of his decommitment from UM. According to 247Sports, the Miami Herald is reporting Penn State coaches will meet with him in Florida today.
I'm not sure Penn State actually ever had him. He never gave any public indication that I am aware of a strong preference one way or the other, other than the typical "great visit" when he went to UCLA, Penn State, and Pitt. The crystal ballers seemed to have had him as a toss up, more leaning to Pitt, actually. I'm not surprised he went to UM, though. Hardball magic.
Like I said before, with Gillikin in the fold and the Barbir addition , the Lions will be fine as far as the kicking game goes,
I guess Nordin's dramatic airplane commitment was all show. Go figure,
I guess Nordin's dramatic airplane commitment was all show. Go figure,
Actually, UT is probably going to get the DT that just decommitted from Michigan (Jordan Elliott). Good thing Michigan moved on Dwumfour.Confirmed...Dwumfour commits to UM.
And cander, I think UT needs you more.
Glad he's getting interest from other big schools. I think he has offers from Dartmouth and Columbia too. Seems like an academically sharp kid.
From what I've heard, he was interested in Penn State early, but was told to hold off from committing. This kind of kept him open and when Michigan made their move on him, Penn State didn't have the upper hand or firm footing that they could have had if they had acted earlier or stronger. Historically, PA is a state that Michigan has done quite alright in so while I would say that Penn State should get their in-state guys, it's not like Michigan is reaching in with no pull. That's without getting into Harbaugh.
Or had performed better during the season and not blown up organizationally between the end of the season and NLI Signing Day.
His senior tape is supposedly amazing. He killed it at the Semper Fi game. If Penn State's coaches had bothered to scout instead of looking for their next jobs, may be they would've been able to get in quicker.Or had performed better during the season and not blown up organizationally between the end of the season and NLI Signing Day.
I believe the only scouting Franklin can do is reading the site's messageboards.
Now now. Decommitments and surprises are happening everywhere. For all of Franklin's blemishes, by nearly all accounts he has done a very nice job recruiting. You win some. You lose some. Penn State's losses are just being magnified because of all the other "stuff" happening. They'll wind up with a very nice if not seismic-producing class.
I was referring to his coaching more than recruiting there.
Yeah it'll be an OK class, but they're really going to not get the defensive players they need most.
Latest commits just days before NLI Signing Day:
- Westerville North (Westerville, OH) 3* DT and former Illinois commit Antonio Shelton. 6'3" 280 pounds. Little bit of a payback here as Illinois was one of the schools that basically came in and set up shop in State College to try a lure players away after the sanctions were imposed and the NCAA announced they could transfer without having to sit out a year.
- Dunbar (Baltimore, MD) 3* receiver and former Temple commit Dae'lun Darien. "The 6-foot-4, 205 pound senior flipped from the Owls to the Lions on Monday morning after spending 48 hours on Penn State's University Park campus from Friday to Sunday."
Picked up a JUCO lineman today who supposedly is a monster. But might not be accepted because grades.
As the #3 rated JUCO DL, I'll hope that Chavis gets a quicker and better start than JUCO xfer OL Sterling Jenkins did this past year.
Also, Euclid HS (Cleveland, OH) 3* CB Anthony Johnson verbally committed to Penn State on Tuesday night, according to 247 Sports.
With the addition of Chavis and Johnson, Penn State’s 2016 class is ranked No. 13 in 247 Sports composites as of Tuesday night.
As WBV points out, Penn State also picked up PWO All-State QB Michael Shuster (Camp Hill (Pa.)). Shuster, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound pro-style quarterback ranks fourth all-time among Pennsylvania passers with 9,717 yards and 108 touchdowns. He had committed to UM as a PWO back in October.
And the Lions picked up PWO DB Isaac Lutz (Berks Catholic (Reading, Pa.)). The 5-11, 187-pound Lutz runs a 4.45 40-yard dash according to Hudl.
Also, Euclid HS (Cleveland, OH) 3* CB Anthony Johnson verbally committed to Penn State on Tuesday night, according to 247 Sports.
With the addition of Chavis and Johnson, Penn State’s 2016 class is ranked No. 13 in 247 Sports composites as of Tuesday night.
As WBV points out, Penn State also picked up PWO All-State QB Michael Shuster (Camp Hill (Pa.)). Shuster, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound pro-style quarterback ranks fourth all-time among Pennsylvania passers with 9,717 yards and 108 touchdowns. He had committed to UM as a PWO back in October.
And the Lions picked up PWO DB Isaac Lutz (Berks Catholic (Reading, Pa.)). The 5-11, 187-pound Lutz runs a 4.45 40-yard dash according to Hudl.
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The wait is almost over for some high-priority targets:
OH 4* LB Brendan Ferns: A good possibility. Will tweet decision at 7 AM from @BrendanFerns_5
MI 4* CB Lavert Hill: Crystal ball says UM. Will announce at 9 AM at in-person ceremony in Michigan.
FL 3* Receiver Rashad Weaver: Long shot. Will announce at 1 PM at in-person ceremony, with tweet likely to follow from @D_Snelson2
OH 4* LB Brendan Ferns: A good possibility. Will tweet decision at 7 AM from @BrendanFerns_5
MI 4* CB Lavert Hill: Crystal ball says UM. Will announce at 9 AM at in-person ceremony in Michigan.
FL 3* Receiver Rashad Weaver: Long shot. Will announce at 1 PM at in-person ceremony, with tweet likely to follow from @D_Snelson2
With loss of Pryts, brings the class to 19, so room to grow.
First to fill is JUCO DL Brenon Thrift. 6'3" 270# from Lackawanna CC.
First to fill is JUCO DL Brenon Thrift. 6'3" 270# from Lackawanna CC.
Sterling Jenkins not a JUCO. 2015 graduate of Baldwin High near Pittsburgh. 6-8 and 320 OT, he was bypassed for WPIAL conference honors as a senior. He was pretty hyped prior to senior season, now looks like a long-tern project.
I haven't seen where many thought he was a lock. As a prior commit, who de-committed and then kept Penn State in his top 3 along with UM and MSU, I'd say that many, like me (as I posted above), hoped, but likely saw UM as the ultimate destination. Most of the message boards and comment sections i've read pretty much aligned with this.
In any case, props to Harbaugh and UM for a great effort. Urban, who interestingly enough was quite noticeably off the front pages this cycle (while still recruiting a sound class), has competition.
Pretty disappointing day I'd think for PSU fans, the class turned out fairly pedestrian. If you take Sanders off it'd be mid 60s I'd guess.
I don't see them winning mores than 5 gates next year so Franklin may not be long for State College.
I don't see them winning mores than 5 gates next year so Franklin may not be long for State College.
I am not disappointed at all. This class fills a few holes right away. Miles Sanders should team with Barkley next year to give Penn State its most talented RB tandem in many, many years. The OL has to be better. There are two true freshmen OL who might fit in right away. The new OC plans to emphasize the running game, taking pressure off McSorley and the receivers. This is not a square peg/round hole offense, as we had with Hackenberg the past two seasons.
The freshman punter and kicker are big upgrades over last year's nightmare starters.
Defense looks like the problem next year. The Nits are going to miss those three studs on the DL.
It's way too early to start a 2018 thread, but Penn State's recent offers to 3 QBs provides a glimpse as to the type of offense Joe Moorhead will try to install over the next 2-3 years.
This also is probably more in line with what Franklin prefers, and which he can now pursue freely with Hackenberg's departure. Let's see if it improves his in-game coaching.
Not related to 2016, but Penn State and Auburn have agreed to a home-home series in 2021 (@ PSU) and 2022 (@AU)
Footnote: The OSU-Tennessee series mentioned in the article for 2018-19 was cancelled about 5 years ago. WTG ESPN.
Footnote: The OSU-Tennessee series mentioned in the article for 2018-19 was cancelled about 5 years ago. WTG ESPN.
Posted this over in the General News thread, but the 2017 QB commit Sean Clifford will be one of the top prospects playing as part of the ESPN Kickoff classic.
Clifford and his St. Xavier (Ohio) High School team will take on St. John Bosco (Calif.) at 5 p.m. Aug. 27 on ESPNU.
Clifford and his St. Xavier (Ohio) High School team will take on St. John Bosco (Calif.) at 5 p.m. Aug. 27 on ESPNU.
Comprehensive statistical look at the upcoming season, with an eye in the rear view mirror.
However many potentially positive signs there may be, the bottom line:
However many potentially positive signs there may be, the bottom line:
Not a 2016 news item, but glad to see Sam Ficken has signed on with the Jaguars.
Pressed into unexpected service as a Sophomore when Anthony Fera, the previous year's starter transferred to Texas, Ficken missed 4 FG vs UVA and had the goat coat draped over his shoulders. That would have been the end of it for about 99.9% of the PKs in the country, but neither Bill O'Brien or Ficken gave up. Ficken went on the record the 2nd-most FGs (54) and 4th highest FG % (72) in school history. Also 4th longest (54) FG and most consecutive (15) FGs in school history. These are not jaw-dropping numbers to be sure, but a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Pressed into unexpected service as a Sophomore when Anthony Fera, the previous year's starter transferred to Texas, Ficken missed 4 FG vs UVA and had the goat coat draped over his shoulders. That would have been the end of it for about 99.9% of the PKs in the country, but neither Bill O'Brien or Ficken gave up. Ficken went on the record the 2nd-most FGs (54) and 4th highest FG % (72) in school history. Also 4th longest (54) FG and most consecutive (15) FGs in school history. These are not jaw-dropping numbers to be sure, but a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Here's the HUDL video.
http://www.hudl.com/v/ZmtRK
He's the 3rd commit to the 2018 recruiting class, joining 5* DE Micah Parsons am 4* OL Chris Bleich. It's a good start.
http://www.hudl.com/v/ZmtRK
He's the 3rd commit to the 2018 recruiting class, joining 5* DE Micah Parsons am 4* OL Chris Bleich. It's a good start.
If I didn't know you better, I'd think you are half-serious. But I think I know you well enough to believe you're only half-kidding - at east as far as the "4" is concerned.
But the question is still valid. On-field performance is what is going to raise Penn State into a more competitive position.
Is 4 your O/U? I'll take over. I'm thinking 3rd straight 7.
But the question is still valid. On-field performance is what is going to raise Penn State into a more competitive position.
Is 4 your O/U? I'll take over.
I'm thinking 3rd straight 7.
I actually haven't thought about it, I expect very little offensive production though. No QB hurts.If I didn't know you better, I'd think you are half-serious. But I think I know you well enough to believe you're only half-kidding - at east as far as the "4" is concerned.
But the question is still valid. On-field performance is what is going to raise Penn State into a more competitive position.
Is 4 your O/U? I'll take over.
At this time what I'd guess happens:
vs. Kent State W
at Pittsburgh L
vs. Temple L
at Michigan * L
vs. Minnesota * L
vs. Maryland * W
vs. Ohio State * L
at Purdue * W
vs. Iowa * L
at Indiana * W
at Rutgers * W
vs. Michigan State * L
OK, winning 4 looks too few given the schedule. I'd say max 6, I predict 5. Maybe they beat Temple. But maybe they lose at Indiana.
Another win but no need to discuss Penn State football until they prove themselves, one way or another, over the next month. They beat the Buckeyes on a pair of special teams plays and 107,000 screaming fans, and they whomped a thin Purdue team that has no depth. Iowa at home this week. Just another chance to get better. They are a long way from elite status but this four-game win streak at least stabilizes the recruiting situation.
Franklin's staff has done a very good job. I've only watched a little this year aside from the second half vs OSU but they are getting guys into position to make plays.Im so glad you were wrong on this...
I do think they're upset vs Iowa, I think it's a bit of a trap game. But they should get a nice Florida bowl game around the new year as a reward. Franklin has bought goodwill which is pretty vital.
Winning streak starting to bring recruits back. Penn State flips a 4-star New Jersey DT who had committed to Florida last summer. 6-foot-3 Fred Hansard. 310 pounds. He was considering Penn State last summer before verbal committing to Florida.
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/11/penn_state_flips_four-star_flo.html
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/11/penn_state_flips_four-star_flo.html
Well, this 2016 Penn State team has been the most fun to watch during my years. They just came of age in the Ohio State game and then kept on driving, every week, usually starting slow and then rallying in the second half. Coming from behind to win is always fun.
So thanks for the great season. Let the committee choose their final four. Penn State will be better next year. They are young and have a future. The QB has two more years left. Next year, they might be as good and as deep as Michigan and OSU.
So thanks for the great season. Let the committee choose their final four. Penn State will be better next year. They are young and have a future. The QB has two more years left. Next year, they might be as good and as deep as Michigan and OSU.
Penn State picks up 5* CB Lamont Wade, considered the #9 player in the country.
He’s the third player to commit to Penn State this month. 4* IMG Academy wide receiver KJ Hamler and 4* Cass Technical (Detroit) cornerback Donovan Johnson verbally committed on Dec. 9 and 13, respectively.
He’s the third player to commit to Penn State this month. 4* IMG Academy wide receiver KJ Hamler and 4* Cass Technical (Detroit) cornerback Donovan Johnson verbally committed on Dec. 9 and 13, respectively.
The 2017 Class looks solid. Franklin has delivered on his promise to dominate the state, has continued a successful reach into NJ, MD and VA, but has now shown an ability to venture into other territories: GA, OH, NC, FL, MI, IN
*/Name/School/Position.Ht/Wt/Score/National Rank/Position Rank/State Rank
5*/Lamont Wade/Clairton (Clairton, PA)/CB/5-9/190/0.9735/50/5/2
4*/Sean Clifford/St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH)/PRO QB/6-2/210/0.9234/187/8/7
4*/CJ Thorpe/Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)/OG/6-3/318/0.9185/203/11/7
4*/Yetur Matos/Chancellor (Fredericksburg, VA)/SDE/ 6-5/235/0.9184/204/6/6
4*/Fred Hansard/Hun School (Princeton, NJ) /DT/6-3/310/0.9179/205/11/4
4*/Dylan Rivers/Sherando (Stephens City, VA)/OLB/6-2/230/0.9020/261/16/8
4*/Jonathan Sutherland/Episcopal (Alexandria, VA)/S/6-0/195/0.8989/275/23/10
4*/Damion Barber/Harrisburg (Harrisburg, PA)/SDE/6-3/244/0.8955/293/12/9
4*/Donovan Johnson/Cass Technical (Detroit, MI)/CB/5-10/176/0.8924/306/34/7
4*/KJ Hamler/IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)/WR/5-9/156/0.8919/311/44/42
3*/Brelin Faison-Walden/Grimsley (Greensboro, NC)/OLB/6-1/200/0.8721/448/28/13
3*/Michael Miranda/Stow-Munroe Falls (Stow, OH)/OC/6-3/290/0.8696/469/4/22
3*/Cameron Sullivan-Brown/St. Vincent Pallotti (Laurel, MD)/WR/6-1/180/0.8640/540/79/11
3*/Mac Hippenhammer/R Nelson Snider (Fort Wayne, IN)/WR/6-0/170/0.8624/564/83/5
3*/Robert Martin/St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)/OT/6-5/265/0.8538/712/74/17
3*/Desmond Holmes/Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, PA)/OT/6-5/325/0.8488/829/84/13
3*/Brailyn Franklin/Battlefield (Haymarket, VA)/ATH/6-2/200/0.8487/838/57/23
3*/D.J. Brown/ Creekside (Fairburn, GA)/ CB/5-11/175/0.8446/944/97/101
The 2018 class looks even better, currently ranked #1 by many sites. But it's early...and of course everyone poo poos these things anyway. Still, it's seems a reasonable characterization of a program on the rise.
*/Name/School/Position.Ht/Wt/Score/National Rank/Position Rank/State Rank
5*/Lamont Wade/Clairton (Clairton, PA)/CB/5-9/190/0.9735/50/5/2
4*/Sean Clifford/St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH)/PRO QB/6-2/210/0.9234/187/8/7
4*/CJ Thorpe/Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)/OG/6-3/318/0.9185/203/11/7
4*/Yetur Matos/Chancellor (Fredericksburg, VA)/SDE/ 6-5/235/0.9184/204/6/6
4*/Fred Hansard/Hun School (Princeton, NJ) /DT/6-3/310/0.9179/205/11/4
4*/Dylan Rivers/Sherando (Stephens City, VA)/OLB/6-2/230/0.9020/261/16/8
4*/Jonathan Sutherland/Episcopal (Alexandria, VA)/S/6-0/195/0.8989/275/23/10
4*/Damion Barber/Harrisburg (Harrisburg, PA)/SDE/6-3/244/0.8955/293/12/9
4*/Donovan Johnson/Cass Technical (Detroit, MI)/CB/5-10/176/0.8924/306/34/7
4*/KJ Hamler/IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)/WR/5-9/156/0.8919/311/44/42
3*/Brelin Faison-Walden/Grimsley (Greensboro, NC)/OLB/6-1/200/0.8721/448/28/13
3*/Michael Miranda/Stow-Munroe Falls (Stow, OH)/OC/6-3/290/0.8696/469/4/22
3*/Cameron Sullivan-Brown/St. Vincent Pallotti (Laurel, MD)/WR/6-1/180/0.8640/540/79/11
3*/Mac Hippenhammer/R Nelson Snider (Fort Wayne, IN)/WR/6-0/170/0.8624/564/83/5
3*/Robert Martin/St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)/OT/6-5/265/0.8538/712/74/17
3*/Desmond Holmes/Cardinal O'Hara (Springfield, PA)/OT/6-5/325/0.8488/829/84/13
3*/Brailyn Franklin/Battlefield (Haymarket, VA)/ATH/6-2/200/0.8487/838/57/23
3*/D.J. Brown/ Creekside (Fairburn, GA)/ CB/5-11/175/0.8446/944/97/101
The 2018 class looks even better, currently ranked #1 by many sites. But it's early...and of course everyone poo poos these things anyway. Still, it's seems a reasonable characterization of a program on the rise.
TE Mike Gesicki announces he will return for the 2017 season. Good news.
But, perhaps more importantly:
I'm not sure why the article did not mention FR TE Danny Dalton from Marshfiled HS, MA. He was a 4* and #1 recruit in MA in the 2016 class.
A bit early, but here is what the 2018 class looks like so far:
With QB Justin Fields, Franklin again shows he can go successfully into SEC territory. His film is very impressive. He's big, elusive, has deceptive, burst speed a cannon for an arm. A tall 6'4" WR in Justin Shorter will provide a nice, big target.
This will mark the second time in 3 years that Franklin walks away with the #1 player in MA - a TE in both cases (Danny Dalton in 2016 and Pat Freiermuth in this 2018 class)
*/Name/School/Position/Ht/Wt/Score/National Rank/Position Rank/State Rank
5* Micah Parsons/Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, PA)/SDE/6-3/235/0.9978/5/2/1
4* Zack Kuntz/Camp Hill (Camp Hill, PA)/TE/6-7.5/218/0.9695/54/1/3
4* Justin Shorter/South Brunswick (Monmouth Junction, NJ)/WR/6-4/210/0.9617/74/9/3
4* Justin Fields/Harrison (Kennesaw, GA)/DUAL/6-2.5/210/0.9579/88/5/9
4* Pat Freiermuth/Brooks School (North Andover, MA)/TE/6-5/235/0.9401/134/7/1
4* Chris Bleich/Wyoming Valley West (Plymouth, PA)/OT/6-6/305/0.8964/289/26/10
With QB Justin Fields, Franklin again shows he can go successfully into SEC territory. His film is very impressive. He's big, elusive, has deceptive, burst speed a cannon for an arm. A tall 6'4" WR in Justin Shorter will provide a nice, big target.
This will mark the second time in 3 years that Franklin walks away with the #1 player in MA - a TE in both cases (Danny Dalton in 2016 and Pat Freiermuth in this 2018 class)
*/Name/School/Position/Ht/Wt/Score/National Rank/Position Rank/State Rank
5* Micah Parsons/Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, PA)/SDE/6-3/235/0.9978/5/2/1
4* Zack Kuntz/Camp Hill (Camp Hill, PA)/TE/6-7.5/218/0.9695/54/1/3
4* Justin Shorter/South Brunswick (Monmouth Junction, NJ)/WR/6-4/210/0.9617/74/9/3
4* Justin Fields/Harrison (Kennesaw, GA)/DUAL/6-2.5/210/0.9579/88/5/9
4* Pat Freiermuth/Brooks School (North Andover, MA)/TE/6-5/235/0.9401/134/7/1
4* Chris Bleich/Wyoming Valley West (Plymouth, PA)/OT/6-6/305/0.8964/289/26/10
Latest 2018 pickup is:
4*/Isaiah Humphries/Sachse (Sachse, TX)/5-10/180/0.9142/226/19/30
Franklin and Cornerbacks Coach Terry Smith again showing they can extend their reach outside the PA-central eastern coast area.
4*/Isaiah Humphries/Sachse (Sachse, TX)/5-10/180/0.9142/226/19/30
Franklin and Cornerbacks Coach Terry Smith again showing they can extend their reach outside the PA-central eastern coast area.