It's February in Happy Valley.
Trekking through sub-freezing temperature to get to class is no fun. What's even less fun is listening to all the criticism surrounding the Penn State recruiting machine.
Is there reason to be upset that PSU has yet to recruit a QB this year? Yes. Does that mean it's the end of the world?
Well, if you ask the writers at Laschout.com, then it is the end of the world.
But realistically, there's no reason to panic.
First of all, PSU has a fresh batch of linebackers to terrorize opposing offenses for the next three to four years. Mike Yancich, Michael Zordich, and Michael Mauti are all highly rated players and three of the top five Nittany Lion recruits. Not surprisingly, linebacker was the strongest position in PSU's 2008 class.
Two other highly ranked defensive recruits are Jack Crawford at DE and D'Anton Lynn at safety. Hopefully both of these guys can help bolster a Penn State pass defense that was inept at points in the 2007 campaign.
A strong pass defense would be swell, because PSU's army of linebackers should ensure an impenetrable rush defense for years to come.
Helping out in both rush and pass defense will be massive DTs
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Pete Massaro is a higher ranking DT, but is only listed at 245 lbs. Nowadays, that weight is considered to be more fitting for defensive ends, but we'll see.
On offense, the Lions did a good job acquiring some depth for the offensive line, recruiting Mike Farrell, Deon'tae Pannell, and Matt Stankiewich, the last of whom played in the Under Armour All-American game.
With all five 2007 O-line starters returning this year, PSU fans will be unlikely to see any of the new guys until 2009.
Wide receiver was a pressing need for the Lions this year, as Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood are all set to graduate after the 2008 season.
Unfortunately, the Lions could only convince one WR prospect to join the team this year: A.J. Price.
Price is no slouch, but more could have been done here considering the current group of aging wideouts. The failure of former uber-recruit Derrick Williams to break out amongst Big Ten receivers probably played a role in keeping young receivers away from Penn State.
The bright side is that Penn State did sign the #13 tight end in the country, Mark Wedderburn. Hopefully Wedderburn won't be a huge disappointment like TE Andrew Quarless was. If he is, DE Jack Crawford can be moving to TE.
PSU did not do much at tailback, netting only Brandon Beachum, who is sometimes listed as a LB. PSU fans shouldn't sweat this too much, considering RB Evan Royster is set to start this year as a sophomore and will be backed up by fellow sophomore Brent Carter and freshman Stephon Green.
The big question mark is at quarterback.
PSU has no one so far. Did they put all their eggs into the Terrelle Pryor basket? Doing so would put a lot of pressure on highly-touted sophomore Pat Devlin to be the QB of the future. However, there seems to be a better and better chance that the Lions may actually land Pryor.
If he REALLY wanted to go to Ohio State, he wouldn't have gotten cold feet in the last minute and delayed his decision.
Even without Pryor, Penn State built a good foundation for the future with solid linebackers and O-line recruits. The biggest questions (besides Pryor) are the WR and DB positions.
Still, the Lions can use next year to fill these holes.
Either way, there's no reason to go nuts with either optimism or pessimism, as recruits never seem to pan out the way they're supposed to (Paul Posluzny got three freakin' stars on rivals.com).
Only time will tell how this year's class ranks.
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6 months ago
first of all, no one knows if OSU is or was Pryors true favorite. But either way, PSU class is not good. They did get some linebackers, but everything else is lacking in this class. Look for PSU to be near the bottom of the Big Ten AGAIN, and continue to be until Joe Pa, and i respect him greatly, gets out of office. College football is a different game and business now than what it used to be. PSU needs a fresh face in its HC spot.
from 6 months ago
It's true that this year's class is lacking in the WR and DB positions, but the TE, DL, and OL positions were filled adequately in my opinion. Besides, one class doesn't make or break a team. The linebackers and offensive lineman that PSU got this year will pay dividends in the future.
As for next year's team, we already know that the offensive line and running game will be very good, thanks to the returning starters. QB Daryll Clark's performance will play a big part in determining how far PSU can go in 2008.
I didn't want to give the impression that I can read Pryor's mind. I was just going off of what I had been reading and hearing over the past few weeks.
6 months ago
I guess Notre Dame needed a "fresh face" also. What bowl game did they win last year? There's more to it than, "Lets get rid of Joe!".
from 6 months ago
Your an ass. "Get rid of Joe" what do U know about anything? I am one of Joe's biggest supporter and believes Joe should do whatever Joe wants to do- I believe there is a plan and we will know it when Joe and Penn State wants us to know it- I have faith in our Joe. Penn State Proud- Go Lions- Joe you are the best!
6 months ago
Its not the issue of a fresh face as it is about the uncertainty. No one knows if 08 will be his last year or will there be more and no one knows the succession plan. At least FSU has a plan. We need one ASAP as the 09 recruiting has picked up already.
6 months ago
It's not anything near official news, but I have heard that defensive coordinator Tom Bradley would be the 1st candidate for PSU head coach should Paterno retire. I've also heard that Bradley has made a good impressions on Pryor and his father.
Again, these are just rumors, but there are signs that Bradley would be the successor.
Even if the plan doesn't involve Bradley, I'm sure Penn State has something in mind, even if they haven't told the press yet.
6 months ago
You are not a true Penn State fan if you are asking for Joe Paterno to retire and get out of the office.
5 months ago
Tom,
before anything else PSU needs a Quarterback coach that can develope these young quarterbacks,We should see improvement in our quarterbacks from year to year and that hasn't happened in years.
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