Where I Come From: My Favorite Penn State Players
by BSD on Jul 8, 2010 8:00 AM EDT
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This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.
Geez. Where to start with this one? I don't know how to pick just one favorite player. It's like asking me which one of my sons I love more. So this is just going to be a rambling collection of names, memories and thoughts. Freestyle blogging at its best.
As everyone knows, Penn State players have no name on their jersey. So when I was a kid it was hard to keep track of all the players. I pretty much had one or two favorite players on offense and one favorite player on defense. The first players I adored were D.J. Dozier, John Shaffer, and Shane Conlan. Not only were they key cogs in the 1986 national championship team, they were hard-nosed players that epitomized everything Penn State football stood for.
Skipping ahead a few years after that, Blair Thomas and Tony Sacca come to mind as two players I loved to watch play. Thomas was a master of the spin move and cut back and was a lot of fun to watch. Tony Sacca was just tough. You pitied the wide receiver that dropped a pass he threw on target. Sacca would run down the field and chew him out all the way back to the huddle. I remember one play against Notre Dame where a defensive end dove at him and grabbed onto his ankle. Sacca just stood tall and threw the pass for the completion. Then he ripped his ankle free from the defender's grasp and gave him this look like, "Please, is that all you got?" He had that classic swagger you love to see in your quarterback.
The 1994 team was full of players to love. Kerry Collins, Ki-Jana Carter, Mike Archie, Kyle Brady, Bobby Engram, and Freddie Scott made up the greatest offense Penn State has ever seen.
LaVar Arrington will probably always be my favorite Penn State linebacker. Old timers will say he was no Jack Ham, and younger guys will say Poz, Connor, and Lee were more dependable, but I have never seen a single player alter a football game the way Arrington could. I saw Lawrence Taylor play for the Giants, and LaVar was on that level in the college game.
Now I'm getting to the point where I want to wrap this up and there are still a ton of players I wanted to mention. O.J. McDuffie, Michael Robinson, Paul Posluszny, Sean Lee, Daryll Clark, and Tamba Hali were all favorite players of mine. These are just the players I saw play. I've read about a bunch of players I wish I could have seen play. Shorty Miller, John Cappelletti, Jack Ham, Dennis Onkotz, Mike Reid, Dave Robinson, Lenny Moore, Greg Buttle, Trey Bauer, Todd Blackledge, and Curt Warner are just a few of them.
I'm sure I left someone off the list that is going to make me kick myself right after I post this. So go ahead and grill me, and tell me who your favorite players are.
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Tony Hunt
The quintessential Penn State workhorse RB who quietly carried the team on his back almost every Saturday. Beat out a 5-star recruit to go on and become one of the all-time leading rushers.
Also, the Tennessee game was the single greatest domination I have ever seen by a Penn State player over another team.
Do you want the mustache on, or off?
Too bad.
Just to confirm my belief
I just rewatched much of the 2006 Minnesota game (I never got to watch it live). Tony Hunt carried the team the whole game, into over time, and won the game. 144 yards (half of that came in the 4th quarter), 3 TD’s, and he just carried guys for 6 yards like it was nothing. The first TD he ran full speed and trucked Norwood who wasn’t able to finish his block, looked like he almost killed him. His 2nd TD he caught a screen, ran for 20 yards over a defender or two to score, and then just trotted over to the sidelines like nothing happened while Morelli danced around and highfived the whole roster. His 3rd TD, in over time to win the game, same deal — ran straight through two defenders at the line then just trotted off the field. Not even a fist pump.
So if I had two votes, they would both be for Tony Hunt — every future Penn State RB should aspire to be more like him.
Do you want the mustache on, or off?
Too bad.
by millzners on Jul 8, 2010 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
You have convinced me.
Tony Hunt today, Tony Hunt forever.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Me too
I can totally get behind Millzners’ Tony Hunt jihad. Love the rewatching dedicated steez. And this line:
and then just trotted over to the sidelines like nothing happened while Morelli danced around and highfived the whole roster.
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
I have a soft spot for Rodney Kinlaw.
No, I can’t rationalize it, before you even ask.
DO DA HEISMAN ON DAT HO
Williams is my favorite player for so many reasons
He is a Penn State man through and through.
Although, I also love OJ McDuffie, LaVar, Poz and nearly the entire 1994 offense.
I drove O.J. and his agent
to the airport soon after he was selected in the draft. His agent was full of it, but O.J. was a pretty mild mannered nice guy.
(His agent was staying at the Atherton Hilton at the time so I drew the right straw to drive the limo for them).
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
yeah he was pretty good
But he was no O.J. McDuffie or Bobby Engram.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jul 8, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Not even remotely close.
Got more suits than Jacoby and Meyers.
by Run Up The Score on Jul 8, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I think Williams was a great guy and all, but he wasn’t even the best WR on that team…
Do you want the mustache on, or off?
Too bad.
Yes, and there's no wrong answer.
Got more suits than Jacoby and Meyers.
by Run Up The Score on Jul 8, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
lavon chisley?
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Sorrym I didn't mean that in a smartass way.
He’s just the only former Penn State player that I know of who is serving a life sentence for murder. That happened several years after he got kicked off the team, though (I think).
For the glory
I hate myself
for that snark.
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
How can WE possibly give all their due...here goes----
I include only those I’ve actually seen. Lenny Moore, Rosey Grier, Ted Kwalick, Kyle Brady, Richie Lucas, Kerry Collins, MRob, KiJana, Franco, Lydell Mitchell, Smear and Reid, Jack Ham, Onkotz, Shane Conlan, Poz, DWills, DC17, Cappy, Hartings and LaVar11 and I can’t stop…….I’ve played ball and you look to these players as ones who can control games by their will as well as talent….leaders all.
damn oldheads!
Just rubbing it in now. What a list!
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Michael Robinson and Paul Posluszny.
While I’m here, I just want to say to EA sports that I wasn’t interested anyway, but I’m not buying anything that so prominently features Tim Tebow. Especially if he’s always screaming like that.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
His jersey is already for sale in the Denver aiport
has not even taken one snap yet as a pro
Ia ora te natura, E mea arofa teie ao nei
Ua pau te maitai no te fenua, Re zai noa ra te ora o te mitie
SAVE THE GULF
I second this motion
The past two weeks I’ve had to look and read BSD with a gigantic freaking ad with Tim Tebow in it. Don’t they usually vary the covers of the game with players from different teams? I’ve had enough of Tim Tebow the past few years to last multiple lifetimes.
Jack Ham, one of the nicest sports figures I ever met, Mike Reid-cause I knew him when I was young, Curt Warner-I still think is the best back I ever saw play, Paul Posluszny and Michael Robinson. So many more, very hard to pick favorites.
Jack Ham is the model all players should strive for
I grew up watching Ham play on Sundays and he’s still the best to ever play the game. My only knowledge of his college play are the highlights and stories. I’d rank him clearly number two as the face of Penn State Football and definitely it’s best ambassador.
by Frank O'Brien on Jul 8, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Great Topic...
This is tough. Carter and Collins are probably my favorite offensive players. Carter was power and speed and I always felt bad for him that his NFL career was ended before it could begin. Collins could read a defense and go through his progressions. Haven’t seen a PSU QB that could do that as well since.
Poz is my favorite defensive player.
I really liked Enis and LaVarr, but they ended up being people that I don’t really like off the field.
Never mistake effort for achievement.
Ah, beer, my one weakness. My Achille's heel, if you will. - HJS
and I'll always have a soft spot for Bryant Johnson
because he was in my racketball class.
He turned his ankle in a game against me, let out a miserable scream that echoed throughout the IM building, and the coach/teacher came over and started yelling at me. He was fine in a couple of minutes.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
This has come up before
but my greatest fear in being on the UPark campus and possibly playing IM or having a phys ed class with an athlete is the possibility that I could injure them.
I can’t even imagine the amount of guilt I would feel. I don’t even want to think about it.
derrick williams. he is psu football personafied.
after him:
norwood-yoshi could ball and had heart
mrob-greatest leader of the past generation of psu football
jared odrick – great kid, ino the most dominant DT out of psu in a long time
lavar for the reasons above
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
Dwill love
Don’t get me wrong. He was a classy guy and represented the university well. But he’s just not one of my favorite players. I can count the big plays he contributed on one hand. Most of his career was catching seven yard out patterns from Anthony Morelli. Meh.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
You said the name that should not be named
QB14….don’t say the other name.
That's a big statement
A lot of his big punt returns came in blowouts kind of diminishing their value.
I could make the argument that Dennis Onkotz was the greatest punt returner in PSU history.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
I'll give you this
He had a really good year returning punts in 2008. But prior to that the joke around here was that he couldn’t stop tripping over the 20 yard line.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
He did trip over his own feet in 2007. I blamed the weight belt.
I’ve thought about it and there are several different ways of looking at the term “favorite.”
Most enjoyable to watch on the field? It could be Ki-Jana, Engram, Poz, or many others.
Most inspirational? Taliaferro or Cappelletti.
Best representation of the program’s ideals? Too many. If I mention ten I feel like I’m excluding a hundred who are just as worthy.
Player who made everyone around him better? MRob, AQ Shipley and Courtney Brown come to mind.
Player who left the program better than when he entered it by his own acts? Derrick Williams.
Point taken
I guess to me, my favorite players are the ones I remember most.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
I also struggle with the concept of a favorite player.
College football is so team oriented that individualism is often a detriment. If you keep making dramatic heaves to win in the 4th quarter, you probably have issues on offense that get you in that position in the first place. If a player keeps making phenomenal one v. one tackles in open space, your team probably has issues on defense that leave men open like that.
If I could condense it: every player on defense that squares up, wraps the opposing team’s runner, and executes another perfect tackle is my favorite player. Every player on offense that runs down the field and blocks for the man with the ball is my favorite player. Every player in a roaring environment that doesn’t pick up a false start and controls the line is my favorite player. He’s put in the effort, he’s bought into the system, and he does the little things that is rarely seen in NCAA Football. He is Penn State, and that’s good enough for me.
by Cairo on Jul 8, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
I'll just say "ditto" and not name any other players myself.
I’m also probably stealing this whenever anyone asks me who my favorite Penn State football player is. Or maybe I’ll just say, “that one without the name on his back”
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm no big fan of DWill
but just to play devil’s advocate, the reason to admire him—and the best thing he ever did for Penn State football—was simply commmitting to play for the Nittany Lions. As we all know, it was his commitment that essentially ended the dark years and his enthusiasm helped te 2005 season happen, even if he didn’t do too much on the field that year outside of the game-winning catch in Evanston.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
In a parallel world
DWill didn’t break his arm his freshman year and had someone other than QB14 throwing to him for two others.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Jul 8, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
He served a very important purpose
His recruitment was the catalyst for 2005, his big play against NW kept it alive.
He got the ball rolling and I will forever be thankful for that. I know a girl who I describe as “My Derrick Williams.” I never dated her, we might not be the best of friends, but just meeting her helped me get over a long relationship and got me back out into the world. A few months ago I got drunk and tried to explain this to her … Penn State Football analogies to life sometimes only work in our own heads.
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jul 8, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
My favorite unsung Lion
is Ethan Kilmer. He started at Shippensburg, when he transferred to PSU he walked on to the football team, got a starting spot eventually. He made an awesome TD catch in the 2005 Orange Bowl, and eventually got drafted. Loved the guy for some reason
DID YOU KNOW?!
Ethan Kilmer didn’t play high school football.
My roommate used to say that every single time his name was called after a play. He sent me a text message saying it after Kilmer’s Orange Bowl TD, and the statement was echoed on the Orange Bowl highlights.
I wonder if he played lacrosse…?
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jul 8, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Solid choice
Saw him at lift for life a few years back, after he graduated. Chatted him up for a bit and he was really nice guy. Not like that jerk Big Red that cut in front of the line at Bill Pickle’s.
Big Red used to ride the school bus with me.
Pitt currently has both a better football and basketball team than Michigan.
Did he sit in the back and
throw crap at you?
Atomic Wedgies for everyone!!
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
I agree 1000%
I remember watching the 2005 season and being excited to watch us punt the ball. Ethan Kilmer was always the first one down making a play on the ball.
I just love watching guys make something of themselves through hard work and determination. It is what I love about Penn State football. Guys like Ethan Kilmer just embody that.
M.Rob
It has to be Michael Robinson. I know it’s tired and cliche but M.Rob is everything I love about Penn State. I remember watching him play and saying, “I’ll never see another leader like that.”
You had this feeling that people would run through a brick wall for him, that he could lead troops into the toughest of fights knowing the odds were poor. I remember the Michigan game and saying, “It’s ok M.Rob will fix it.” And there he went driving down the field for that touchdown.
But if I get to chose a 2nd favorite player. Deon Butler! Watch the video of him at the OSU game rallying the troops. “We are Legends”. Indeed Deon , you are a legend.
I still believe
that if he had ONE more play against Michigan in 2005, that he would have won it. He was not going to lose that game.
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jul 8, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Arron Harris
Damn…he should have been on my list. I think I cried when I heard he tore up his knee.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
James Boyd
will always get my vote as an under the radar guy that rarely gets his due. The man brought it everyday Saturday and he sure could lay a hit on somebody.
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Jul 8, 2010 10:16 AM EDT reply actions
Easily in my top five
And he was a really humble kid. He never talked about the Heisman race in 1994. It was always about just winning one game at a time.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
Something that also goes unmentioned.
He was so great and such a great dude that even though he had no acls, he was still in the NFL until 2004.
I lost so much respect for him though when I saw him at the Lion’s Den drinking Bud Light Lime after, I believe, the Syracuse game last year. So sad….
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
My only explanation is
that somebody must have bought it for him. Seeing as how he is a classy guy, he didn’t want to hurt a fan’s feelings by dumping it.
There, respect restored.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
Not that I really had an opinion of him beforehand
but after reading that Rolling Stone “Runaway General” story, I lost a lot of respect for General McChrystal when it was stated that his favorite beer was Bud Light Lime. Seriously?
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Also have to add
Gary Brown for 2 reasons.
1. He was from Williamsport, which is 20 minutes from my home town
2. He had an awesome jheri curl when he arrived on campus
No way
Gary Brown was a whining brat. All he ever did was complain about not getting enough playing time. In fact, Paterno called him out one day in a press conference saying, “Gary Brown should shut his mouth and play football.”
You grew up 20 mins away, I went to his high school. I had cousins that were in his class. Gary Brown is not on my list.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
Yeah, I don't really
remember a lot of that peripheral stuff with Brown. I just liked the way he played when he was on the field. On a side note, I played against his brother Kevin in high school (my school had a preseason scrimmage against Williamsport every year). He was pretty good, but not as good as Gary.
He spent most of his time at PSU in Joe's Doghouse.
There were numerous reasons for that. (In my opinion, if JoePA said for me to cut my hair, I’d just cut it off instead of asking how long.)
Settle it on the field!
Of course
He did strip Ty Detmer and return the fumble for a touchdown against BYU in the Holiday Bowl. That makes up for a lot in my opinion.
PS: I’ve said this before, but that was a great game. Maybe one of the most underrated games in PSU history.
Pitt currently has both a better football and basketball team than Michigan.
Agreed
I caught that game on the BTN’s greatest games or something last winter. I think it was 14-10 in the fourth quarter and ended up being 50-45 by the end or something.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jul 8, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
The final
of that game was 50-39. They were driving for a potential game winning TD when Brown made that play to seal it. Detmer threw for 576 yards, which is still the single game record for an opponent, as far as I know (I should hope it is, at least). And Jesse is right, that was a great game (unless you like defense). We couldn’t stop Detmer and they couldn’t stop Blair Thomas. And Tony Sacca had a decent game, too.
That’s why Penn State passing defenses are so great. Passing yardage is less important than touchdowns and victories.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
but, but, but
That jheri curl!
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Justin Kurpeikis
Totally overshadowed by the likes of LaVar, Brandon Short, Courtney Brown… Completely ravaged A&M in the ’99 Alamo Bowl. Was the only person worth watching on the 2000 team.
Too hard to pick...
Over the years, there were so many. The obvious choices are the Jack Ham’s, Shane Conlan’s, Todd Blackledge’s, etc.
I have three names:
Curt Warner: His story is just too good and he was such a class act. Still the absolute cream of the crop to ever play in the PSU backfield. He doesn’t even have a close second. Evan Royster may break his yardage record this year, but he’ll never be Curt Warner.
Brandon Short: This guy came from nothing. He passed on the NFL draft despite pressure to take the money. He earned his degree, had a productive NFL career, and is now leading a successful life in business. This guy is the classic example of why PSU and Joe Paterno are different than every other FBS school out there.
Brian Milne: Beat everyone for the NCAA title in discuss…Beat the hell out of everyone who got in his way on the football field…BEAT CANCER prior to beating everything else. Also, undoubtedly one of the most mature and most genuine individuals I have ever met. Absolute class act.
Agree on Short.
Staying for his final season was admirable.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Warner vs. Ki Jana
I’m with you on Curt Warner, I loved the way he ran. Hard to tackle and hard to even get a hand on. He was also a great receiver. He could have put up 200+ yds every game
Carter, on the other hand, was so incredibly smooth, even that first run in the Rose Bowl, he stumbled through the line then was gone.
by Frank O'Brien on Jul 8, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
LaVar.
I have mixed feelings about LaVar. As a youngster, he single-handedly turned me from a casual, bandwagon fan to a serious fan. But as Mike says, he wasn’t always dependable, and I’m not sure I can say my favorite player was one who left early.
I will always most admire the guys who played when I was in school. Alan Zemaitis sticks out to me as an underrated player and one of my favorites from the ’05 team. Jeremy Kapinos was my favorite player in ’03 and ’04. Sad but true.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 10:52 AM EDT reply actions
Speaking of the chokers on the ’99 defense, is anyone gonna give some love to Derek Fox?
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
No love for the big guys up front?
All the skill players get all the ink but let’s show some appreciation for the lineman. AQ Shipley was the true leader of the 2008 team, I loved watching him get into the faces of Clark and the others to keep them in the game.
How about Steve Suhey.
Supposedly coined “we are Penn State.” Also, someone has to mention a Suhey in this thread.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Stop spreading that myth
Steve Suhey did not coin “We Are Penn State”. That is a feel good myth made up by Guido. He might have said those words, but that is not where they cheer originated.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
Where did it come from?
I read that in CDT a couple years ago.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh then it must be true
Not sure if you know who UncleLar is, but he pointed out an article in Town and Gown from around 20 years ago where they interviewed the cheerleaders from the ’70s that came up with the idea. They basically ripped it off from USC.
Sorry to rain on your parade.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
I'm legitimately asking.
I don’t know. This is why I said “supposedly,” to avoid this.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I did say this whole issue would come up again
A little more info to help with the story. (Should be noted that I was wrong in that comment – it only took 3 months.)
"I did my walk of shame this morning and everyone was so much nicer," she said. "People were inviting me to parties at 9 a.m."
Thanks for the links - I just
spent 10 minutes looking thru BSD archives and the one I wanted was a 404. The following is a comment to the article from the UncleLar Mike mentioned.
Here’s the comment… "UncleLar wrote on 02/16/2009 05:54:20 PM:
Lauren – it’s a nice story but you are just adding to an Urban Legend that just isn’t true. The cheer was created in the mid 70s and I can assure you that the cheerleaders who started it didn’t have any clue about Steve Suhey’s little speech 25 years earlier (and, in fact, Suhey was reported to have said "We’re Penn State", not "We are Penn State"). Someone has simply noted the similarity of the two phrases and built a legend out of it.
Town and Gown magazine did a story on the cheer in an article in the late 90s. They interviewed the cheerleaders who created the cheer and they confirmed that they got the words from Southern Cal, who does a "We are… SC" cheer.
If you’d like to confirm the REAL origin of the cheer, call Bob Krimmel, the former PSU assistant AD and current AD at St Francis in Loretto. He was one of the original cheerleaders that started the cheer."
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
Good prescience.
Thanks.
No matter how many teams are in it, I will continue to dislike the Big Ten.
by Illegal Formation on Jul 8, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Not a problem
It has come up regularly here – every few months, the topics get tangential (strange, I know) towards this story. The facts are out there, so this is just allowing people to see the “real” history of these stories.
Of course, I’m also of the mind of the “Liberty Valance” effect – when legend becomes fact, print the legend. So I’m not really upset if people still use the Suhey story as their legend.
"I did my walk of shame this morning and everyone was so much nicer," she said. "People were inviting me to parties at 9 a.m."
Legend it is, then!
Suhey Family Forever!
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Dear IcersGuy
In 6mos will my Man Cave be finished?
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
The energies of the world tell me it should be
You know, as long as you don’t have any young children to take care of. And you’re doubly screwed if it’s twins…
….oh….
"I did my walk of shame this morning and everyone was so much nicer," she said. "People were inviting me to parties at 9 a.m."
well, ok then
my favorite player is hbeach08, cuz he posts on here :-D
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't believe I forgot
to mention Trey Bauer. He played with a mean streak and didn’t take sh*t from any opponent.
Gotta love Trey
To this day he claims that Jerry Sandusky caved under the pressure in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. Supposedly when it was 4th and goal for Miami and PSU called a timeout, Sandusky had lock jaw and couldn’t talk. The players were standing in the huddle on the sideline looking at him and he stood there terrified and frozen. Trey claims he was the one who stepped in and called the final play.
Sandusky, of course, denies this.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
Hey look, an excuse to link to one of my favorite articles ever.
I’ve read this so many times, but it never gets old, especially during the offseason when there’s nothing else to read.
by PSUmob on Jul 8, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks - I did have
to read that whole thing again.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
Great article...
I’ve often wondered why Miami didn’t run Highsmith more in that game. As I recall, he pretty much was having his way with us, but they only gave him something like 18 carries. I’m glad they didn’t run him more, because I think the outcome might have been different.
That's true
But keep in mind Penn State was playing with only 2 or 3 defensive linemen for the entire game. We pretty much played prevent most of the night figuring, correctly, that Miami had neither the patience or the inclination to run the ball consistently.
Joe Paterno summarized the game pretty perfectly, he said something to the effect of “they wanted to prove that they were the best team of all time, so simply winning wasn’t good enough. They had to kill us”. When you watch the game next time keep that in mind. I mean it was 10-7 in the third quarter, why are still slinging the ball around? Because they still wanted to win by 30 points that’s why.
Miami lost that game because they wouldn’t be satisfied just to win it. They needed to embarass us too.
Pitt currently has both a better football and basketball team than Michigan.
Good point...
Highsmith probably wouldn’t have been as effective had we played a standard defense most of the game. Miami was too arrogant to pound it at a prevent defense, and really only ran to try to keep us honest.
also, Vinny T was Mr. Heisman
and had to have every play go through him.
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Jay Alford
Not definitively my favorite, but I really got excited every time he made a big play. Alford, AKA The SuperArm, once drew a picture of a guy with a really big arm, like a super arm. We gave him the nickname and created a celebration for him that resembled a Bash Bros-like forearm bump, except I’m pretty sure we try to break each other’s bones.
From his charming lazy eye, to his admission that white tigers are beautiful to wearing No. 13 as a d lineman, Alford was bad. ass. Every one of his QB sacks looks awesome on film. Guy played hard and was a huge part of some great defenses.
He even got to play for his hometown NY Giants and basically one the Super Bowl with a tremendous sack of Tom Brady.
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jul 8, 2010 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
I don't even know the best way to go about this, but my list should be longer than it is.
Courtney Brown – strong and quiet, but a heck of a player.
Kyle Brady – one of PSU’s best tight ends, ever.
I love all the smurfs, but Norwood is my favorite because he would go up for a ball knowing that the hit was coming and still catching the ball and hanging on.
Adam Taliaferro – true inspiration!
Daryll Clark – for all that he struggled through to get to PSU and the man and leader he has become.
Keith Goganious – because I watched him play in high school
Jimmy Kennedy – If only BWare could turn himself around like Kennedy did!
Most of the others have been said already, too (Hali, Ki-Jana, Short, Gelz, Aaron Harris, LaVar, Engram, Hunt, Shipley)
For the glory
Bobby Engram and LaVar
Still have my #10 Rose Bowl Jersey from ’94, broke it out in ’08 Michigan State game to celebrate the return. And LaVar…his bobble-head is sitting on my desk as I type this….enough said
"That's why you don't play! 'Cuz you're no good!" -Joe Paterno
My real fandom
started in 2000, when I first arrived on campus.
That being said, I think my favorite would have to be Williams. On and off the field, he did more than any other player to bring PSU out of the dark years. Honorable mentions go to Poz, MRob, Levi Brown, Tamba Hali, Matt Rice, and Clark.
by newenglandnittanylion on Jul 8, 2010 12:01 PM EDT reply actions
I have to go old school, but not too old.
I enjoyed watching Bruce Clark and Matt Millen play. It was like the opposing QB’s were being sacked every play.
Settle it on the field!
I just wonder how Millen would talk about Millen were he announcing the games
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
"This guy just has IT. I don't know what IT is, but I have IT!!"
Because it's a Bowl Game!!
-My wife when asked why she didn't tell me she was having contractions Jan. 1 2007
MRob is my #1 favorite
To echo other statements, I loved the way he played and all his intangibles as well. A buddy of mine also used to do this bit where MRob would call him on his cell phone after TD’s or at halftime or whatever. And he didn’t talk, he would sing. Hilarious every single time.
Hmmm besides the obvious ones mentioned above..
I will always remember Bruce Branch. When I got my first PSU jersey, it was #1 and he is who had it at the time.
Zach Mills. No matter what anyone says ever.
I wish so bad that I could have watched Lenny Moore play, he would have been my favorite. I love reading about him. He was a hell of a pro too.
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
Jeff Harting and that oline in 94 were sick.
Courtney Brown used to KILL qbs.
I remember watching that D destroy Steve S (NW QB) everytime the snow kicked up. I was hammered in the stands w/ TS and RUTS drinking Beam and hot chocolate….good times
www.federalagentforum.com
Cameron (Derek) Wake
Loved watching him jump the pile to block extra points and field goals. Never gave up on his dream and completely dominated in Canada. I wish him the best of luck and hope he starts this year for the Dolphins
Starting in '93, when I actually started following PSU football...
Kerry Collins, KiJana Carter, Bobby Engram, Freddie Scott, Aaron Harris, Joe Jurevicius, Brandon Short, LaVar Arrington, Courtney Brown, Chafie Fields, Larry Johnson, Zack Mills, Michael Robinson, Michael Haynes, Shawn Mayer, Alan Zemaitis, Tamba Hali, Paul Posluszny, Dan Connor, Sean Lee, Matt Rice, Scott Paxson, Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, Tony Hunt, Rodney Kinlaw, Darryl Clark, Derek Moye, Evan Royster, Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans, Jared Odrick, Navorro Bowman, Stephfon Green. I’ve probably left a few out.
PS… Attention EA Sports: I’m going to rent NCAA ‘11, and if it’s just another glorified roster update, I’m not buying it. Same goes for Madden when it comes out.
I wouldn't call him a disgrace.
Yes, he smoked away his future as a PSU legend and a chance at being a high-round NFL draft choice, but his mistake opened the door for Project Mayhem. And Evans certainly had a great 2007, when he finished tied for 7th in the nation in sacks.
agreed
if he’s a disgrace, then so were plenty of other names on that list that jrock didn’t single out. Basically he had the unfortunate situation of messing up when he had a VERY talented backup just waiting to break out during his (Evans’) benching.
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont mean to dump on your list of faves
He had an awesome year,but I think he just let everyone down so much that he will forever tick me off. I would just hate considering him one of the PSU greats only because he had a good year, loved the kush, and opened the door for Maybin
he's not one of my faves
and my opinion of him is probably closer to yours than of dmoney’s. But still, if you are gonna call out Evans for smoking pot and getting caught, then you have to call out all the others on there for similar infractions, including any alcohol related citations, etc. That knocks a few other people off that list that you didn’t mention, as you only pointed out Evans.
IF Maybin wasn’t quite the beast he was, Evans probably would have been back on the field putting up great numbers again. That was not the case, however, and Maybin was able to secure the starting spot (rightfully so).
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 9, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Tony Hunt and pretty much all our linebackers since '06
I remember watching Tony Hunt when I was a freshman and how he singlehandedly kept us in the game against Michigan. He solidified himself as one of my favorite players in his post game interview after the Outback Bowl when he said that PSU basically ran the same play over and over again, and Tennessee didn’t want to tackle him.
It’s hard to pick one player from the linebackers that I got to see play, Poz, Connor, Lee and Bowman were all great in their own ways.
Regarding the recent LB's,
I think Lee was the best of all of them, including Poz. If he hadn’t gotten injured in ’08, it would have been more apparent.
Lavar
Even though he wasnt the most disiplined player he was one of the most awesome players to watch. Mike hit it on the head with Lavar could change the game at any time.
Yeah? Well, I’m willing to bet both of us are too young to remember Lenny Moore. When he retired from the NFL.
So thanks for the compliment.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I've already put in my list, but I need your help here....
Within the last few years, there was an argument on the sidelines where one of the players got pissed off at one of the coaches and was shouting at him and one of the other players, I think a d-lineman, basically told him to sit down and shut up. Does anyone remember that??
For the glory
Levi Brown OT keeping Brandon Snow in line
by Frank O'Brien on Jul 8, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
nice research
Levi was a good captain. I had always had higher hopes for BranDon.
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
I don't know how I could have forgotten that,
or why I left Levi off my list, but I remember thinking how awesome that was! Thanks for the link!
For the glory
Sure it would have been great to have him become the linebacker he was recruited as, but I’m not going to complain about the linebacking corps at the tail end of his career (when he could have won a job). He was, however, the best blocking fullback Penn State has had in a very long time. He took AJ Hawk almost completely out of the 2005 game. He was a devastating blocker. I could never figure out what the hell he was so mad at when Levi had to calm him down, though.
by ChrisHarrell's_stache05 on Jul 8, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know exactly what it was about,
The commentators mentioned something about a delay of game penalty. But I thought Levi was completely in the right and was impressed with his leadership. You don’t yell at a coach on the sideline. The captain took care of the problem like he should have. Apologies to Levi for not remembering right off the bat!
For the glory
by Paige2PSU on Jul 8, 2010 8:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The issue
Snow was in the game, and then when they got down to the goal line they pulled him out and put in Matt Hahn. Snow felt like he had lost his job and he was ticked about it. Brown was sitting out the game with an injured knee and got in his face over it.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jul 8, 2010 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I understand the frustration,
But I still say that you don’t go after the coaches on the sideline. Part of that may be being brought up in the South with respect for coached bordering on reverence. But I played softball, field hockey, soccer and powderpuff football (and was a wrestling manager) and on the few occasions I questioned a coach, I did it after a game or practice in the coach’s office away from my teammates. I would never question a coach’s call in front of other players and if I was ever taken out it was for the betterment of the team or because I screwed up.
For the glory
by Paige2PSU on Jul 8, 2010 10:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This could be an off-season topic.
Best PSU team of all time. If you made an all-time team by position, who would be QB? Shorty Miller, Richie Lucas, John Hufnagel, or Kerry Collins? This could be carried on for every position. It would be prefaced with a discussion on the offensive and defensive formations too.
Maybe it’s trite and a topic that’s been done many times before, but usually its because the people making the all-time lists have 90% of the players from 2005 onward and offer insight such as, “he’s obviously in ‘cause he’s a monster.” If you have a little historical perspective and recognize its an interesting opportunity to delve into some facts about the past, it could be pretty cool.
If we could get it sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011
it would be even cooler.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
EA Sports Advertising
I have to say that Penn State’s “Where I Come From” ad for the upcoming release is, by far, the coolest. I actually checked out a few other sites to see what they came up with for their schools (yeah, slow day at work today). Nothing compares to ours.
Of course, I’m biased.
For some reason I keep getting Pitt's version.
Pitt currently has both a better football and basketball team than Michigan.
bwahahahaha
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
but then they'd probably make us use the "All Penn State" team they already have a roster for
(or at least I’m pretty sure they did in previous versions of the game)
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 8, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming we run the I-formation on offense and the 4-3 on defense. The I because the 1994 team used it and scored 47 points per game, so why not? The 4-3 is the perfect Penn State defense. It enables aggressive defensive linemen and smart linebackers to play heads up football.
My deciding criteria is usually “Is he in the HOF?”, with the exception of Collins vs. Richie Lucas.
Quarterback – Kerry Collins
Fullback – Franco Harris – HOFs
Tailback – John Cappelletti – HOF
Wide receiver – OJ McDuffie
Wide receiver – Bobby Engram
Tight end – Ted Kwalick – HOF
Offensive tackle – Chris Conlin
Offensive guard – Mike Munchak – NFL HOF
Center – A.Q. Shipley
Offensive guard – Steve Wisniewski
Offensive tackle – Keith Dorney – HOF
Defensive end – Dave Robinson – HOF
Defensive tackle – Glenn Ressler – HOF
Defensive tackle – Mike Reid – HOF
Defensive end – Tamba Hali
Linebacker – Jack Ham – HOFs
Linebacker – Dennis Onkotz – HOF
Linebacker – Paul Posluszny – Jack Ham said Paul was the best.
Safety – Darren Perry
Hero – Michael Zordich
Cornerback – Mark Robinson
Cornerback – Neal Smith. He probably didn’t even play cornerback, but I think he has some record for interceptions. Why not? Besides, we don’t have a history of producing good corners.
Punter – John Bruno
Kicker – Chris Bahr
Punt returner – Lenny Moore – NFL HOF – JoePa called him the greatest athlete he’s ever seen. I had to find him a place.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 8, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Nice
I could win a few games with that roster.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jul 9, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
But
We gotta get Shorty Miller on there somewhere. Maybe kick returner or something.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jul 9, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Kick returners – Lenny Moore, Shorty Miller
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
as for CB
Bryan Scott was pretty good
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 9, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, I’d like to thank the guy at Nittany Anthology for his pictures.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Werd
Love that site! Wonder if he comes in here?
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
His design is….neat. But the football stuff is very, very good. My countdown wouldn’t have been possible without that site.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
indeed
btw, re: images, I’ve come to believe bing’s image search may be a little better than google’s. For starters, it doesn’t make you turn the page every 20 pics
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
With requisite 70's stache
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
I too love the 1997 era, geocities-esque design
anything with scrolling, blinking text and gifs galore is grade A Awesome.
by The JuggerNitt on Jul 9, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t stop staring at that Anderson picture. Was he born into this world as a 47 year old Korea vet?
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I freakin love it when you do 'work'!
This list is awesome, and your starting criteria is nearly unassailable. Awesome. Gives me something to think about in the work cracks today.
But for starters, I wanna say I’d swap in Greg Buttle for Dennis Onkotz, using your Kerry Collins exception. Onkotz played on those amazing 68/69 teams and alongside Jack Ham. Buttle’s 75 squad was 9-3 and, while it contained some legendary names (elder Suhey brothers, younger Capelletti and Onkotz brothers, and first generation Shulers & Mautis), it was really just reloading for the late-decade run (Dorney, Fusina, Fitzkee and Milot were all freshman that year). I really, really, really wish I could remember seeing Greg Buttle play. My Penn State memories are early—I remember going to games as a real young lad, but my memories of actual players didn’t kick in til I got so into reading that scouring the thick preseason programs that showed up at my grandfather’s house felt like light reading. Which is why the 78/79 teams were my favorite. (I agree with jesse. that the teams and players are more important to you as a fan because you’re young. If you haven’t read his assertion of this point, you should, here.)
So, I was 7 in ‘78 and we got our first television in time to watch Matt Suhey get stuffed by Bear’s Boys in the 79 Sugar Bowl, and I knew those teams inside and out. Well, using the available media at the time of course: 5 channels of OTA television broadcast, personal attendance at home games, lots of stories from my mom and grandfather, and published mags from the information department.
And you know what datapoint appeared in each of those for 30 years of my life? Buttle’s career tackles record of of 343.
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
by jtothep on Jul 9, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d, but I’m not swapping in anyone for Denny Onkotz. Sorry.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I also just can’t put two dudes who played together on the same teams on any of my ‘all-time’ teams.
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Then write your all-time team.
"Now we can no longer hold back. It will be a terrible war." - Emperor Jim Delany I
by ReadingRambler on Jul 9, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, I know….gave you the dap for doing work (would much prefer to watch a Spike Lee joint ‘Rambler Doin Work’ than Kobe). No criticism there.
A wise man once said ’I’m a commenter, not a blogger.’ So thanks for the launchpad to comment on….gots me thinkin, tho. Maybe I can be inspired to do a post on Buttle….
Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has a record of 103-2 in games where they score 30 points or more. Of course, which college football team doesn't have a similar record.
Mine
From the dark years: Sean McHugh, he was a great player on some bad teams
From the rest of my college days (05-06): Puz, Robinson, Hunt, DWill
Since then: DC17, Shipley, Odrick, Royster, Hull
Idle talk and hollow promises; cheating Judases; doubting Thomases
So many players....
Curt Warner, Kenny Jackson, Todd Blackledge, Shane Conlan, Scott Fitzke, Matt Suhey, LaVarr, Poz, Sam Gash, Gregg Garrity, Adam T, DJ Dozier, the Bahr’s, etc. I know…old school…but because of these players, I was a PSU football fan for life.
I'm a defensive guy, so ...
Courtney Brown was hell on wheels. I think his nickname was the “Quiet Storm” or something like that. By far the best defensive end since I’ve been a fan. His TD against Purdue was a thing of beauty. And I’ll always remember Tamba Hali laying waste to Troy Smith in 2005.
LaVar was a freak. Absolutely wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Sean Lee was also one of my favorites. He was just a hard-nosed kid. He didn’t have all the flash Arrington had, but he was always right around the ball when a play needed to be made.
Darren Perry was an outstanding safety, and so was Kim Herring. I loved watching both of them play the game.
On the other side of the ball, Bobby Engram was my favorite, probably even moreso in 1995 than 1994, because the talent drop off at quarterback required him to be spectacular.
Blair Thomas was a bust in the NFL, like Carter, Enis, Hunt, etc., but he was just so much better than everyone else when he was at PSU. He played on some rather iffy teams in 1987 and 1988, or his legacy might be remembered a little more fondly.
I’ll get on board with Ethan Kilmer too, because he went to my high school (where, you might not know this, he didn’t football).
Also, he isn’t near the top of my list in terms of favorite Penn Staters, but Rashard Casey was one of the most fun (and at times, frustrating) players to watch.
Curt Warner
Imo the best tailback Penn State has had – at least which I have seen. Growing up he was my idol, he outrushed two Heismen Trophy winners in consecutive bowl games (Marcus Allen and Hershel Walker). His talents translated professionally – he had several great years even after his knee injury in 1984 with the Seahawks. Its scary to think what he would have done but for the injury. A class act and urban legend has it that JoePa flew out to HS during basketball season and offered after seeing his game.
Kinda underated but I always liked Brian Milne.
His battle with cancer, Joepa sticking with him and his game against the Illini is just a great story if you think about it
"I love it when a plan comes together!" Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith
Forgot to add this
"I love it when a plan comes together!" Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith
by psu in the w-b on Jul 9, 2010 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
grrrrr
"I love it when a plan comes together!" Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith
by psu in the w-b on Jul 9, 2010 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Mac Morrison
Awesome name and i thought his motor was sick, just got lost in the Lavar/Short LB corps
Big fan of Bob Stephenson, SW PA doesn’t have a whole lot of names in Nittany Lore but I remember the play clear as day when he caught the pass in front of the PSU bench and got lit up and ended his playing career, Derek Bochna is the other name that resonates through Greene County when it comes to PSU
And i remember growing up in the late 80’s early 90’s and waiting to see which new collins brother would come along Andre, Jason and i’m certain i’m forgetting at least 2 or 3
Because it's a Bowl Game!!
-My wife when asked why she didn't tell me she was having contractions Jan. 1 2007
LaVar, my favorite player went from my favorite college team to my favorite pro team. That hardly ever happens
Poz, Sean Lee, MRob and mostly DC17 for heart and determination.
plus, I have a soft spot for wee Kevin Kelly who had the balls to try to make tackles, when he was literally 1/4 of the size of most opponents.
Ia ora te natura, E mea arofa teie ao nei
Ua pau te maitai no te fenua, Re zai noa ra te ora o te mitie
SAVE THE GULF
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