Are They Tough Enough? Penn State's Offensive Line Key to Success in 2010
by QBsneak12 on Aug 25, 2010 12:02 PM EDT
in Football
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PrintAs Summer turns to Fall we've come to expect certain things: classes will start again, week one opponent (Youngstown State this season) will be straight out of the Betty Crocker Cookbook, and Joe Paterno will not be happy with his offensive line:
"We're not very good right now with our offensive line," Paterno said. "We've got two or three guys that I think can play right now. The others - we're going to have to work hard with and they're going to have to work hard themselves. We've got to get them to come together and get them to feel good about themselves. Right now we're not tough enough and we've got to get tougher - and I think we will."
Naturally, reading that quote from Joe would have even the strongest Nittany Lion supporters worried about the season. It's always interesting when JoePa says his line is not "tough" right now. How is that possible? Larry Johnson Sr. continues to churn out monsters on the defensive line, yet the five Mister Softee's, who face off against them every day in practice still can't toughen up? What happens when Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward is lined up across from them?
For years, Joe has used the media to get his players attention, rock the boat just enough for them to earn that nasty streak to prove him wrong. Hopefully that streak shows up by Week Two in Alabama (or we can have Quinn Barham put cell phone pictures of rival players on his teammates' phones.)
Projected Starters
Expect the season to start with the configuration below. Last season, Penn State used five different starting combinations in 13 games; not the model of consistency you would like to see out of the big boys up front. This season, at some point, there will be a change on the line due to inconsistent play...odds makers have Pannell and Klopacz at 4-1. Currently, only the LG position is still up for grabs.
LT # 67 Quinn Barham- Junior (6-3/ 298) - Barham is currently occupying the spot many Nittany Lion fans thought Eric Shrive would take hold of when he signed with the Lions back in 2008. The Lions are hoping that what Barham lacks in size, he will more than make up for with quickness and great technique. Barham has the potential to become an All-Big Ten selection.
LG # 50 DeOn'tae Pannell - Junior (6-5/ 317) - Pannell has the size of a premier tackle, he just couldn't get it done for Penn State at that position. Pannell's LG position is still up for grabs and he will need to hold off Troutman and Stankiwitch. If he can keep the spot, Pannell will add experience to the left side of the line (zero career starts for Barham and Klopacz.)
C # 68 Doug Klopacz- Senior (6-3/ 286) - After waiting four years and surviving a torn ACL, Doug Klopacz looks to finally lock down a starting spot. A two star (which means absolutely nothing) recruit in 2005, Klopacz looks to make the most of his opportunity. Before this spring, Klopacz was better known for being the offensive lineman with the tattoos (third worst tattoos in Penn State history behind the barbed wire tattoo with the word "Morelli", in case he forgot it, and Andrew Quarless' misspelled "Gods Gift" tattoo.) If Doug can't prove himself early, look for the coaches to make a move to either Wisniewski or Stankiewitch.
RG # 61 Stefen Wisniewski - Senior (6-3/ 306) - The former First Time All-Big Ten selection is making the switch back to RG this season (he played their in 2007/2008) after spending 2009 as the starting Center.
"I like guard, but I'm happy to do whatever the team needs me to do," the senior said. "That's what I did last year. The team needed me at center, but now if they need me to stay at guard I'll do that."
Translation: I prefer guard but was forced to play center last season.
Wisniewski is projected by many publications to become a First Team All-American. Wisniewski should be the highest NFL draft pick on the O-line for Penn State since Levi Brown was selected in the first round of the 2008 draft. If Klopacz falters at center, expect the coaches to slide Stefan back into the middle.
RT # 77 Lou Eliades- Senior (6-4/ 310) - In 2009, Eliades started every game at RG. This season JoePa is asking Lou to slide out a few feet and man the RT position. Fans have come to enjoy the nasty streak he has displayed on the field finishing his blocks with authority. Lou came to Penn State as part of a huge recruiting class which included Pat Devlin, Maurice Evans, AJ Wallace, Evan Royster, Jared Odrick, Bani Gbadyu, Navorro Bowman, Aaron Maybin, and of course the very forgettable trio of Chris Bell, Phil Taylor, and Antonio Logan-El.
Backups
One or two of these guys will see some significant playing time at some point during the season. Stankiwitch and Troutman are the likely candidates.
T # 78 Mike Farrell - Sophomore (6-6/ 303) - Farrell is a player to watch out for. He could potentially get some work at either of the tackle spots this season if need be. He has outstanding size and should compete for a full time starting spot next season.
LG # 75 Eric Shrive - Freshman (6-6/ 299) - Former all world recruit. Eventually will finish his career at tackle, but this season he is providing depth at guard. Shrive plays with a nasty streak much like former Michigan All-American Jake Long. Now if he can become a Jake Long type player, even better.
G/C # 54 Matt Stankiewitch - Sophomore (6-3/ 293) - Penn State has a luxury in Stankiewitch. The kid can play both guard positions (two starts last season) and center. Stank filled in for the injured Klopacz and should continue to push for some playing time if the offensive line does not gel early on. If Pannell struggles, Stankiewitch will get the nod to fill-in.
LG # 74 Johnnie Troutman- Junior (6-4/ 323) - A starter a year ago, Troutman looks to battle his way back into the starting five. As of a week ago, Troutman was working with the four's, but don't expect that to last all season. Penn State shuffled the deck a lot last year, so a precedent is set.
T # 52 Chimaeze Okoli - Junior (6-4/ 293) - As Joe would say "he's been around". Okoli provides depth for the Lions. His best chance to see significant playing time might come next season. Previously he was one of Larry Johnson Sr's defensive linemen before making the switch over to offense.
The Future
Penn State is blessed with a lot of young talent. The future success of the program will hinge on their ability to develop into quality linemen and their ability to keep the QB upright. However, offensive line potential is harder to project from HS to college than quarterback.
T # 58 Adam Gress- Freshman (6-6/ 293) - Third string at this point, Gress will have to wait his turn.
G # 55 Tom Ricketts - Freshman (6-5/ 268) - Will use his redshirt this season to pack on the pounds. Could be the next Wisniewski.
G # 73 Mark Arcidiacono- Freshman (6-4/ 279) - Penn State loves linemen with difficult last names, and Arcidiacono fits the bill. Arcidiacono could afford to add a few more pounds to his 6-4 frame.
G/C # 60 Ty Howle- Freshman (6-0/ 290) - Center prospect and coaches son (a talking point for all analysts during TV broadcasts), is in the mold of former PSU All-Big Ten lineman, A.Q. Shipley.
T # Khamrone Kolb- Freshman (6-5/ 335) - Redshirting in 2010. Kolb is a HUGE OL prospect. Has the ideal size for a big time college tackle. Look for him to make an impact in 2012.
G # 64 John Urschel- Freshman (6-3/ 286) - Urschel, like his fellow freshmen will have to wait his turn. He will provide depth for the next few seasons.
T # 76 Nate Cadogan- Freshman (6-5/ 297) - The brother of former PSU Academic All-American and All Big Ten offensive lineman, Gerald Cadogan.
C/G # 65 Miles Dieffenbach - Freshman (6-3/ 290) - Miles did the smartest thing he could as an 18 year old senior in HS; he decided against going to Pitt and came to Penn State. Dieffenbach was a big time recruit for Penn State, but will redshirt this season unless some sort of linemen Armageddon happens. After that, he should be an excellent center for Penn State in the future (hello Rimington.)
G # 79 Luke Graham- Freshman (6-4/ 278) - Graham will benefit from a redshirt season. He will be part of a young group of OL for the next 4 years.
G/T # 63 Alex Mateas - Freshman (6-3/ 310) - Canadian prospect. Might need more time to develop, but has outstanding size.
G # 62 Frank Figueroa - Freshman (6-3/ 285) - Figueroa will need to wait his turn, if it ever comes. There is a ton of talent in from of him. He will need to work hard to crack the two deep.
Scouts Forever
G # 70 Anthony Tortorelli - Junior (6-0/ 261) - Unlikely Anthony will ever get a chance to spread his wings...unless you count the Blue/White game.
As it stands today, Penn State currently has 12 true or redshirt freshman offensive lineman on the roster. Start the clock for next season's "we have problems with our offensive line" columns. Penn State will need to replace three starters (all seniors) from the 2010 unit. Luckily we have Alabama, Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and potentially Nebraska at home in 2011.
NFL Nightmares
The NFL has not been kind to former Penn State players in recent years. In terms of offensive linemen, Penn State does not consistently churn out NFL quality linemen like some of its BCS counterparts (yes, A.Q. Shipley won the Rimington Award, but he was a 7th RD draft pick, not exactly showing the translation from Best College Center to the NFL.) Since 2000, Penn State has had one (Levi Brown) OL drafted in the 1st round. Iowa (2), Wisconsin (2), and Michigan (3) have all produced more (Indiana and Ohio State both had 1.) Oklahoma (4) produced the most during the same time frame with Virginia coming in 2nd (3). How many Penn State O-linemen consistently start in the NFL? Only two (Kareem McKenzie and Levi Brown.) The list below highlights former PSU offensive linemen currently in the NFL and their draft status:
- Kareem Mckenzie (3rd RD, 121 starts)
- Levi Brown (1st RD, 27 starts)
- A.Q. Shipley (7th RD, 0 starts)
- Dennis Landolt (undrafted, 0 starts)
- Rich Ohrnberger (4th RD, 0 starts)
- Tyler Reed (6th RD, 0 starts, out of NFL)
- Gerald Cadogan (undrafted, 0 starts, out of NFL)
This is not to say that a school should have to produce NFL offensive linemen in order to be a successful program...but it doesn't hurt. Penn State recruits high profile HS recruits each season. At some point during the time they arrive on campus to the time they leave with a degree, they fail to develop. Does Penn State rely too much on the flawed star system from Scout and Rivals? Or is it a matter of the coaching they receive? Most of the time it is a combination of the two.
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Should we be concerned about Eliades?
Everyone is taking it as a given he can just move from RG to RT with no problems.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
I'm not
His biggest negatives last year were when they sent the RG downstream on a long pull and he whiffed magnificently on the backer or safety. I’m thinking Tackle will be more suited for his size and meanness.
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
I'm worried about Klopacz...
He is the key to the whole line. If he can’t get it done…the shuffle bus will commence.
Blue and White
Ha! Interesting
We’re fearful of different things. I’m terrified of Barham. Was surprised Pannell couldn’t beat him out, out there. And really surprised to see you list him as possible All-Big Ten.
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
I'm concerned about that 'if'
It’ll be a two-way street there, tho. Hopefully, the QB will help him out with some agile footwork and smart throwaways.
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
Maybe Pannell could have beat him out,
if Pannell had been allowed to stay at RT throughout last season. But by moving Pannell (and Shrive) to guard, the coaches didn’t create a lot of competition for the tackle spots. We shall see if that was wise.
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't get Pannell
Didn’t he see time at LT as a true freshman? I thought he’d be a good one.
by speedomike on Aug 25, 2010 2:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hey don't rule out
Him being switched to a different position as a third option.
McGloin Despite Them
Preaching the McGospel since Aug. 2nd, 2010
You and me Tot.
I thought he looked very athletic and fluid in space, but had trouble getting a hat on someone at the second level. I think he will be better off relying on his feet and athleticism at RT.
by PSUinBOSSton on Aug 25, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah
Especially since he’s got the best name on the team; Elias Eliades. It’s on par with naming your kid Billy Williams.
Barham...
as potential All Big Ten is a stretch. As is Shrive sliding back out to Tackle. When I saw him at the Army AA game, I was concerned about his feet/footwork. I didn’t think he had Tackle in him. From all the reports it seems that concern is shared with the coaching staff.
Shrive.
Shrive is currently listed at LG. So, the only thing we can safely say is that by next season he won’t be at LG anymore.
/overwhelming cynicism.
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
What I don't like is that the projected lineup is 3 SR and 2 JR
That typically would lead you to believe that a cohesive unit has finally been furnished; however, we know that’s likely not the case. I like the prospects we have below these guys and I hope the ones in the projected starter column aren’t there solely because of seniority.
Then again, I’m no Dick Anderson.
@EpicTripod
SBN - Pittsburgh
Success With Honor
It may be a mixed blessing
If they stick with that lineup through a few games, that would mean they are good. However, if they are less than good, I think there will be some underclassmen in there when the music stops playing around game #8.
I'm glad Wiz is back at guard
His weak shotgun snaps hurt Clark last year, would be really tough for a new QB.
Blogging about D.C. Baseball since April '04. Penn State alum. Also partial to the Washington Capitals, New York Yankees and Yale football.
You had Wiz snapping to you also?
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
Yeah
And it took forever for the ball to get to me. He locked the protection down after on his end, but the iffy protection on the right side was worse.
by PSUinBOSSton on Aug 25, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You ready for this?
I just read a day or two ago that Klopacz is having trouble snapping out of the shotgun. So there ya go.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
JUST SWITCH TO THE WISHBONE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess it is much harder than it looks
Blogging about D.C. Baseball since April '04. Penn State alum. Also partial to the Washington Capitals, New York Yankees and Yale football.
New Tailgate Assignment for the YSU Game
To go with watching RUTS try out for punter: get your drink and your chili on, then line up for some shotgun snaps. How far back is the ’gun?
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
I was the long snapper on my powder puff team,
I’m not sure that I can snap for a shot gun, but I can for a punt! LOL!
For the glory
TWSS
/well she did!
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Aug 25, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Beaver Stadium: Home of the Original Nittany Mittenies
(hey, we own both the teams in that state…at least lately)
by The JuggerNitt on Aug 27, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Stank
is currently practicing as the 2nd team center. Earlier in practice, he was practicing at LG. Troutman is somewhat out of the doghouse and practicing at 2nd team LG.
Urschel will provide more than depth down the line. He is getting the best reviews of all the linemen in that class.
Unfortunately, I doubt Shrive ever ends up at tackle.
...yeah, buttttt....
Shrive’s a bit tall for a Guard (on the line of scrum’mige) that is..!
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Aug 25, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Pannell
is 6’5’’ and plays guard. Also, I saw Shrive down at the Capital One Bowl visiting some friends and family at the hotel I was staying at. I didn’t think he looked that huge to be honest. I told my friend who he was and he was surprised he was a tackle, or so I thought at the time.
/patiently awaiting hbeach commentary here
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
I'm here jtot....
…just getting through this morning’s reading.
a couple thoughts; I don’t buy into “too tall for center or guard”, never did. I would prefer a tackle to be 6’4" plus at the DI level, prolly 6’5" at the pro, but guards and centers can really be 6’1" – 6’6". There are some real monsters playing guard in the league.
I HATE the shuffling of linemen at PSU, always have. I don’t know the reason, but it has always felt like our staff was/is willing to switch guys around way more than other teams. There are of course situations where you are going to ask a veteran guy to move for the sake of the team (Wiz, many others). But watch a game closely and you will see guys getting pulled, yanked, switched, replaced all the time in our games. It drives me insane.
Some of it (at least used to) comes form the top. If a kid gets a holding penalty, and he’s on Joe’s shitlist, he immediately comes to the bench. sometimes in the middle of a drive. I think personnel moves should be made during the week, I think guys perform worse when they are constantly looking over their shoulder. There are always going to exceptions, if a kid is struggling with an injury or just flat out getting worked over, then you gotta make a switch.
Mid-drive.
Noticed this a few times last year – ridiculous.
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks, beach
further confirmation that this Penn State practice is ….unique, to say the least.
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
Wasn't Troutman a LG and Ricketts a T?
I realize they get moved around a bit, but I was under the assumption that Troutman was competing with Pannell and Ricketts was recruited as a T. Just curious if they already switched them.
Ricketts
I was under the impression Ricketts was recruited as a tackle as well, but he is only listed at 6’3’’ here so who knows. I had high hopes for him at tackle though.
You know
I don’t get the height thing for tackles vs interior lineman. Why do tackles need to be 6’6" or whatever? I get that interior lineman want leverage, but don’t T’s as well? I see guys in the NFL get beat when a defenseman dips his shoulder and blows by him and I can’t help but think you would have trouble doing that against a shorter guy.
...need great feet either way...
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Aug 25, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Arm Length
I’m guessing it has more to do with arm length than height. Taller guys tend to have longer arms which assist in blocking an edge rusher in pass protection.
Barham seems to have long arms for his height which is why his height seems to be less of an issue for LT.
I shoulda read all the comments
like i said above, I don’t buy the height stuff either….EXCEPT in the case of OT. You need long arms to create seperation from a defender in pass protection. Just like a boxer. If a defensive end has a longer reach than the OT, the defender can grab the shoulderpads of the olineman and get around to the QB easier.
Well that I get
Arm length makes sense, and subsequently height does as well. I remember the T from Virginia a few years back, D’Brickishaw or whatever, had a pretty impressive wingspan. Maybe Ricketts is a long armed freak?
I'm alternating
between thinking the line will be great, and the line will be crap.
Today I think we’re going to be really good, so I’m optimistic. Royster will have holes to run through, McNewlden will have time back there to throw. I’m all good with the line.
Until tomorrow, then I’ll panic because none of these guys has much starting experience at their position and they’ve all been shuffled so many times they’re all end up confused and disorganized…
McGloin Despite Them
Preaching the McGospel since Aug. 2nd, 2010
by millzners on Aug 25, 2010 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1 for McNewlden
@EpicTripod
SBN - Pittsburgh
Success With Honor
by Jeff Junstrom on Aug 25, 2010 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Can't we start the Logan El kid from MD?
Wasn’t he a 5 star recruit? Or Dan Drogan?
http://www.fletcforum.com/2010/08/09/using-crossfit-to-train-for-physical-efficiency-battery-peb/
Drogan was a huge PSU lineman in the early 90's that never panned out.
Great kid just wasn’t committed to play major D1 ball, in high school you can get by or even excel by being bigger/stronger. Playing bigtime ball is a TON of work, something these kids don’t all realize.
http://www.fletcforum.com/2010/08/09/using-crossfit-to-train-for-physical-efficiency-battery-peb/
There is a long list of Highly Touted OL washouts over the last few years
Brian Borgoyn, Joel Holler, Dan Mazan, Greg Harrison, Wyatt Bowman, ALE, Josh Marks, JB Walton
We coulda been a contender.
I’ve heard a number of child stalkers recruiting gurus say that the OL is the toughest project so I don’t think this is just a PSU problem.
by Frank O'Brien on Aug 25, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember
Levi was drafted by LJ to play defense. That means that the coaching/development/talent evaluation on the offense line has been nothing short of fail.
The best success Wiz is a legacy , albeit a damn fine legacy. Anderson and Kenny have done nothing but steal paychecks this decade
Agreed
They missed on a lot of kids they thought were going to be studs (Logan-El, JB Walton).
Something needs to change to avoid Dark Years II.
Joe
But that would require
Joe to replace a staff member. Joe will never ever ever fire Kenny or Anderson.
Doesn't help
That the strength/conditioning program at PSU isn’t that good.
wow..what is this...Audibles Message Board?
We are as tough as any team in the nation at every other position. When it comes to the OL, seems like we’re a dud. that points to coaching IMO.
by Artiefufkin10 on Aug 25, 2010 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, it's not just the line though.
This is coming straight from memory, but I remember hearing rumblings regarding prevalence of serious non-contact knee injuries at PSU and how this may be affected by the quality of the S-C program. As to validity of said rumblings, who knows…just regurgitating here.
It's the program
They use machines so much and not free-weights so they ain’t getting that jerk motion and everything is fluid.
Show up for a work out with JT sometime.
JT has a couple hours a week to work with kids, PSU players are in a good of shape as any you will see in college football. If players have more time or the school wants to cheat on s and c then free weights are great. PSU follows the workout rules. They still use free weights and they do a lot of combo weight train and cardio combined drills. PSU players are not losing because they are weaker than their opponents. People that aren’t work out gurus don’t have a clue. PSU doesn’t run a program where they expect the players to put more time in lifting than what they are leagallly allowed to do. If schools are using free weights then they are expecting guys to live at the gym to get strong.
by BMAN13 on Aug 25, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Right
Right, if PSU isn’t winning it’s because other programs are cheating or not doing it the right way. That must be it.
You are now quickly moving from "Point is debatable" to "Fail".
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I have my problems with the way the line is handled,
but let’s not forget that we’re only two seasons removed from what was considered by many to be the best offensive line in the conference.
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Dad had a saying
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.
Ron Zook disagrees.
Penn State has had pretty good running games the last five seasons. I get frustrated and long for improvement, but I don’t think success is coming despite the coaching.
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Once in my rehab.....
The PT guy says, “I’m gonna need a stool sample, urine sample and blood sample.” And I responded, “Here, take my shorts.”
by DerryPharmer on Aug 25, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Could you quote the post you're linking to?
For some reason, my browser never goes to the comment but stays at the top.
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Was linking to my comment
Thanking him for the visual of the audio of the polishing of a turd, which he provided in the story body. To wit:
So this is the part where I polish the turd and tell you everything is going to be alright.
(churp….churp….churp…)
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
Wasn't bad?
AQ was a dominant interior lineman at the collegiate level. Barring major injury, I think he’ll have a 5+ year pro career.
He has to make the roster first
Bouncing around 5 years on practice squads is great and all but it’s not the same as starting in the NFL. His wingspan won’t work at the next level.
If this turns out to be true,
doesn’t that prove that he was coached well in college? That his potential was maximized?
"Until somebody knocks you on your rear end, and pardon me ladies, but unless somebody knocks you on your rear end, you're never going to learn." - Joe Paterno
by Illegal Formation on Aug 25, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It would be a great story
But I just don’t see how he can make it in the pros. Too small, wingspan, all the stuff I said.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the heart/smarts and isn’t a great person.
Are you going to answer either of those two questions?
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea
If he finds a way to start in the NFL then yea he was a great talent. And if my aunt had stones she’d be my uncle.
Why do you define success as NFL performance/tenure?
I said Shipley was a great success for PSU. We’ve had plenty of players that were successful at the collegiate level, but did not go on to great NFL careers. Did Ki-jana have a great NFL career? Or Enis? Or Courtney Brown. Or…or…or… I could probably go on, but I don’t follow the pros enough. Success on the college field does not always translate to success in the NFL. What we are talking about her is PSU success.
For the glory
bumping around for 5 years on 4 different teams and several practice squads means you are in the top 100th of a percentile at your position in the game of football. Truly a great feat.
It also means you qualify for an NFL pension.
by hbeach08 on Aug 26, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Indeed
And he was ‘drafted’ to play for LJ, too, til Joe moved him over.
Would love to be a fly on the wall in the Shipley household when subject of JoePa comes up over dinner.
Until our defense proves otherwise, it should be presumed they will be excellent.
You really think they'd complain?
I just looked it up, Shipley was listed as a DT/OL on Scout. He started out on D, then moved to center and had a pretty damn good career here, with a nice trophy saying he was the best at what he did. Sure, he didn’t get drafted high, but I don’t know how that’s Joe’s, or Penn State’s fault.
Wasn't bad?
He was the best center in the country. He was the best center in Penn State history.
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
RR - I think Bucky Greely wants to have a word
http://www.fletcforum.com/2010/08/09/using-crossfit-to-train-for-physical-efficiency-battery-peb/
thats a name from nepas past
"It was fun. It really was, ... People say to me, 'Why don't you give it up?' I don't want to miss out on this stuff, because I'm having a good team. I've never had a bad season when I didn't have a good time." JVP
by psu in the w-b on Aug 25, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Buckey
was a very good wrestler (good feet) and was a naturally/gifted ‘smart-guy!’
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Aug 25, 2010 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a good pro career, certainly better than what Shipley has had so far.
But he was not an All-American (I think) and he did not win the Rimington Award (Because there was no Rimington award but he still didn’t win it. What a square).
Turn your crank to Frank!
by ReadingRambler on Aug 25, 2010 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions
why u hatin on the 570
"It was fun. It really was, ... People say to me, 'Why don't you give it up?' I don't want to miss out on this stuff, because I'm having a good team. I've never had a bad season when I didn't have a good time." JVP
by psu in the w-b on Aug 25, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Just amazing how much Wiz looks like his mom's side of the family.
I knew mom, aunt and uncle in school. that picture is something.
O-line
I think the O-line will be in good shape this year. With leaders like Wiz and Eliades, this unit should improve. They just have to step up their intensity against the better D’s (Bama, OSU, Iowa). If they can at least match the level of play of these teams they will be good. I think they will. Go PSU!!!
by PSU Flojo11 on Aug 25, 2010 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
have their been any updates
as to the NCAA investigation of the players implicated in “Agentgate” (i.e., will Marcell Dareus be on the field Sept. 11)?
second, unrelated question: whatever happened to the BSD podcast? Did I just imagine that there were 2 episodes over the summer?
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