Only CJ Thorpe Until Penn State Football

As we begin our countdown into the 60s, it’s time to feature number 69: redshirt sophomore C.J. Thorpe, who had a nice 2018 season and is poised for a solid 2019.

Thorpe was recruited as a four-star offensive guard, ranked No. 6 in the country from Pittsburgh Central Catholic, where his team won a state title in 2015.

As a redshirt freshman in 2018, Thorpe proved his versatility. A kid who played both sides of the ball in high school, Thorpe moved from the offensive line to a defensive tackle position after the Illinois game. Thorpe, now listed at 6-foot-3, 330 pound, earned some playing time on defense and special teams last season, with 5 tackles, half a tackle for loss and an assist on a sack.

Thorpe remained on Penn State’s defense the rest of the 2018 season, with a plan to return to the offensive line in 2019, where he’s been practicing this fall.

Coach Matt Limegrover recently said he thought Thorpe was one of the most underrated players on the team (along with Mike Miranda), in a battle at right guard in fall camp.

If you think the Thorpe name sounds familiar, that’s because C.J. is the son of former Penn State linebacker and running back Chris Thorpe, who also played offense and defense for the Nittany Lions from 1985 to 1988. C.J.’s cousin, Geno Thorpe, played basketball for Penn State before transferring to South Florida.