The mind of a 17 year old is a hard place to understand...
Brent Carter, who just last week announced he would attend Virginia, has reconsidered and decided to stay in PA and join the amazing class at Penn State. The addition of his talent will secure Penn State as a Top 5 class in 2006.
I still stand by my POV that Vidal Halzelton is still the only active recruit on the Penn State "want" board at this point. Let's hope he too changes his mind and follows the other FIVE recruits that "on second thought" decide to join the Lions!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Down to ONE big name
After the flurry of positive verbals last week, Penn State lost a couple of big names over the weekend:
Both Elijah Fields and Jeremiha Hunter have verbaled to other schools. Clearly Joe Paterno, the Saint of Penn State football, could not convince either player to follow their biblical names to Happy Valley!
What does that mean for Wednesday? Let's hope the following three things happen:
Both Elijah Fields and Jeremiha Hunter have verbaled to other schools. Clearly Joe Paterno, the Saint of Penn State football, could not convince either player to follow their biblical names to Happy Valley!
What does that mean for Wednesday? Let's hope the following three things happen:
- All the players who have verbaled to Penn State actually sign their letter of intent
- Vidal Hazelton, who is said to be 50/50 between PSU and USC, falls in favor of the Lions
- We somehow get one more signing day miracle...ala Morelli in 2004
That is all I've got on this Sunday night....be sure to set your VCR, Tivo or DVR to record ALL 6 HOURS of the ESPN signing day coverage!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Lions play TOUGH against Sparty
Penn State friends:
Those who know me may be shocked to read this next line. I watched the Penn State - Michigan State game today...and although we lost, I was very proud of our Lions!!
Bottom line: The game was MUCH closer than the final 9 point score difference. http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9426
The Lions, clearly under-maned and lower talent, played with huge heart. In the end, they did not have the horses on the bench to pull out a victory. But this is the best Lions team I have seen in years!
More important, they are still a very young team. Expect them to pick up a few more wins this year, and make some real noise next year...if the team remains in tact....always the big question in Happy Valley.
Congrats Ed.
Those who know me may be shocked to read this next line. I watched the Penn State - Michigan State game today...and although we lost, I was very proud of our Lions!!
Bottom line: The game was MUCH closer than the final 9 point score difference. http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9426
The Lions, clearly under-maned and lower talent, played with huge heart. In the end, they did not have the horses on the bench to pull out a victory. But this is the best Lions team I have seen in years!
More important, they are still a very young team. Expect them to pick up a few more wins this year, and make some real noise next year...if the team remains in tact....always the big question in Happy Valley.
Congrats Ed.
Joe Paterno is Coach of the Year...for the 6th time!
Ok, we get it...everybody loves Joepa! http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9417
Joe went from worst to first, just as fast as TO did the reverse!!
So the combination to be a genius at Penn State is:
1. Have a great record
2. Have a few standout players
3. Play some exceptional Freshman
4. Design the Offense and Defense around your talent
5. Sit back and watch it all come to life
Congrats Joe!
Joe went from worst to first, just as fast as TO did the reverse!!
So the combination to be a genius at Penn State is:
1. Have a great record
2. Have a few standout players
3. Play some exceptional Freshman
4. Design the Offense and Defense around your talent
5. Sit back and watch it all come to life
Congrats Joe!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Want to get your Penn State score anywhere?
Here is a quick and easy way to get Penn State scores while on the go...
4INFO.net, a mobile search company, provides the ability to search sports scores from your mobile phone. Simply text your favorite team name to 44636 and, within seconds, the score will come back to you in another text message.
Sports Scores:
Text "psu" to 44636
Score Alerts:
You can also set up free, automated alerts to be sent to your mobile phone at the end of each quarter or whenever the scores changes.
Set your alerts at http://www.4INFO.net
Check it out...as the Nittany Lion B-ball program appears to be getting better....very slowly, but better
4INFO.net, a mobile search company, provides the ability to search sports scores from your mobile phone. Simply text your favorite team name to 44636 and, within seconds, the score will come back to you in another text message.
Sports Scores:
Text "psu" to 44636
Score Alerts:
You can also set up free, automated alerts to be sent to your mobile phone at the end of each quarter or whenever the scores changes.
Set your alerts at http://www.4INFO.net
Check it out...as the Nittany Lion B-ball program appears to be getting better....very slowly, but better
And then there were THREE
What a recruiting season....this group has HUGE potential!
In these final days the Penn State staff is looking to get three more "yeses" for next year. In fact, according to my estimation they only have scholarships for three more recruits. The targets are:
In these final days the Penn State staff is looking to get three more "yeses" for next year. In fact, according to my estimation they only have scholarships for three more recruits. The targets are:
- Vidal Hazelton, WR: Already committed to USC...but clearly we have learned those verbals are worth very little this year. WHY: Said to be very friendly with Pat Delvin and they are both talking Penn State now. In addition, he is reportedly visiting Happy Valley today and will get the Joepa full court press. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 49%
- Elijah Fields, S: Down to Pitt vs. Penn State. WHY: Could see substantial time on the field at PSU next year as he already has a "College body" to play the position. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 65%
- Jeremiah Hunter, OLB: List is finally narrowed to Penn State, Iowa and Tennessee. WHY: Has shown recent interest in staying home to play his college career. Also the resurgence in Linebacker U has made an impression. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 70%
What about LeSean McCoy?? He is going to attend Milford Academy next year...but may still announce his college intentions on February 1.
When did Maryland become another Pennsylvania county?? State lines have not be redrawn...but Penn State got 7 of the top 9 High School player to commit to join the Lions!! So much for the University of Maryland resurgence in football!
Penn State will have a Top 5 class and the best in the Big 11
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Delvin picks Penn State
Another changed mind....in favor of the Nittany Lions!
Pat Delvin becomes the third player to reconsider and choose Penn State. The full story can be found at: http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15986971&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6
The power of a great season and Joepa back on top clearly has a strong influence on 17 year olds. Don't be shocked to see another one or two recruits make a last minute PSU change as well.
The exciting year continues...
Pat Delvin becomes the third player to reconsider and choose Penn State. The full story can be found at: http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15986971&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6
The power of a great season and Joepa back on top clearly has a strong influence on 17 year olds. Don't be shocked to see another one or two recruits make a last minute PSU change as well.
The exciting year continues...
Monday, January 23, 2006
The Power of Pat Delvin?
Recruiting is such an interesting process....
First, Pat Delvin makes headlines with his visit to Penn State. And now Vidal Hazelton, a WR, is said to be re-opening his commitment to USC. Why? Because Delvin is showing so much interest in Penn State.
Vidal is said to be the #2 Wideout in the class. Chris Bell, a Penn State commit, is #11.
More to come....
First, Pat Delvin makes headlines with his visit to Penn State. And now Vidal Hazelton, a WR, is said to be re-opening his commitment to USC. Why? Because Delvin is showing so much interest in Penn State.
Vidal is said to be the #2 Wideout in the class. Chris Bell, a Penn State commit, is #11.
More to come....
Troutman joins the Nittany Lions
Just after I post Troutman as a major prospect....he verbals to Penn State.
Here is more info on him: http://www.pennlive.com/weblogs/pasports/
Let's hope the rest of my list follow suit!!
Here is more info on him: http://www.pennlive.com/weblogs/pasports/
Let's hope the rest of my list follow suit!!
Sunday, January 22, 2006
How good is the 2006 recruiting class???
Penn State already has a Top 10 class....with 19 players in the fold.
But a few questions need to be asked, such as:
1. How good could this class become in the next 10 days?
2. Do these high School recruiting rankings properly reflect College success?
Let's first take a look at 'big time Blue Chip" players still considering Penn State:
But a few questions need to be asked, such as:
1. How good could this class become in the next 10 days?
2. Do these high School recruiting rankings properly reflect College success?
Let's first take a look at 'big time Blue Chip" players still considering Penn State:
- Pet Devlin, QB - After the mass firing, blame game at Miami he is looking again. Was at Penn State this past weekend.
- LeSean McCoy, RB - Said to have eligibility issues. May attend a prep school first. But, Penn State already has 2 solid running backs on the list
- Ramone Johnson, OG - Many schools still in the running....State College is a long way from Chicago
- Jonnie Troutman, DE - New Jersey product is choosing between the Crazy Nuts and the Lions. Doesn't get the big star ratings, but is said to have huge growth upside.
- Phillip Taylor, DT - Penn State has a huge need for this position and already have 2 of the top 10 rated in the country. But Phillip may join the bus full of other Maryland recruits heading to Happy Valley
- Adam Patterson, DT - Another top 10 rated HS player. It is easy to get talent on the D-line...given the recent history of NFL drafts and Lion Alum
- Jeremiha Hunter, OLB - Harrisburg, PA prospect seems to be courting too many schools to make a call at this point.
- Elijah Fields, Safety - PA product, that could fill a major need for the Lions. Taller than 6' with good size already.
- Justin Gomes, K - You can never have too many high quality kickers on the team.
With just a few of these kids, Penn State will have a Top 5 class. And will have the best group in the Big 11.
Do these High School rankings mean GREAT on field performance? Take a look at the ratings of the past recruiting classes since 2002, and make you own decision. Here is the link: http://bwi.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Year=2006&School=61
It will be an exciting week for the Penn State family. Check back here for more information.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Penn State Players are staying! Who are the captains?
It is really official now: Poz and Levi are staying in school.
First and foremost, this tells you something about the kids that Penn State recruits. These guys want to get better and want to stay in school. Sure they also want to become first round draft picks and make big money....but they are willing to put in the time and work to make it happen.
They realize there are No shortcuts to greatness!!!
Both players remaining on the team will go far in helping to stabilize the program and make the team better next year. These are two super stars that will force other teams to focus on them and allow the new starters time to grow.
So who are the 2006 captains?
1. Poz is a bit obvious.....
2. How about Levi Brown...only if he shows strong leadership skills in Spring ball
3. For a third, I say it is either Jay Alford or Tony Hunt. Again, who steps up and becomes a voice on the field and the locker room?
In short, here are my quick thoughts on next year:
Offense: We have all the skill position players, just need a line
Defense: Stacked at Linebacker, have plenty of talent on the D-line (Ed Johnson is back). We just need to mature the DB's, but have tons of talent with freshman galore coming in. With all the LB palyers, we may want to consider playing a 3-4.
Look for at least an 8-4 season!
First and foremost, this tells you something about the kids that Penn State recruits. These guys want to get better and want to stay in school. Sure they also want to become first round draft picks and make big money....but they are willing to put in the time and work to make it happen.
They realize there are No shortcuts to greatness!!!
Both players remaining on the team will go far in helping to stabilize the program and make the team better next year. These are two super stars that will force other teams to focus on them and allow the new starters time to grow.
So who are the 2006 captains?
1. Poz is a bit obvious.....
2. How about Levi Brown...only if he shows strong leadership skills in Spring ball
3. For a third, I say it is either Jay Alford or Tony Hunt. Again, who steps up and becomes a voice on the field and the locker room?
In short, here are my quick thoughts on next year:
Offense: We have all the skill position players, just need a line
Defense: Stacked at Linebacker, have plenty of talent on the D-line (Ed Johnson is back). We just need to mature the DB's, but have tons of talent with freshman galore coming in. With all the LB palyers, we may want to consider playing a 3-4.
Look for at least an 8-4 season!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Penn State beat Northwestern....in basketball
Look kids, Penn State won a Big 11 game...and on the road.
That is more rare than a UFO sighting!!!
Worse part...I didn't even think it would be worth the trip North of the city to see it. My bad!
Just let me know when Football letter of intent day is and when Spring practice begins....
That is more rare than a UFO sighting!!!
Worse part...I didn't even think it would be worth the trip North of the city to see it. My bad!
Just let me know when Football letter of intent day is and when Spring practice begins....
What an end to the season
Revived Penn State Fans :
Congratulations to everyone who loves Penn State football. What a year; it was thrilling and it was maddening!! It gave us redemption and now it asks questions! It made us proud and maybe left us ashamed?
It was a great year!
Sorry, I am a bit late to the party on my final game write up. I’ve been writing petitions to Penn State to have Joe fired for harming my mental and physical health due to all the close wins this year. Really, this isn’t good for me and someone’s head should roll!
My only comment on the NOW front: Interesting how one group thinks Joe should resign, while his peers give him his 5th Coach of the Year award…..hmmm
My view from the Orange Bowl Road Trip:
This was my FIFTH bowl adventure…and I am happy to report that I am 5-0 in my Bowl vacations! A nice little Hanukkah gift the team gives me every trip. And this was my 5th different bowl game: Citrus, Outback, Fiesta, Alamo and Orange. Therefore, I feel I have the experience to make some broad observations about this year’s BCS Orange Bowl:
- Penn State Fans traveled and traveled BIG. Frankly it looked like we were at the “Penn State Miami Campus”. South Beach has never seen the “winter white” complexition on so many people laying on the beach.
- The fans lived by the motto “Arrive Early, Be Loud, Stay Late”! Nice job!
- Penn State needs to create a simple organized chant. The “We Are, Penn State” is cool. But we must create something to combat our opponents’ brain dead yells…in this case the tomahawk chop.
- Our band needs to play more, especially when outside of Beaver Stadium. They clearly lost the battle with the FSU band.
- QUESTION: Do the warm weather Bowl locations create an advantage for Southern teams?? I would like to see USC, Texas, FSU, etc play in the cold….
- Dolphin Stadium is another poorly designed multi-use facility. The seats are too far from the field.
- Speaking of poor. How much money do I have to “donate” to get decent seats??? Another example of why the BCS may never end…too much corporate money getting all the benefits!
- So, how does Myron Rolle feel now? Remember he is the All American, all everything high school player who spurned Joepa in favor of FSU back in September. His reason; “I want to play for a winning program.” Nice decision making kid….enjoy being a NCAA rule breaking Indian.
Seminoles get Chopped:
Here are my quick takes on the game and the all familiar team grades. The final grades for this school year:
- Our heralded Freshman played like Freshman in the big games that mattered: Michigan State and the Orange Bowl. The “virus of youth” came shining through in both catching and kicking the ball. On the positive they developed the mental toughness for the future.
- Joe reverted to his old style of Conservative play in the same big games.
- Congrats to the second string players who demonstrated great pose: Austin Scott and Sean Lee
- The combination of Robinson to Smolko proved to be BIG yet again!
- The Touchdown pass to Kilmer before half time…can you say HUGE!
- The Battle of Field Position was won by our Defense in the third quarter. FSU started inside the Penn State fifty, 3 times in the quarter…and yielded ZERO points!!!
- Kapinos continually out punted his coverage, forcing our player out of their tackling lanes. Not a good mixture against FSU’s speed.
- You can’t coach Speed and clearly FSU has it. But you can coach Football and PSU does that. Outcome: Penn State WINS!
Grades:
Coaching: C that turned into a B
- The team played tentative and looked sluggish/unsure at times.
- The Offensive play calling was pretty vanilla….we saw more plays run out of the I formation than in any other game all year.
- Odd idea to run a fake field goal in the third overtime…
Offense: C
- Too inconsistent…we moved the ball, but got few points in the first half.
- Too many dropped balls and poor passes.
- FSU had a fast and strong defense. And the team did not adjust well to their half time changes to stop the run.
Defense: A+
- The team only made 1 error the entire night, on the screen pass in the 2nd quarter.
- 12 first downs, and 26 rushing yards…need we say more?
- Dan Connor played a great game….how nice it will be to see him and Poz back next year.
Special Teams : F
- Punt and kick coverages??? Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach.
- Kevin Kelly…is he a hero or a goat? He was 1-3 on game winning kicks. But let’s remember - his is only 19! Now he is mentally tough for the future.
- Punt and kick returns. Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach….
Bowl picks of the week:
I was wrong…badly wrong…2-6
Alamo bowl = Michigan NO
Vitalis Sun bowl = Northwestern NO
Chick-fil-A bowl = LSU
Outback bowl = Iowa NO
Capital One bowl = Auburn NO
Tostitos Fiesta bowl = Ohio State
Nokia Sugar bowl = Georgia NO
Rose bowl = USC NO
Upcoming subjects to be covered by the Editor:
2006 Recruiting Update
2006 Prediction and Keys to
Team Preview for 2006
Thanks for playing my little game of Sports writer,
Erik “Wake me up for Spring football” Rosenstrauch
Congratulations to everyone who loves Penn State football. What a year; it was thrilling and it was maddening!! It gave us redemption and now it asks questions! It made us proud and maybe left us ashamed?
It was a great year!
Sorry, I am a bit late to the party on my final game write up. I’ve been writing petitions to Penn State to have Joe fired for harming my mental and physical health due to all the close wins this year. Really, this isn’t good for me and someone’s head should roll!
My only comment on the NOW front: Interesting how one group thinks Joe should resign, while his peers give him his 5th Coach of the Year award…..hmmm
My view from the Orange Bowl Road Trip:
This was my FIFTH bowl adventure…and I am happy to report that I am 5-0 in my Bowl vacations! A nice little Hanukkah gift the team gives me every trip. And this was my 5th different bowl game: Citrus, Outback, Fiesta, Alamo and Orange. Therefore, I feel I have the experience to make some broad observations about this year’s BCS Orange Bowl:
- Penn State Fans traveled and traveled BIG. Frankly it looked like we were at the “Penn State Miami Campus”. South Beach has never seen the “winter white” complexition on so many people laying on the beach.
- The fans lived by the motto “Arrive Early, Be Loud, Stay Late”! Nice job!
- Penn State needs to create a simple organized chant. The “We Are, Penn State” is cool. But we must create something to combat our opponents’ brain dead yells…in this case the tomahawk chop.
- Our band needs to play more, especially when outside of Beaver Stadium. They clearly lost the battle with the FSU band.
- QUESTION: Do the warm weather Bowl locations create an advantage for Southern teams?? I would like to see USC, Texas, FSU, etc play in the cold….
- Dolphin Stadium is another poorly designed multi-use facility. The seats are too far from the field.
- Speaking of poor. How much money do I have to “donate” to get decent seats??? Another example of why the BCS may never end…too much corporate money getting all the benefits!
- So, how does Myron Rolle feel now? Remember he is the All American, all everything high school player who spurned Joepa in favor of FSU back in September. His reason; “I want to play for a winning program.” Nice decision making kid….enjoy being a NCAA rule breaking Indian.
Seminoles get Chopped:
Here are my quick takes on the game and the all familiar team grades. The final grades for this school year:
- Our heralded Freshman played like Freshman in the big games that mattered: Michigan State and the Orange Bowl. The “virus of youth” came shining through in both catching and kicking the ball. On the positive they developed the mental toughness for the future.
- Joe reverted to his old style of Conservative play in the same big games.
- Congrats to the second string players who demonstrated great pose: Austin Scott and Sean Lee
- The combination of Robinson to Smolko proved to be BIG yet again!
- The Touchdown pass to Kilmer before half time…can you say HUGE!
- The Battle of Field Position was won by our Defense in the third quarter. FSU started inside the Penn State fifty, 3 times in the quarter…and yielded ZERO points!!!
- Kapinos continually out punted his coverage, forcing our player out of their tackling lanes. Not a good mixture against FSU’s speed.
- You can’t coach Speed and clearly FSU has it. But you can coach Football and PSU does that. Outcome: Penn State WINS!
Grades:
Coaching: C that turned into a B
- The team played tentative and looked sluggish/unsure at times.
- The Offensive play calling was pretty vanilla….we saw more plays run out of the I formation than in any other game all year.
- Odd idea to run a fake field goal in the third overtime…
Offense: C
- Too inconsistent…we moved the ball, but got few points in the first half.
- Too many dropped balls and poor passes.
- FSU had a fast and strong defense. And the team did not adjust well to their half time changes to stop the run.
Defense: A+
- The team only made 1 error the entire night, on the screen pass in the 2nd quarter.
- 12 first downs, and 26 rushing yards…need we say more?
- Dan Connor played a great game….how nice it will be to see him and Poz back next year.
Special Teams : F
- Punt and kick coverages??? Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach.
- Kevin Kelly…is he a hero or a goat? He was 1-3 on game winning kicks. But let’s remember - his is only 19! Now he is mentally tough for the future.
- Punt and kick returns. Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach….
Bowl picks of the week:
I was wrong…badly wrong…2-6
Alamo bowl = Michigan NO
Vitalis Sun bowl = Northwestern NO
Chick-fil-A bowl = LSU
Outback bowl = Iowa NO
Capital One bowl = Auburn NO
Tostitos Fiesta bowl = Ohio State
Nokia Sugar bowl = Georgia NO
Rose bowl = USC NO
Upcoming subjects to be covered by the Editor:
2006 Recruiting Update
2006 Prediction and Keys to
Team Preview for 2006
Thanks for playing my little game of Sports writer,
Erik “Wake me up for Spring football” Rosenstrauch
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