Nittany Lions Springing Into 2009

As we near the opening of spring practice for the Nittany Lions in 2009, we examine Joe Paterno's boys and who will have to step up to fill the classic black shoes of those who have graduated or departed for the NFL, and how that will affect Penn State's chances to repeat as Big Ten champions. Who is going to be the new generation to help JoePa keep his place atop the all-time victories list? 

When looking for new faces to step up and become well-known names among Penn State fans, one must look at the areas for opportunity.  Obviously, the wide receiver position is the first to come to mind as we bid a Happy Valley farewell to the record-breaking trio of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. 

This is a position at which a number of young guys are itching to step up and make some big strides in 2009.  The core group of Chaz Powell, Graham Zug and Brett Brackett have the ability to give the PSU offense a much different look.  Brackett's 6-6 frame adds some valuable size, while Powell is set to be the speedy, versatile asset, reportedly running some very quick 40's recently. Zug, the former walk-on, has very reliable hands as he showed in limited duty last season.

However, keep an eye out for sophomores AJ Price and Derek Moye, who both go around 6-4 with speed, and will get a chance to contribute and make this group look decidedly different from the diminutive trio of 2008. 

Another area getting a lot of attention is the defensive line, which lost starter Josh Gaines to graduation, and stud Aaron Maybin to the NFL, along with 2007 starter Maurice Evans.  How do you replace that kind of talent?  Well, if anyone can do it, defensive line coach Larry Johnson can. 

The defensive tackle rotation looks set with last year's starters returning, but the end position should make for some intriguing practices and Blue-White game on April 25th.  The one player that has me interested is Jack Crawford, who at 6-5 260 is a physical specimen. The native of England has not been playing football for too long, but one can trust Big Larry to teach the Brit the finer points of being a linemen while letting him use his physical prowess to frighten Big Ten QBs all season long.

Staying on defense, there are some openings in the defensive backfield, for which Penn State fans have been eager to see some of the recruited talent on the field.  It appears that only Drew Astorino and AJ Wallace have their starting spots for certain, leaving a corner spot and a safety spot available, along with the all-important third corner.

Sophomore D'Anton Lynn got a bit of playing time last year and has the size and athleticism to push to play corner opposite Wallace.  Sophomore Nick Sukay was a highly sought-after recruit at the safety position and should be in the mix if he can stay healthy.  True freshman Gerald Hodges, a 6-2, 220-pounder, has enrolled early and will participate in spring practice.  Many are excited to see what he can do.  One to watch when pre-season practice rolls around in August will be Darrell Givens, an incoming freshman who has the talent and speed to step right in and contribute.  Hopefully these players can help improve a unit that was badly abused by USC in the Rose Bowl.

How is it that we've talked all about the Penn State defense and not mention the position for which it's best known: linebacker?  Well, that's because they have the studs returning in Navorro Bowman and, of course, Sean Lee. 

But who the third member of this group will be remains to be seen.  My money is on sophomore Michael Mauti, who impressed coaches and fans last season and who linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden described during Rose Bowl practice as "a Dan Connor clone".  If that's anywhere close to the truth, Mauti could be something special and make this linebacker group a scary sight for Big Ten runners.

Back to the offensive side of the ball, the offensive line needs to replace three starters.  Lack of experience is a concern, but lack of talent is not. Lou Eliades, Matt Stankiewitch and JB Walton are all talented big guys looking to fill those open spots.  However, watch for DeOn'tae Pannell, a massive sophomore tackle who was particularly sharp in Rose Bowl practices and could develop into a NFL-ready tackle by his junior season.

Despite the many holes left open for the defending Big Ten champs, folks who follow the Nittany Lions closely know that there is tons of talent waiting in the wings.  As such, few are expecting a step back from last season and many expect PSU to challenge Ohio State again for supremacy in the Big Ten. 

The weather is turning, the flowers are sprouting, and so is another successful season at Penn State. In the coming weeks we'll have an idea of just how successful it will be.