December News and Notes

Although it’s technically the offseason for Penn State, that doesn't mean the off-field stories have to stop.  Case in point, today there is plenty of news to sift through, so let’s just get right to it!

Bowls:

First of all, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to join my Bowl Mania group on ESPN.com and try to beat me and the other challengers at picking the winner of all 35 bowl games.  This year it’s just for bragging rights, but if it’s successful, maybe I’ll raise the stakes next season.  Just go here, sign up and make your picks!

Update:

We’re still not exactly sure why Coaches Vanderlinden and Fisher left the staff a little while back.  However, my sources (yes, I actually have inside sources for this story; it’s like I’m a real journalist or something) tell me that Coach Vanderlinden and Coach O'Brien simply didn't mesh well together and that over time the relationship became strained.  Basically, Vandy was given a “quit or be fired” ultimatum and decided on the former.  Still, he was an incredible coach who served Penn State well for a very long time.  I wish him nothing but the best of luck and success where ever he ends up.

Recruiting News:

Thomas Holley became Penn State’s 17^th verbal commitment yesterday!  He is a 4-star prospect on Rivals and ESPN and a 5-star prospect on 247Sports.  Most people in the know believe he’ll be a 5 star kid on all the major recruiting services when all is said and done.  The massive 6’ 4” 303 lb DT had offers from basically every big time school in the country including Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.  Eventually, Penn State beat out Florida for Holley’s services.  He becomes the 3^rd defensive lineman in the 2014 class along with 3-star DT Antoine White and 4-star JUCO transfer Tarow Barney.

Speaking of Tarow Barney, since he is a JUCO (junior college) transfer, he doesn't have to wait until National Signing Day on February 5^th to sign his National Letter of Intent – the binding written agreement by a recruit to play for the school of their choice.  In fact, Barney decided to make his commitment official today by signing on to play for the Nittany Lions!  Welcome aboard Tarow!

Finally, LB Donte Raymond also made recruiting news this morning as the former Delaware commitment switched to Penn State.  Raymond is a relatively unknown recruit who only received offers from FCS schools prior to Penn State offering over the weekend.  He becomes the 3^rd LB in the 2014 class joining Troy Reeder and Jason Cabinda.

Awards:

The Lions may be done playing, but the awards are still being announced on a near daily basis.  Luckily for all you fine folks, I went ahead and compiled all of the awards given out to Penn State players thus far.  I think you’ll notice a trend towards the end as Penn State leads the conference in Big Ten All-Freshman Team winners with 5.  Enjoy!

Allen Robinson

- Howard-Richter Big Ten Receiver of the Year

- Sporting News 1^st Team All-American

- CBS Sports 1^st Team All-American

- Athlon Sports 2^nd Team All-American

- SI.com 2^nd Team All-American

- AP 3^rd Team All-American

- ESPN 1^st Team All-Big Ten

- BTN 1^st Team All-Big Ten

- Coaches 1^st Team All-Big Ten

Christian Hackenberg

- Thompson-Randel El Big Ten Freshman of the Year

- BTN Big Ten Freshman of the Year

- BTN All-Freshman Team

- ESPN All-Freshman Team (Captain)

- 247 Sports 1^st Team True Freshman All-American

John Urschel

- William V Campbell Trophy Winner

- AP 3^rd Team All-American

- BTN 1^st Team All-Big Ten

- Coaches 1^st Team All-Big Ten

- ESPN 2^nd Team All-Big Ten

- 2 time Academic All-American

Da’Quan Jones

- BTN 2^nd Team All-Big Ten

Austin Johnson

- BTN All-Freshman Team

- ESPN All-Freshman Team

Nyeem Wartman

- BTN All-Freshman Team

- ESPN All-Freshman Team

Brandon Bell

- BTN All-Freshman Team

Akeel Lynch

- BTN All-Freshman Team

Adam Breneman

- 247 Sports 2^nd Team True Freshman All-American