Busy Week

The news truly never ends when you’re a big time program like Penn State, and this week is no exception.  There’s been a ton of PSU football news floating around the interwebs lately, so let’s get everybody up to speed on all things Nittany Lions.

First, after this very strange article by David Jones was released shortly following Bill O'Brien's departure to the Houston Texans, much of the country was firmly under the impression that a group of “Paterno people” had chased O'Brien out of town.  This article from our friends over at OnwardState pretty much sums up my initial thoughts on the Jones article.  Thankfully, in a surprising last act of good will, Bill O'Brien went on ESPN’s Mike &Mike to clear things up and apologize for any confusion.  According to the coach himself, he had tremendous support at Penn State and called Jones’ assertions “not accurate at all.”  He stressed that Penn State is a special place and it was actually a combination of his love for the NFL and the medical resources in Houston (for his special needs son, Jack) that were the primary catalysts for leaving.  They say “time heals all wounds” and it must be true because I’m slowly starting to come around on Bill’s decision.  Good luck in Houston, Coach!

Speaking of coaches, the last holdover from the Paterno era, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, turned down an offer from James Franklin to continue in his same position on the new staff.  Instead, Johnson will be headed to Ohio State where he will replace the departed Mike Vrabel, who ironically left OSU to join Bill O'Brien in Houston.  The move comes as a shock to most Penn State fans, especially since Johnson will be taking the exact same position on Urban Meyer’s staff.  I could understand leaving for a Defensive Coordinator promotion, but a lateral move just doesn't make sense to me personally.  Rumors have been flying that Johnson was upset at the administration after being passed over for the head coaching position twice – once in 2012 after Paterno’s firing and again this time around.  Johnson had been on the staff for 18 years and was named interim head coach after O'Brien left.  He was known as one of the best recruiters in the country and for cranking out NFL talent year after year.  Despite this latest turn of events, LJ will most likely remain as one of the most beloved assistants in PSU history, and I wish him the best over at that other school.

In related recruiting news, the first and only casualty so far of the coaching transition appears to be Thomas Holley.  The 4-star DT recruit was the highest rated prospect in the 2014 class and his decommitment is substantial.  He was recruited by Larry Johnson, and most sources cite Johnson’s departure as the main reason behind Holley’s second thoughts.  Holley, who was also recruited by James Franklin while still at Vanderbilt, has now committed to Florida.  Rumors are that he still has an official visit to Penn State on his calendar, though, and that Franklin might still have a chance, albeit slim, to convince Holley to switch his commitment back to the Lions.  However, I wouldn't hold your breath.

As for Franklin’s staff, it’s starting to take some shape.  It was announced yesterday that Ricky Rahne and Josh Gattis will be the new QB and WR coaches respectively.  Both were part of James Franklin’s staff at Vanderbilt and were expected to follow Franklin to State College, so this isn't exactly a surprise.  Gattis is well known for producing great WRs, having developed All-Americans at nearly every one of his coaching stops.  Here’s hoping he continues that trend with players like Geno Lewis, Richy Anderson, DaeSean Hamilton, and incoming recruits Chris Godwin and De’Andre Thompkins.

Finally, this Saturday at 4pm on the NFL Network will be the 89^th East/West Shrine Game played in St. Petersburg, FL.  The Shrine Game, as I mentioned in a previous post, is one of the many invitational all-star games that take place this time of year and give NFL scouts a better look at potential pro talent.  Only the Senior Bowl is considered more prestigious than the EWSG and this year’s game features 3 stand out Penn Staters: LB Glenn Carson, OG John Urschel, and S/LB Stephen Obeng-Agyapong.  All will try to impress the NFL teams in attendance in hopes of being selected in the upcoming draft.  Good luck to all three!!!

Well that will do it for now.  I'll do my best to keep posting as stories develop.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus for all the latest news and notes, and as always, go State!