February News and Notes

It’s the offseason, so things are already fairly slow in the college football world.  Late February is particularly excruciating.  However, there are a couple of interesting things going on, so I figured I’d get a post in today.

First of all, the NFL Combine officially starts tomorrow (although the media has been doing what they do pretty much all week).  This is an invitation only event in which the best players in the country show off for pro scouts in order to improve their stock for April’s NFL Draft.  Three former Nittany Lions have been invited to the festivities: WR Allen Robinson, DT Da’Quan Jones, and OG John Urschel.  I expect all three to be drafted, with Robinson likely the first one to be picked up late in the 1^st round.  Still, their performances at the Combine will go a long way in determining their final draft position, so good luck gentlemen!  Also of note at the Combine will be former head coach, Bill O’Brien, whose Houston Texans have the first overall pick.

On the recruiting front, James Franklin is wasting absolutely no time in putting together another great recruiting class for next year.  He’s already picked up four commitments, three of which are 4-star players.  As it stands, Penn State’s 2015 class includes 4-star OL Ryan Bates, 4-star ATH Kamonte Carter, 4-star RB Saquon Barkley (who decommitted from Rutgers), and 2-star DB Jarvis Miller.  During the most recent Junior Day, Franklin also handed out offers to 5-star DE CeCe Jefferson, 4-star DE Keisean South, and 3-star LB Josh Barajas.  Looking good Coach Franklin, keep it up!!!

Finally, in case you live under a rock, this weekend is THON weekend (short for Dance Marathon) at Penn State.  Nearly 15,000 student volunteers and over 700 dancers will rock the BJC from now until 4:00 pm on Sunday in the fight to find a cure for pediatric cancer.  For more information about this incredible charity, or to make a donation, check out www.thon.org or watch all the action live via the THON webcast at www.thon.org/Webcast.  Hopefully we can break last year's record of more than $12.3 million!

That's all for now.  Keep it here on the blog all offseason for updates on everything Penn State football.  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus.  And in honor of THON, go State, beat cancer!!!