April News and Notes

I promised I'd be back later in the week, and I'm a robot of my word.  There's so much going on right now that I figured I'd just break up today's news and notes into 3 convenient sections.  Enjoy!

More notes from the Blue/White Game:
Kyle Carter looks like he's back after lingering injuries limited his effectiveness last season.  He lead all tight ends with 4 catches.  The senior will battle Jesse James and Adam Breneman, along with a now healthy Brent Wilkerson, for playing time in the fall as arguably the best TE group in the country.

We may have actually found a punter!  After Alex Butterworth graduated, there were literally ZERO punters listed on the roster.  However, converted place kicker Chris Gulla had an decent outing, averaging 39 yds/punt.  Granted, there were no punt returns in the game, but it's encouraging none the less.

Michael Mauti, the charismatic linebacker credited with keeping the 2012 team together through the sanctions, was in the booth for the second year in a row.  Decked out, per usual, in a custom suit and tie, he was every bit the class act that Penn Staters have come to know and love.  When his NFL playing days are over, Mauti should really consider a career in broadcasting because it may just be his next calling.

Selfies with James Franklin became a thing on social media from practically the first minute the new coach stepped off his plan in Happy Valley.  Well now you can add selfies with the Lion, too.  Throughout Saturday's game, fans could be seen leaning over the railing for a chance to snap a pic with their favorite mascot, and the Lion seemed all too happy to oblige.

Recruiting News
In recruiting news, Adam McLean, a 4-star DT from Maryland, became Penn State's 12 commitment for the 2015 recruiting class just hours before the Blue/White Game on Saturday.  His commitment immediately caught the interest of recruiting experts nationwide and Penn State's recruiting class was bumped up to #1 in the country!  This marks the first time since they started ranking recruiting classes that Penn State has been ranked #1.  I guess James Franklin has successfully backed up all that big talk, huh?  Here's a great piece from just before McLean committed.

Other News:
It was announced earlier this week that Penn State will have 2 night games this year, 1 home and 1 away!  First, the Nittany Lions will make history on Oct 11th as they become the first Big Ten team ever to play Michigan at the Big House, under the lights.  The Wolverines only recently started playing night games, both times against Notre Dame.  Expect Brady Hoke's crew to want revenge for that thrilling 4OT loss to Penn State last year.  Then, after the bye week, the Buckeyes come to Happy Valley for what will assuredly be the Whitehouse Game.  Look for the Lions to also have revenge on their mind after suffering one of the most humiliating defeats in school history in Columbus last season.  Can James Franklin make a huge splash in his first year by knocking off Urban Meyer's National Championship contenders?  I really hope so!

Clearly former Nittany Lion, John Urschel, wasn't content just winning the Campbell Trophy (the academic Heisman).  Last Friday's news was buried a little by all the Blue/White festivities, but Urschel picked up yet another major award, this time the James E. Sullivan Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top amateur athlete.  Congratulations again John, you are truly deserving of all the recognition in the world for your amazing accomplishments!

Last but most certainly not least, Joe Paterno was voted the greatest football coach in Big Ten history in a poll posted on ESPN's Big Ten blog.  JoePa beat out Nebraska's Tom Osborne in the final round of a March Madness style bracket full of legends like Michigan's Fielding Yost and Bo Schembechler, and Ohio State's Woody Hayes.  Some Nebraska fans seemed like poor sports when they began concocting international conspiracies, but I guess haters gonna hate.

Well, that will have to do for now.  Keep it here on the blog all offseason for everything Penn State football.  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus, and as always, go State!