Penn State news, notes, and updates for Aug. 21 include more preseason All-American teams and rankings as the season approaches.
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Aug. 21 include more preseason All-American teams and rankings as the season approaches. The Nittany Lions are now just nine days away from hosting Nevada at Beaver Stadium.
Today’s newsstand starts first with a look at new individual recognition for a number of members of James Franklin’s team. Penn State tied Clemson with three USA Today first-team All-American honorees. And, the Lions had four first- or second-team picks, behind only the Tigers’ five. PSU running back Nick Singleton, guard Vega Ioane, and defensive tackle Zane Durant all earned first-team nods. Lions running back Kaytron Allen is a second-team selection.
“Ioane is the face of a vastly improved Penn State front as he enters his second year as a starter,” Paul Myerberg writes. He notes Durant is “among the most disruptive interior linemen in the Power Four.”
In other news, the Nittany Lions are No. 3 in Pro Football Focus’ preseason top 25. That is the same spot they hold in the first USA Today coaches poll and one spot below the initial Associated Press top 25. Clemson leads the way in PFF’s rundown. Texas is No. 2.
“The Nittany Lions did lose a pair of top-15 draft picks in edge defender Abdul Carter and tight end Tyler Warren, but the nucleus of the team is still intact,” Max Chadwick writes. “It’s hard to find any glaring holes on this roster, and there’s enough star power for the team to compete at the top of the sport.”
The full top 25 is below.
Penn State headlines of the day
Top Penn State football practice takeaways: A freshman who continues to stand out, a lineman of note, and more: Pickel, BWI
New Beaver Stadium photos show latest look at temporary seating, construction footprint 10 days before Penn State-Nevada: Pickel, BWI
James Franklin eyes depth building, position battle progress early: Bauer, BWI
PFF’s preseason top 25: Chadwick, Pro Football Focus
Marcus Blaze wins U20 gold as Penn State wrestlers take five medals at latest World Championships: Pickel, BWI
Penn State among CFB’s best with 10 Senior Bowl Top 300 picks: Bauer, BWI
Quote of the day
He’s just super consistent. Very mature. He’s gotten bigger, stronger, faster. Obviously, he was a D-end in high school, a basketball player. He’s a really good 305 pounds. He’s productive in the run game. And he’s productive in the pass game. He’s come to work every single day. He’s football smart. So, he’s been really good. There’s been a lot of excitement within the program about him for a while, and he’s legitimately fighting for a starting job right now.”
PSU coach James Franklin on DT Xavier Gilliam.
Category: General Sports
