May 8, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
45 - Alex Butterworth
Alex Butterworthhandled all of the punting duties during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Averaged 39.3 yards on his 51 punts last season, with 17 punts inside the 20-yard-line. Had three punts of 50 yards or longer. Punted six times for 231 yards in the season opening win over Syracuse for an average of 38.5 yards. Accumulated 207 yards on five punts for an average of 41.4 yards per punt in the win over Eastern Michigan. Pinned UCF inside the 20 on both of his punts in the game. Punted four times for a total of 156 yards, averaging 39.0 yards per attempt in the 34-0 win over Kent State. Boomed four punts a total of 181 yards at Indiana, with a 52-yard effort that narrowly missed pinning the Hoosiers at their own 1-yard-line. His 45.2 yards per punt average at Indiana was his best single-game average last season. Booted four punts for 44.8-yard average, including a career-long 66-yard boot, in the four overtime win over No. 18 Michigan. Punted six times for an average of 37.0 per attempt at No. 4 Ohio State, pinning the Buckeyes inside their own 20-yard-line twice. Dropped two of his three punts inside the 20 in the victory over Illinois. Punted three times at Minnesota for an average of 36.3 yards per punt, pinning the Golden Gophers inside their own 5-yard-line twice. Did not punt in the win over Purdue, as the Nittany Lions did not punt in a game for the first time since at least 1980. Had 10 punts for a total of 391 yards against Nebraska. Six of his 10 punts pinned the Cornhuskers inside their own 20 - including two inside the 10-yard-line. Booted four punts for 152 yards (38.0 ypp) in the season finale at Wisconsin, including a long of 47 yards. Graduated in December 2013.
40 - Glenn Carson
Glenn Carson participated in the 2014 East-West Shrine Game. He was named co-recipient of the team's 2013 Robert B. Mitinger, Jr. Award for exhibiting courage, character and social responsibility. A starter in every game during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Carson added to the storied tradition of LinebackerU. products by moving into the school top 10 in career tackles during his senior season. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media, he led Penn State with 90 tackles, ranking 12th in the Big Ten at 7.5 stops per game. Carson started 36 games at middle linebacker in his career and compiled 261 career tackles to grab the No. 10 spot on the Penn State career charts. He posted nine double-digit tackle games during his time in the blue and white, including a career-high 14 at Nebraska in 2012 and 13 vs. Wisconsin in the 2012 overtime victory at Beaver Stadium. His career totals also included 2.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Carson was elected a 2013 team co-captain and graduated in the spring of 2013. He was a 2013 third-team All-Big Ten selection by Phil Steele's College Football. Was a preseason candidate for the 2013 Butkus Award. Tallied six tackles, one tackle for loss and tied for team-high with two pass breakups, including one on a third down late in the fourth quarter in the win over Syracuse, to help preserve a six-point lead. Produced his first double digit tackle performance of the season with 10 stops vs. Eastern Michigan. The 10 tackles against the Eagles were a game-high and included 0.5 sack. His six tackles vs. UCF tied for the team-high. Produced a team-high seven tackles in the 34-0 shutout win over Kent State, two of which were tackles for loss. Notched his second 10-tackle effort of the season at Indiana (nine solo), to share the team lead. Tipped a pass that was intercepted by Adrian Amos to set-up a score vs. the Hoosiers. Collected 10 tackles for the second consecutive game against No. 18 Michigan. Also recorded 0.5 sack in the four overtime victory over the Wolverines. Added six tackles, four of which were solo, at No. 4 Ohio State. Made 11 tackles, including seven solo stops, in the win over Illinois. Teamed with Mike Hullto defend a pass on fourth-and-one from PSU 4 early in the fourth quarter. Recorded six tackles, including five solo stops, at Minnesota. Made three tackles in the 45-21 win over Purdue. Posted a game-high 10 tackles - seven of which were solo stops - vs. Nebraska in the final home game of his career and added a pass breakup. The double-digit tackle performance was his fifth of the season and ninth of his career. Made five tackles (three solo) to help limit Wisconsin's No. 8 rushing attack to its second lowest rushing output of the season (120 yards) in Penn State's 31-24 win to end the season.
85 - Brandon Felder
Brandon Felder made 18 career starts at wide receiver. He made at least one catch in 16-straight games - the streak ran from Sept. 15, 2012 to Nov. 2, 2013. Tied his career-high with six catches for 40 yards in the win over Syracuse in the season opener. Tied his career-high for the second straight game with six catches for 56 yards against Eastern Michigan, including a long of 16 yards in the second quarter. Made three catches for 35 yards against Kent State, including a long of 17 yards in the second quarter. Missed the Indiana game due to a slight ankle injury. Hauled in a career-best two touchdown passes and tied his career-high with six catches for 97 yards in the four overtime win over No. 18 Michigan. Caught a 12-yard touchdown pass for the opening score of the game. Gave Penn State a 21-10 halftime lead with a 24-yard touchdown catch against the Wolverines. Made a leaping 29-yard catch between two defenders on the second play of the game-tying final minute TD drive, at the Michigan 37-yard line. Made four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown at No. 4 Ohio State. Opened the scoring for Penn State in the second quarter, catching a 12-yard TD pass from Christian Hackenbergvs. the Buckeyes. Caught one pass for 19 yards in the second half of the win over Illinois. Made one catch for 19 yards vs. Nebraska. Graduated in August 2013.
77 - Garry Gilliam
Garry Gilliam was named the co-recipient of the team's 2013 Ridge Riley Award, which is presented for excellence in sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship and friendship. Moved from tight end to offensive tackle prior to 2013 spring practice. Added around 30 pounds to his 6-foot-6 frame during off-season workouts. After missing most of the spring with a slight injury, he earned the start at right tackle in the first two games of the 2013 season and started four games overall, playing in all 12. Was instrumental in helping Penn State gain at least 350 yards in every game, scoring at least 23 points nine times. He helped Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg throw for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns, breaking 12 school freshman and alltime game and season passing records, and Zach Zwinak and Bill Belton combine to rush for 1,792 yards in 2013. Helped the Lions gain 574 yards of total offense against Eastern Michigan, their most since 2008 vs. Coastal Carolina (594 yds). He helped pave the way for a 287-yard rushing effort vs. Kent State, which was Penn State's most rushing yards in a game since gaining 338 yards at Illinois in 2009. He helped protect Christian Hackenberg at Indiana, allowing him to complete 30 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Hoosiers. He helped pave the way for 390 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the four overtime win over Michigan, including the first two rushing touchdowns allowed by the Wolverines in 2013. Boosted Bill Belton to the team's first 200-yard rushing effort since 2002 against Illinois (201 yards) and paved the way for 250 rushing yards and 240 passing yards in the win over the Illini. He helped open running lanes for Zach Zwinak's 150 yards rushing at Minnesota and his 149 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the win over Purdue. Helped pave the way for 289 rushing yards and 501 total yards, a season-high vs. a Big Ten foe, in the 45-21 win over the Boilermakers. He blocked for Zwinak's 149-yard rushing effort vs. Nebraska and helped pave the way for Zwinak's 115 yards in the win at Wisconsin, marking the only 100-yard rusher allowed by the Badgers in 2013. Also protected Hackenberg, who completed 21-of-30 passes for 339 yards - including three completions of 50-yards or longer - and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Penn State delivered the four longest plays from scrimmage vs. Wisconsin all season -- completions of 68, 52 and 59 yards and Zach Zwinak's61-yard run. Graduated in December 2013 with degrees in management and advertising/public relations.
58 - Adam Gress
Adam Gress started eight games in 2013 and 11 in his career. He earned a special award from the State College Quarterback Club following the 2013 season. Was instrumental in helping Penn State gain at least 350 yards in every game, scoring at least 23 points nine times. He helped Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg throw for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns, breaking 12 school freshman and all-time game and season passing records, and Zach Zwinak and Bill Belton combine to rush for 1,792 yards in 2013. Helped the Lions gain 574 yards of total offense against Eastern Michigan, their most since 2008 vs. Coastal Carolina (594 yds). He helped pave the way for a 287-yard rushing effort vs. Kent State, which was Penn State's most rushing yards in a game since gaining 338 yards at Illinois in 2009. He helped protect Christian Hackenberg at Indiana, allowing him to complete 30 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Hoosiers. He helped pave the way for 390 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the four overtime win over Michigan, including the first two rushing touchdowns allowed by the Wolverines in 2013. Boosted Bill Belton to the team's first 200-yard rushing effort since 2002 against Illinois (201 yards) and paved the way for 250 rushing yards and 240 passing yards in the win over the Illini. He helped open running lanes for Zach Zwinak's 150 yards rushing at Minnesota and his 149 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the win over Purdue. Helped pave the way for 289 rushing yards and 501 total yards, a season-high vs. a Big Ten foe, in the 45-21 win over the Boilermakers. He blocked for Zwinak's 149-yard rushing effort vs. Nebraska and helped pave the way for Zwinak's 115 yards in the win at Wisconsin, marking the only 100-yard rusher allowed by the Badgers in 2013. Also protected Hackenberg, who completed 21-of-30 passes for 339 yards - including three completions of 50-yards or longer - and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Penn State delivered the four longest plays from scrimmage vs. Wisconsin all season -- completions of 68, 52 and 59 yards and Zach Zwinak's61-yard run. Earned his second undergraduate degree in December 2013.
84 - MATT LEHMANM
Matt Lehmanwas named co-recipient of the team's 2013 Run-On Award, presented to players who exemplify total commitment, loyalty, hard work and courage for their efforts. Made two catches, including a 16-yard reception, before leaving the season opener with Syracuse due to injury. Missed the remainder of the season with a knee injury that occurred on a non-contact play. In his first season on the field in 2012, Lehman provided a huge boost to the Nittany Lions' passing attack and running game. Lehman played a significant role in Penn State having the second-highest total of tight end receptions in the nation with a combined 83 catches, totaling 1,097 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012. Lehman was fourth on the team and second among tight ends with 24 catches for 296 yards (12.3) and three scores. He made at least one catch in each of the final nine games and his three touchdown catches were third-highest on the squad. Lehman's path to becoming a major contributor for the Nittany Lions was far from the typical route the vast majority of college football players take. He began his college career as a student at Shippensburg University in 2009-10. After experiencing a Penn State football game as a fan, he transferred to Penn State Harrisburg during the 2010 fall semester before enrolling at the University Park campus in January of 2011. Lehman tried out for the team and earned a spot on the Penn State roster that spring and emerged as a top playmaker in 2012. Graduated in August 2013.
91 - DaQuan Jones
DaQuan Joneswas selected 2013 first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and second-team all-conference by the media and BTN.com. Was named Penn State's Outstanding Senior Player and the recipient of the team's Reid-Robinson Award in 2013. Participated in the 2014 Senior Bowl. Recorded a team-high 11.5 TFL (minus- 42) to rank 12th in the Big Ten with 11.5 TFL and was among the conference's tackle leaders among defensive linemen. Jones was No. 5 on the team with 56 tackles (33 solo), led with 11.5 TFL, was third with 3.0 sacks (minus-21) and had one fumble recovery. He started every game in 2013 and made 23 career starts. Logged a career-high nine tackles in the first two contests vs. Syracuse and Eastern Michigan, as well as in the win over Michigan. Added three TFL and one sack in the season opening win over Syracuse. Recorded one sack and two TFL against Eastern Michigan. Entered 2013 with 1.5 sacks and 4.0 TFL in his career and surpassed those totals in the first two games of the season. Made five tackles vs. UCF. His two tackles vs. Kent State gave him 25 tackles on the season, besting his 2012 season total of 22. Posted five tackles at Indiana, including three solo stops, with 1.0 TFL. Tied his career-high for the third time against No. 18 Michigan with nine tackles (five solo) and added 2.0 tackles for loss and his second career fumble recovery in the four overtime win. Recorded one TFL for minus-four yards in the victory over Illinois. Made five tackles, including four solo and 1.0 TFL at Minnesota. Posted three tackles, including 1.0 sack for minus-five yards in the win over Purdue. Helped hold the Boilermakers to 41 rushing yards on 20 carries. Posted seven tackles, including a tackle on 1st and goal on a fourth quarter goal line stand, against Nebraska.
7 - STEPHEN OBENG-AGYAPONG
Stephen Obeng-Agyapong played in the 2014 East-West Shrine Game. He was named co-recipient of the team's 2013 Ridge Riley Award, presented to a senior who excels in sportsmanship, scholarship, leadership and friendship. Obeng-Agyapong was one of the most versatile players on the Nittany Lions' defense last season, playing safety and linebacker. All four of Obeng-Agyapong's starts came at linebacker during the 2013 season, pushing his career total to 16 starts. He compiled 34 tackles, with 2.0 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble and one recovered fumble. Compiled 95 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles, added 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks during his career. He graduated in May 2013 with his degree in information sciences and technology and is on schedule to receive his second degree, in security risk analysis, in May 2014. Was an impact player in the season opening win over Syracuse with a seasonhigh eight tackles, an interception, a forced and recovered a fumble and a sack. Set up the Nittany Lions' first score, a field goal, vs. the Orange when he forced and recovered a fumble at midfield. His interception to end the third quarter vs. Syracuse set up a fourth quarter field goal for 16-10 lead. Started four games at outside linebacker, making his first career start at the position against Eastern Michigan. Made four tackles, including three solo stops, vs. UCF in his second start at linebacker. Tallied four tackles as the starter at OLB in the 34-0 victory over Kent State. Notched four tackles in the Big Ten opener at Indiana. Made three tackles, including 1.0 TFL, in the four overtime win against No. 18 Michigan. Recorded five tackles at No. 4 Ohio State, including two solo stops, and had one solo tackle at Minnesota. Made a solo tackle in the win over Purdue and finished the season with one tackle in the 31-24 victory at No. 14 Wisconsin.
8 - Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson became Penn State's 98th first-team All-America selection in 2013. The 2012 and 2013 Big Ten Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year, Robinson earned seven All-America honors after a stellar 2013 season. The standout junior was selected a first-team All-American by CBSSports.com, Sporting News and Phil Steele's College Football, a second-team honoree by the FWAA, SI.com and Athlon Sports and a third team honoree by the Associated Press. Robinson was the first player since at least 1985 to lead the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yardage in consecutive seasons. Robinson's combined 174 receptions and 2,445 receiving yards the past two years both rank No. 3 in Big Ten history for consecutive seasons. A semifinalist for the 2013 Biletnikoff Award, Robinson earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and media in 2012 and 2013. In Penn State's eight Big Ten games in 2013, Robinson made 71 catches (8.9 avg.) for 984 yards (123.0 ypg), improving on his overall season averages. He led the Big Ten with Penn State season records in receptions (97) and receiving yardage (1,432) for the second consecutive year. Robinson ranked No. 3 nationally in receiving yardage (119.3 ypg) and No. 8 in receptions (8.1 avg.). He had six touchdown catches in 2013 (17 career) and a long catch of 65 yards, a weaving, across the field effort that resulted in a touchdown at Ohio State. Robinson ranks second in school career receptions (177) and third in Penn State career receiving yardage (2,474 yards), with numbers earned almost entirely the past two seasons (3 catches for 29 yards in 2011). His eight 100-yard receiving games in 2013 were a Penn State season record and he made 13 catches of 35 or more yards last season, including four touchdowns of 45 yards or longer. In the Minnesota game, became Penn State's single season receiving yardage leader, passing Bobby Engram's mark of 1,084 in 1995. Had eight catches of 40 yards or longer last season. Became the first Nittany Lion to ever register a pair of 60- plus reception seasons. Became the third receiver in school history to deliver three straight 100-yard receiving games, joining Joe Jurevicius in 1996 and Kenny Jackson in 1982. Is the only Penn State receiver with multiple 10-catch, 100- yard receiving games in school history, accomplishing the feat four times in his career. Made seven catches for 133 yards and one touchdown in the win over Syracuse. Caught both passes on a two-play scoring drive on Penn State's first drive of the third quarter vs. the Orange, making a 25-yard catch prior to a 51-yard catch and run for his first score of the season. Made seven catches for 129 yards and one touchdown against Eastern Michigan. Had a diving 43-yard catch in the first quarter that set-up Penn State's first touchdown and made a 45-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Made nine catches for 143 yards and one touchdown against UCF. Had a 44-yard catch in the first quarter that set the Lions up for their first touchdown against the Knights and a 46-yard reception in the third quarter that led to another Penn State touchdown. Also made a leaping five-yard catch in the fourth quarter for his third TD of the season. Made three catches for 43 yards all in the first half in the 34-0 win over Kent State, including a long of 18 yards in the first quarter. Hauled in a career-high 12 catches and gained a season-high 173 yards and two touchdowns at Indiana. The 12 catches ranked No. 2 in Penn State single game history, one behind Freddie Scott's 13 grabs vs. Wisconsin in 1995. Had a 46-yard catch and run in the second quarter against the Hoosiers to give Penn State its first touchdown of the game. Gave the Nittany Lions a 14-13 third quarter lead with a 26-yard touchdown catch. Made five catches for 84 yards in the four overtime win against No. 18 Michigan. Made a 14-yard catch on the sideline on the first play of Penn State's game-tying TD drive in regulation. He then hauled in a spectacular, leaping 36-yard catch on the fourth play of the drive for a first-and-goal at the UM one-yard-line, setting up the game-tying score by Christian Hackenberg. Robinson's leaping catch was the ESPN SportsCenter Play of the Day on Oct 12. Tied his career-high with 12 catches and tied his season-high with 173 receiving yards at No. 4 Ohio State. Made a career-long 65-yard touchdown catch and run in the fourth quarter against the Buckeyes, which was the Nittany Lions' second-longest play from scrimmage this season. Caught 11 passes for 165 yards in the win over Illinois. Had a 47-yard catch in the first quarter to help set-up the Lions' first touchdown of the game. Also made a leaping 39-yard sideline catch late in the game. Had one carry for 14 yards vs. the Illini, giving him 179 all-purpose yards. Made seven catches for 63 yards at Minnesota, including a long of 14 yards. His 12-yard reception in the fourth quarter moved him past Bobby Engram(1,084 yds, 1995) and into first place on the single season receiving yards chart at Penn State. Made eight catches for 98 yards in the 45-21 win over Purdue, including a long of 18 yards. His eight catches against the Boilermakers gave him 81 for the season, topping his own school record 77 catches from 2012. Made eight catches for 106 yards against Nebraska. Tallied eight receptions for 122 yards in the season finale at Wisconsin, marking his school season record eighth game with at least 100 yards receiving in 2013.
64 - John Urschel
A two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree and an Associated Press third-team All-American, John Urschel became the first Penn State student-athlete to win the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy. The award is bestowed upon the nation's premier college football Scholar-Athlete and presented annually at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Dinner. A participant in the 2014 East-West Shrine Game, Urschel also won the AAU's Sullivan Award, which annually honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. A two-time first-team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American®, Urschel established himself the nation's most exceptional football student-athlete in 2013. Urschel was selected the recipient of the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® for college football and was the Nittany Lion football program's first recipient of the honor. The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I FBS football coaches, national football media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I football. A starter in all 24 games the past two seasons and the anchor of the offensive line, he has earned a 4.0 grade-point average during his Penn State career. Elected a 2013 cocaptain, Urschel graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average in math in three years (May 2012), earned his master's degree in math in one year (May 2013), and has worked on a second master's, in math education while maintaining his 4.0 GPA. Urschel taught a section of Math 232 - Integral Vector Calculus - during the 2013 fall semester on the University Park campus, in addition to his academic and football responsibilities. He taught a section of Math 041 - Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry - during the 2013 spring semester. A paper written by Urschel titled, "Instabilities of the Sun-Jupiter-Asteroid Three Body Problem" was published in 2012 in the journal, Celestial Mechanics and Dynamic Astronomy. He has a second paper accepted for publication, "A Space-Time Multigrid Method for the Numerical Valuation of Barrier Options" in the journal, Communications in Mathematical Finance, and has written two additional papers that have been submitted to be published. He was featured on the CBS Evening News in December 2013 for his athletic and academic success. He was an Academic All-District® selection for the third consecutive year and is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Started all 12 games at right guard in 2013 and finished his career with starts in 24 consecutive games. Was instrumental in helping Penn State gain at least 350 yards in every game, scoring at least 23 points nine times. He helped Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg throw for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns, breaking 12 school freshman and all-time game and season passing records, and Zach Zwinak and Bill Belton combine to rush for 1,792 yards in 2013. Helped the Lions gain 574 yards of total offense against Eastern Michigan, their most since 2008 vs. Coastal Carolina (594 yds). He helped pave the way for a 287-yard rushing effort vs. Kent State, which was Penn State's most rushing yards in a game since gaining 338 yards at Illinois in 2009. He helped protect Christian Hackenberg at Indiana, allowing him to complete 30 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Hoosiers. He helped pave the way for 390 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the four overtime win over Michigan, including the first two rushing touchdowns allowed by the Wolverines in 2013. Boosted Bill Belton to the team's first 200-yard rushing effort since 2002 against Illinois (201 yards) and paved the way for 250 rushing yards and 240 passing yards in the win over the Illini. He helped open running lanes for Zach Zwinak's 150 yards rushing at Minnesota and his 149 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the win over Purdue. Helped pave the way for 289 rushing yards and 501 total yards, a season-high vs. a Big Ten foe, in the 45-21 win over the Boilermakers. He blocked for Zwinak's 149-yard rushing effort vs. Nebraska and helped pave the way for Zwinak's 115 yards in the win at Wisconsin, marking the only 100-yard rusher allowed by the Badgers in 2013. Also protected Hackenberg, who completed 21-of-30 passes for 339 yards - including three completions of 50-yards or longer - and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Penn State delivered the four longest plays from scrimmage vs. Wisconsin all season -- completions of 68, 52 and 59 yards and Zach Zwinak's61-yard run.
1 - Malcolm Willis
Malcolm Willis was named co-recipient of the team's 2013 Robert B. Mitinger, Jr. Award for exhibiting courage, character and social responsibility. Was fourth on the team with 61 tackles (40 solo), with one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 1.0 tackle for loss. Started 11 games - appearing in all 12 - at safety in 2013 and ranked second on the team with 27 career starts. Recorded eight tackles, one shy of his career-high, and added one TFL in the season opening win over Syracuse. Accumulated three tackles in the win over Eastern Michigan. Grabbed his third career interception in the second quarter to snap UCF quarterback Blake Bortles' streak of 232 passes without an interception, the longest active streak in the FBS at that point. Recorded five tackles, which included four solo stops, against UCF. Produced five tackles, good for third on the team, in the win over Kent State and made four tackles at Indiana. Made six tackles in the four overtime win against No. 18 Michigan and made six tackles at No. 4 Ohio State. Posted three tackles in the 24-17 win against Illinois. Made eight tackles (six solo), recovered his first fumble of the season - third of his career - and added one pass break-up at Minnesota. Forced the first fumble of his career at the Penn State goal line on a second quarter goal line stand in the home finale vs. Nebraska. Tied his career-high with nine tackles against the Huskers. Made three tackles in the season-ending 31-24 win at No. 14 Wisconsin. Graduated in May 2013.