March 20, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. - The Nittany Lion football team will return to the field for the first time since its thrilling overtime win against Boston College in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl when it opens spring practice on Friday, March 20.
Second-year head coach James Franklin and his staff will guide the Nittany Lions through 15 spring practices that will culminate in the Blue-White Game presented by AAA on Saturday, April 18 at 4 p.m. in Beaver Stadium. Admission and parking for the Blue-White Game are free.
"We are excited to get back on the field to begin to develop this team's identity," Franklin said. "We are much farther ahead now in terms of continuity and an overall understanding of our systems. We have more depth across the board and look forward to the competition."
The Nittany Lions have been participating in winter workouts under the guidance of Assistant Athletics Director for Performance Enhancement, Dwight Galt, since returning to campus in January. The squad has posted significant improvement from March 2014 to date in the weight room, highlighted by 11 players benching over 400 pounds (six in March 2014) and 15 players squatting over 500 pounds (six in March 2014).
Penn State returns 15 starters (7 offensive, 7 defensive, 1 specialist) and 14 additional players who saw significant playing time.
Quarterback Christian Hackenberg highlights the offensive returnees for Penn State after capping off his sophomore campaign with a 371-yard, four-touchdown performance on the way to MVP honors at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. In just two seasons, he has set the school record for 300-yard passing games (8), total offense in a season (3,258), pass attempts in a season (484), completions in a season (270) and most passing yards in a game (454 vs. UCF). Hackenberg enters his junior season ranked third in Penn State history in passing yards (5,932), attempts (876) and completions (501).
Hackenberg will have several offensive weapons back in the fold, including running back Akeel Lynch and wide receivers DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis. Lynch became the 42nd player in school history to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark for his career with 75 yards against Boston College. Hamilton broke the Penn State freshman record with 82 receptions, which is second overall in program history, on the way to 899 receiving yards. Lewis finished second on the team with 751 yards on 55 catches.
"Offensively, one of our aims is to improve on our basic fundamentals and techniques daily," Franklin said. "Additionally, in terms of the big picture, we must continue to get a better grasp on our concepts. Our staff is really excited about the group returning, most returners saw significant time which will help propel us forward."
Defensively, Penn State returns five of its top six tacklers from a year ago, led by Nyeem Wartman's 75 stops, which was second on the team in just 12 games. First-team All-Big Ten selection Anthony Zettel is back in the middle of the defensive interior line after posting 42 tackles, including a team-best 17.0 for a loss. He also tied for the team lead with three interceptions a year ago. Austin Johnson is coming off of a 49-tackle season with two fumble recoveries and will team with Zettel up front.
The secondary will see Jordan Lucas shift from cornerback to safety for the 2015 season after making 58 tackles to go along with a team-high nine pass breakups and nine passes defended last year. Trevor Williams is also back in the fold after tallying 27 tackles and a pair of interceptions in 2014, while Marcus Allen had a strong true freshman campaign for the Nittany Lions with 58 stops to finish tied for third on the team in tackles.
"Defensively, we possess much more competitive depth across the board." Franklin said. "Similar to offense, our focus this spring is going to be about polishing our techniques, identifying our most productive players and spending time after spring ball putting those players in the best position to be successful in the fall."
Penn State will open the 2015 campaign, its 129th, on Sept. 5 vs. Temple at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
-NITTANY LIONS-