Adam Gress Season 2009

Tackle Adam Gress is one of the most well-rounded student-athletes on the Penn State roster. He completed his coursework in May, earning his degree in telecommunications after playing in 11 games, with three starts, during the 2012 campaign. Gress also is heavily involved in the team[apos]s Penn State Lift For Life to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. The former West Mifflin Area High School standout is one of the primary success stories of the strength and conditioning program implemented by Craig Fitzgerald and his staff in January 2012. Gress[apos] dedicated work in the weight room and in conditioning has resulted in him adding nearly 25 pounds since the 2012 winter conditioning began, greatly assisting his larger role on the field. Possessing excellent physical attributes and improved strength and mobility, Gress finished spring drills as the top candidate at right tackle and should play a significant role this season. Gress is vice president of Penn State[apos]s Uplifting Athletes chapter and was extensively involved in the planning for Penn State[apos]s Lift For Life in July to benefit kidney cancer patients and their families. The Penn State Lift For Life has raised more than $700,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association since 2003, including a record total of more than $110,000 in 2011-12. Gress compiled a 3.34 grade-point average during the spring semester and is on schedule to receive a second degree, in journalism, in December.

2012 Senior Season
Gress appeared in 11 games, with three starts, with his first career start coming against Navy. His first start helped deliver a 34-7 win over the Middies for Coach Bill O[apos]Brien[apos]s first career head coaching win. Gress also started the next two games and was instrumental in the Nittany Lions rolling to 496 yards and 36:52 in time of possession in the victory over Temple and gaining 389 yards on 82 plays in the 35-7 win at Illinois. He helped the Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in total offense (437.0 ypg) in conference games and rank second in scoring offense (32.6 ppg) and pass offense (283.1 ypg) against Big Ten foes. Gress was instrumental in helping Penn State gain more than 500 yards of total offense three times in conference play, led by 546 yards against Indiana, its highest total against a Big Ten foe since gaining 557 yards against Michigan State in 2008. Gress played a vital role in helping pave the way for 1,000-yard rusher Zach Zwinak and protecting quarterback Matt McGloin during his record-setting campaign.

2011 Junior Season
Gress saw playing time against Indiana State, Temple and Eastern Michigan, with his most substantial action coming against the Eagles. Gress and the offensive line protected Matt McGloin to help him complete 14-of-17 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Michigan to share Big Ten Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors.

2010 Sophomore Season
In his first campaign on the field, Gress saw action in six games during the second half of the season. He saw most of his snaps against Minnesota, Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana and also played at Ohio State and against Florida in the Outback Bowl.

2009 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.

High School
A three-year letterman and four-year starter at West Mifflin Area High School, Gress played for Coach Tim Brennan. A two-year captain, Gress was named all-state and all-conference. He also was captain of the ice hockey team at West Mifflin Area.

Personal
Full name is Adam Michael Gress. He is the son of Armand and Lisa Gress. He has one brother, Armand. An uncle attended Penn State from 1983-87. Gress graduated in May 2013 with a degree in telecommunications. He is on schedule to earn a second degree, in journalism, in December. Born December 28, 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pa.