Butler Goes Deep

Freshman receiver Deon Butler is going deep... Problem is the game is not until next week. Deon was riding waverunners far out in the ocean while in Florida with Tyrell Sales and Lydell Sargeant when his wave runner ran out of gas. No problem, huh... Well it wouldn't have been if either Sales or Lydell would have looked back. 20 minutes later, the next group came through and Butler was saved. Whew.....

Scout.com: Like Robinson Crusoe...

Vidal Chooses

Vidal Hazelton, the #2 ranked WR in the nation, has decided to attend USC over PSU and Miami. He stated that PSU was second but he felt that the city atmosphere is more his style. Good luck to you Vidal...

FSU Loses Star Player for Game

Florida State will not have their #1 tackler on the field against Penn State next week. Defensive end A.J. Nicholson has been accused of sexual assault while in Hollywood, FL preparing for the game. Bobby Bowden confirmed that Nicholson will not be at the game saying he sent one of his players home for violating a team policy.

MiamiHerald.com | 12/29/2005 | FSU player accused of rape at Hollywood hotel

Some Orange Bowl Pictures

Buses:





Hotel:





Players:



BranDon Snow (first from left) Spencer Ridenhour (Yankees hat) Tony Davis (behind Spencer) Gerald Cadogan (???) Zemaitis (hat backwards)



Matt Waldron (orange shirt) Kevin Kelly (livestrong band) DWill (red shorts) Brian Borgoyn (hooded sweatshirt)



Dan Lawlor (blue shirt) King (Cincinnati hat) Greg Harrison (white t-shirt) Kevin Suhey (sunglasses ???)

Courtesy of OrangeBowl.org

Eliades chooses

Rivals is reporting that Lou Eliades has chosen PSU over South Carolina. Eliades is the #11 OL prospect in the nation. Eliades liked both schools but it came down to PSU feeling like home and having better academics.

Welcome Lou. Here is to a great career...

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - OL Eliades chooses

Help the 94 PSU Squad

Vote the 94 PSU squad over the 05 USC Trojans in ESPN's poll.

ESPN.com: SPORTSNATION - No. 4 Seed: '94 Penn State

Hazelton Announcement

Vidal Hazelton has narrowed his choices down to 3 and is set to announce his decision on ESPNews Friday at 3:40 PM (EST). His decision is down to Miami, USC and PSU. Vidal has good things to say about all three and many top analyst have him going to different places. Most of those choosing either USC or PSU. We will just have to wait until Friday to know for sure.

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - Hazelton to choose

Probs for MRob

Good article by SI On Campus on Michael Robinson. The author obviously feels very deeply on the subject about MRob not getting an invitation to New York. I have to agree. I don't think anyone would say he deserves to win, but come on. It would not have killed then to take the normal 5 to the show...

SI.com - SI On Campus - Football: Michael Robinson - Monday December 19, 2005 12:52PM

PA All State

The current 2006 recruiting class consists of 4 All-State athletes.

Travis McBride (one of the latest commits) is an all state AAAA defensive back. Guess where PSU recruited him...

Tom McEowen (just the opposite as one of the first to commit to PSU) is a class AAAA all state member on the defensive line.

Jared Odrick is a class AAA all state lineman. Not only state, but Jared is on the All-USA First team.

Last but not least, Abe Koroma had a great year at Milton Hershey. He was selected class AA All-State for offensive and defensive line. Abe was also selected as the divisions defensive MVP. Maybe "great year" was not giving him justice...

Other 2006 PSU prospects that made the honors are Shady McCoy (AAAA first team) and Elijah Fields (Class A Player of the Year). The 2007 class included Pat Bostick (junior QB AAAA second team) which the lions are predicted to hit hard next year. And a real eye opener... David Posluszny... Pos2 (I just gave him that nickname) won AAA second team honors AS A SOPHMORE!!! Anyone see another future Butkus award at PSU...

Scout.com: All-State Honors for PSU Class

The Next Hunt

Evan Royster could be the next Tony Hunt if he decides to commit to the Lions. Evan is a 3 star RB from Virginia that PSU is starting to hit hard. They got in a little late, but are making up time quickly with Larry Johnson Sr. being his recruiter.

It seems the Shady McCoy to prep school comments are coming more and more these days. A lot of people are comparing him to Austin Scott while the same people are comparing Evan to Tony Hunt. It just seems to be that we would be better off taking Evan. Someone that wants it instead of someone that it comes way too naturally. We all know how the Hunt/Scott situation played out. Scott being the one that got all the attention and Hunt stepping up and being the man. Don't get me wrong. I would love to have Shady in our lineup. I just have a gut feeling that Royster would also be the man...

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - Royster gearing up for Penn State official visit

Take the Bus from MD to Happy Valley

Found this and it is hilarious. From left to right, Taylor, J.B., ALE, Maybin, A.J., and Bowman. Gotta love it... Especially if we get all of them...





http://www.craigurbansky.com

Happy Birthday

Sorry Joe. I have been busy today. Better late than never. Happy Birthday...

JOE PATERNOOOO!!!!!!

Joe Paterno - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

More Muscle Coming to a Showroom Near You

I am not a Mopar guy, but I will tell you that this even gets me a little excited. Dodge announced it will show a prototype at the International Car Show in Detroit. They say they have every intention of putting these cars on the road by the end of the decade.



Dodge Resurrects The Challenger - Forbes.com

Now I do love camaros. Especially 1st gens. I am very pleased to see that Chevrolet is following suit and bringing the Camaro as well to the 06 show with a release date of 09.



http://www.jalopnik.com

When it Rains...

And then there were 13. New Jersey WR, Cedric Jeffries cut the verbal he gave to Virginia earlier in the year to commit to PSU. Jefferies said the reason was due to all the coaching changes at UVA. Cedric is a WR, however, Penn State has recruited him to play safety. With our entire first string secondary graduating, this gives Cedric the perfect chance to prove himself early and get some playing time.

If you look back in the past blogs, you will remember just after the Wisconsin game, there was a writing about a "un-expected" visitor. That visitor was Cedric and it was un-expected because of his verbal commitment to UVA. He just came up to watch a game and we can now see what all it turned into.

With Cedrick changing his mind from Virginia and Bani from LSU we can only hope that one more person decides to change their original mind. Logan El...

Scout.com: Jeffries Becomes PSU's Latest Verbal

Quarless down to two

According to Rivals.com, Andrew Quarless is down to two schools. The surprise may be who one of them is. Penn State has been mentioned by many recruiters so that is no surprise, however, Michigan being the other is at least a surprise to me. He just returned from Michigan this past week. Andrew does not anticipate taking any more official visits with UM and PSU being the only ones that had the chance to entertain the highly recruited tight end. Quarless has been talked about a lot as PSU fans being very confident in landing Quarless. Hopefully none of them are wrong.

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - New York TE Quarless down to two

More Honors for Paterno

Joe Paterno has been selected as the Associated Press College football coach of the year. Not only did he win it, but he ran away with it. Joe received 45 of the 65 votes as the winner. That is why PSU football is known as the House that Joe Built.

ABC News: Penn St.'s Paterno Earns AP Coach of Year

Bowl Support

Interesting article on the bowls this year with regards to tickets selling/prices. Sugar is currently topping the PSU bound Orange Bowl but think about it. Georgia is playing in it and it is in Atlanta this year due to the hurricane.

Penn State fans devour Orange Bowl tickets - 2005-12-19

Top 2s

It was a great claim yesterday to keep Jared Odrick in the state of PA. To keep this great class growing, PSU needs to land these next 2 guys as well. Good news is, they both have PSU in thier top 2.

Maurice Evans (NY) has been labeled by many as "he is coming to PSU". A lot of people expected him to commit on his visit several weeks ago (Maurice actually made the comment that if he liked it and it felt right he would commit that weekend), however that did not happen. Maurice does have PSU in his top 2 with Virginia, but I don't think many people thought he had Virginia so high w/ PSU. Like I said earlier, many though PSU was alone on top. However, Maurice mentioned that he switches the one on top daily and will make his decision at the AAA Bowl. Have to wait it out for the #5 defensive line prospect in the country.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

Another nice pickup would be 4 star DT/OL Phillip Taylor. Phillip has also mentioned PSU in his list of top 2 to include Maryland as well (his home state). He mentioned Joe and Larry Johnson, the environment and the depth situation as the reason he is so high on the nittany lions. Taylor is also keeping Florida, Tennessee and VT in his list. He has plans to visit all 3 and Maryland in January before making his decision.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

He is Ours

Jared Odrick made it official today at 3PM. He will be staying close to home attending Penn State University. Jared is the 12th commitment for the lions and is the 4th 4 star commitment on the year. (Ranked #10 in the nation at DT by scout.com) This is becoming quite a class, already out ranking last years very successful group.

Scout.com: Keystone State Star Stays Close to Home

New Name?

Rivals.com has done a write-up on Ramone Johnson. This is the first I have heard Ramone's name as I did not even know we were recruiting a player from Chicago. Ramone is Rivals 13th ranked offensive guard and 5th best player in the state of Illinois. Ramone has PSU on his short list of 4 to include Tennessee, Illinois and Nebraska as well. He mentions that he may only take 2 visits and has yet to decide where.

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - Penn State in Chicago lineman's final four

Decision Time for Odrick

Jared Odrick will make his decision known on Monday at 3:00 PM at his school in Lebanon. Schools that are in the running include PSU, Florida, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Georgia. Odrick is a 4 star defensive line prospect. Talk has been that he was coming to PSU, however he did mention that Georgia was his best visit that he took. Georgia is pushing hard for Jared with 4 or 5 of their coaches making home visits. This one is going to be tight I think. Hope he is a lion...

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

It's Official

Bani is a Lion. Rumors are true. Bani Gbadyu broke his LSU soft verbal to play at Linebacker U. Bani mentioned that it is just in his heart to play in Happy Valley.

One very interesting quote that he mentioned:

"There's gonna be a bus coming from Maryland to Penn State," Gbadyu said. "We're all coming and it's going to be great."

That statement could be HUGE. PSU has already gotten a good many from MD, but "all". That leaves the question out there. ALE (Logan El), Taylor, Wallace and Walton. If that is what is meant by "all", what a year it will be.

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - Gbadyu changes direction

Bani a Lion?

Is Bani Gbadyu a nittany lion? This is the first "commit" article I have seen. There have been rumors that Bani committed to the Lions during his football banquet, but these were tagged as rumors by Bani himself during an interview. Bani said that at his banquet he told people he was down to LSU and PSU. Not sure how much water I give to this article.

Wait and see...

Washington Examiner: Sports

Its a Wonderful Life, PSU Style

Click Here

10 Down

Travis McBride helped his team (McKeesport) win the AAAA championship this past weekend and will now try to help the Nittany Lions with a National Championship the next few years. Travis received a scholorship offer from PSU last week and supposedly announced yesterday that he has verbally committed to PSU. PSU is recruiting him as a defensive back instead of RB.

Recruiting: Penn St. lands 1st WPIAL recruit

Other news in this article that I have yet to hear was that LeSean McCoy will be announcing his decision next week. Early Christmas present? We can only hope...

Big Weekend Update

Several updates on the BIG weekend in Happy Valley.

Vidal Hazelton is the guy that Thursday morning announced he was going to PSU for the visit instead of Georgia. The #2 ranked WR (by scout) said since his family is moving to GA, that he can take unofficials there. So how did Vidal like the cold and snow? On a scale of 1 - 10 Vidal "would rate the trip a 12". Saying that it exceeded all his expectations. High enough for the big time 5 star recruit to put PSU in his co-leaders with USC. The only downfall this weekend w/ Vidal is that Derrick Williams kicked his ^%& at NCAA Football on the XBox.

Scout.com: Hazelton: High on Lions After Visit

J.B. Walton is back from his visit to Happy Valley and gives a little insight to his decision. J.B. said he does not have any other visits planned (already visited Nebraska) and looks to announce some time in January. His final two are Nebraska and PSU.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

Lou Eliades was also a last minute visitor this weekend. Lou was to visit Notre Dame but came to Happy Valley as well. He mentioned that he liked the campus and got along w/ the PSU commits very well. Lou put the lions 50/50 with the SC Gamecocks saying that "Penn State is nudging ahead of South Carolina" but he still places them at an even race.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

Rumors

There are some rumors floating around that Callahan Bright may be re-considering his commitment to Florida State. Any truth to it? I guess we will have to wait and see. Callahan is a 5 star DT/OT (by scout), ranked #2 at his position. Colleges in the picture have been rumored to be Purdue (brother attends) and PSU. Take it for what you want...

Scout.com: Callahan Bright Profile

2nd Time in 6 Years

Posluszny adds to his hardware with winning the Butkus award for "Linebacker U". The second time in six years (Arrington 99) PSU has brought home this specific piece. Pos is only the 5th underclassman to win the award. This adds to Paul's collection this year with the Bednarik award and All American honors under his belt.

Now all that we have to hope is that he does not jump ship to the NFL early. We need you next year Pos!!!

Press Release - 9

One More to Add

Lou Eliades is now suposedly coming for a visit this weekend. Lou is a 4 star OL. He was schedule to visit Notre Dame this weekend, however he has noticed the domers low amount of scholarships that are available. He says that South Carolina is his current favorite but likes how PSU is close and has good academics.

BlueWhiteIllustrated.com - Add another visitor to PSU list

And You Thought Last Weekends Visits Were Huge

We already knew about Maurice Evans and Andrew Quarless among others were coming this weekend. Pretty big weekend with that itself. Well, it has now has went up a few degrees. (even with over half a foot of snow on the ground)

Vidal Hazelton has decided to give PSU his last official visit. Just a few short days ago, it was thought that we were left off his list to visit, however Big Red pulled off the unthinkable. Not only did he get Vidal to come this weekend, but Vidal then talked Shady (McCoy) into changing his plans to come up with him. LeSean was scheduled to visit North Carolina this weekend however it is now reported that he will be at state college. Add that another Virginia commitment, George Johnson, is making the trip and it is getting quite nice. Bani Gbadyu is also said to make it up to watch a pre-bowl game practice. It would take a while to count all the stars that are to be in Happy Valley this weekend. Hopefully the roads stay clear...

Scout.com: Surprise, Surprise for the Nittany Lions

Awards Day

Joe won the AFCA National Coach of the Year award last evening. This is Joes 4th time he has won the award. He also won his 11th AFCA Region Coach of the Year award. The first time that has ever been done. (on a side now, Bobby Bowden has yet to win the award)

Posluszny also won the Dednarik Award. An award that is given to the nations top defensive player.

Pos and Tambi were also recognized as members of the Walter Camp All-American team.

Press Release - 9

New Jerseys Needed Next Year?

This is the first I have heard of this, so I thought that I would give the heads up. There were a LOT of #2 jerseys sold this past year and for good reason. PSU's star Freshman WR Derrick Williams. However, next year it is anticipated that Derrick will take back his #1 jersey since Anwar will be graduating. All those #2 jerseys out there may make you represent Bowman next year...

It is official

Navorro Bowman chooses Penn State over Ohio State and Virginia Tech. Bowman is the 4 star, 20th ranked LB (by scout.com) from Maryland.

Now lets hope that the expected snow does not keep away the other big names that are to make visits this weekend.

Scout.com: Bowman Chooses Penn State

Make the Cut?

Three big cuts today.

A.J. Wallace narrowed his choices (sort of). A.J. has one visit left to make which he said would either be Miami or USC. However, he also mentioned that he "will likely not take it". This leaves Nebraska, Florida State, Ohio State and PSU. He takes it a little further by saying that he is "leaning toward Ohio State and Penn State", but an inhouse visit by Bobby Bowden next week could change that.

With a January 7th commitment expected at the Army AA game, could the PSU vs. FSU game come into play for his decision?

Scout.com: Wallace Down to Two

Phillip Taylor also had an update today. He mentions that he still has his top 5 but "the two [he is] leaning to are Maryland and Penn State". He went a little further as well with saying that the Lions have a slight lead over the Terrapins.

Scout.com: Taylor: One Team Has Slight Edge

Maurice Evans is making the trip to State College this weekend. He has narrowed his choices down to Penn State and Virginia with the Virginia trip coming next weekend. Maurice has said that if he likes PSU this weekend he will commit while visiting.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

Louisiana Tech - Whole Filled

It is official. The loss of the Louisiana Tech game has been filled. PSU will be playing Youngstown State September 16th, 2006.

Press Release - 9

Good and Bad

I will give the bad first.

DeMarco Murray (5 star RB/CB) announced a few days back that PSU would get his last visit. However, DeMarco has had a change of heart. After visiting USC this past weekend, DeMarco has decided against taking any more trips.

Scout.com: A Change of Plans with Penn State?

Evan Royster has narrowed his list down to 4 to include Nebraska, Oklahoma, Florida and Penn State. Evan is a 3 star RB from Virginia.

Big Weekend Update

Well it is PSU vs. FSU in the Orange Bowl this year. I believe a good matchup in theory, however not a good matchup for PSU this year. If PSU wins people will say they were supposed to win and if they lose, people will say they were overrated. Hard place to be. I believe it will be a tough game to play. Bowden will have FSU ready to play and it should be a great game. I plan on being there. Go STATE!!!

On the recruiting front:

DeMarco Murray visited USC this past weekend. He come back saying that USC is "definitely in the lead right now". However PSU has their shot this weekend when the star from Las Vegas makes the trip to State College. Tom Bradley and DeMarco have a good relationship and with a little luck, we can sway him to come to PSU. PSU will be DeMarco's last visit. He is expected to announce at the U.S. Army All-American game.

Scout.com: One Down, One to Go For RB Murray

Johnnie Troutman was another in attendance this weekend. Troutman enjoyed himself to say that PSU and Ohio State are on top w/ PSU leading. However, Troutman still has to visit Ohio State.

Scout.com: Troutman: Lions Take Early Lead

Brent Carter returns from a trip to BC this past weekend. He said that he "enjoyed just chilling out with the players". Carter goes to PSU this weekend and says things are even at the moment.

Scout.com: Scout™ Database

2006 BCS

Did not realize all these changes were going into effect next year. Notre Dame rule changes and the "other" conferences are able to get in. Big change is that there is a Championship game aside from the big 4 bowls. Every 4 years they alternate which bowl plays 2 games (if I am reading it correctly). Very interesting...

Bowl Championship Series :: Future BCS Structure

NCAA Game Changing Play of the Year

Vote for PSU...

Pontiac

Recruiting Update

Navorro Bowman is announcing his college pick December 8th at 3:30 on ESPN2. Bowman has narrowed his choices down to Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Scout.com: Bowman Makes Up His Mind

Lou Eliades has narrowed his choices down to 4 schools. Notre Dame, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Scout.com: Is PSU in the Final Four?

Recruiting Update

A.J. Wallace is visiting Happy Valley this coming weekend. A.J. made it official today saying that he is taking an official visit to see what PSU can do for him. A.J. would probably end up being a Justin King type player where he would play both sides of the ball.

J.B. Walton is making the trip with A.J. Pretty big recruiting weekend.

Scout.com: Wallace: Visit to Penn State is Official

Visit no more. It appears that Brandon Graham is not going to visit PSU afterall. It was reported that he was taking a visit to State College, however he now has decided against it and will only visit Michigan, whom he already verbally committed to.

Scout.com: Brandon Graham Solid on Michigan