PSU Nittany Lions: Virginia Cavaliers
Regional recruiters are not the ones coming in to see a prospect the size of Sterling Jenkins (Pittsburgh/Baldwin). Colleges are sending offensive line coaches directly instead to size up the fastest-rising 2015 prospect in Pennsylvania.
There are not too many 16-year-old sophomores who stand 6-foot-8 and weigh 295 pounds, so coaches are the ones traveling to the Steel City to see Jenkins to properly gauge his stature. Baldwin coach Pete Wagner said colleges are surprised to see he is the real deal.
There are not too many 16-year-old sophomores who stand 6-foot-8 and weigh 295 pounds, so coaches are the ones traveling to the Steel City to see Jenkins to properly gauge his stature. Baldwin coach Pete Wagner said colleges are surprised to see he is the real deal.
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The RN Top 10 will appear throughout the camp and combine season and rank prospects based strictly on their on-field performance at that particular event. It does not reflect their overall prospect ranking.
ASHBURN, Va. – The East Coast and mid-Atlantic states represented well on Sunday as eight players earned invites to The Opening at the Nike Football Training Camp outside of Washington, D.C. Defense ruled the day, led by two five-star prospects from Virginia.
10. Nick Scott
Fairfax (Va.) Fairfax |RB| 5-11, 180
Scott stood out among a field of backs who were overshadowed by the prospects at nearly every other position. He earned the attention of coaches for his strong play and versatility but missed the MVP award, which went to Vincent Lowe (Chesapeake, Va./Grassfield), who also posted the top SPARQ score.
Scott committed to Penn State in February over an offer from Boston College.
ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert’s take: “He’s got a great frame, and what I like about him as a Penn State verbal, he’s a versatile player. He may not run by you, but he does a good job in route-running.”
ASHBURN, Va. – The East Coast and mid-Atlantic states represented well on Sunday as eight players earned invites to The Opening at the Nike Football Training Camp outside of Washington, D.C. Defense ruled the day, led by two five-star prospects from Virginia.
10. Nick Scott
Fairfax (Va.) Fairfax |RB| 5-11, 180
Scott stood out among a field of backs who were overshadowed by the prospects at nearly every other position. He earned the attention of coaches for his strong play and versatility but missed the MVP award, which went to Vincent Lowe (Chesapeake, Va./Grassfield), who also posted the top SPARQ score.
Scott committed to Penn State in February over an offer from Boston College.
ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert’s take: “He’s got a great frame, and what I like about him as a Penn State verbal, he’s a versatile player. He may not run by you, but he does a good job in route-running.”
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Alex Bookser (Pittsburgh/Mt. Lebanon) was wandering the halls when his high school coach told him he had a phone call to make and to head to the athletics office. Ohio State wanted to get in touch with him.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound two-way lineman was a little surprised. Not that the Buckeyes were interested but that his coach Mike Melnyk, a former Michigan placekicker, was telling him about it.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound two-way lineman was a little surprised. Not that the Buckeyes were interested but that his coach Mike Melnyk, a former Michigan placekicker, was telling him about it.
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2014 OT Grimm talks combine, Penn State 
January, 16, 2013
Jan 16
11:00
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Mike Grimm (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) felt his palms sweat as he stepped in line for one-one-ones at the U.S. Army National Combine. He didn't know what to expect and felt uneasy around a group of unfamiliar faces.
The 2014 offensive tackle alternated between staring at the ground -- "That's how I was getting in the zone," he said -- and watching other players spar in the drills. The air was a cool 42 degrees outside but, inside the Alamadome, he felt comfortable.
The 2014 offensive tackle alternated between staring at the ground -- "That's how I was getting in the zone," he said -- and watching other players spar in the drills. The air was a cool 42 degrees outside but, inside the Alamadome, he felt comfortable.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Class of 2014 running back prospect Johnathan Thomas (Danvers, Mass./St. Johns Prep) posted one of the top 40-yard-dash times at the Under Armour National Combine on Friday. The 5-foot-10, 196-pound athlete turned in a blazing 4.47 40 time.
Thomas is expected to be one of the top prospects in Massachussetts and he's already hearing from some of the top schools in the northeast.
"I have offers from Boston College, UMass, Virginia and UConn. Penn State is showing a lot of interest," Thomas said. "So is Virginia Tech."
Thomas is expected to be one of the top prospects in Massachussetts and he's already hearing from some of the top schools in the northeast.
"I have offers from Boston College, UMass, Virginia and UConn. Penn State is showing a lot of interest," Thomas said. "So is Virginia Tech."
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OT Grimm dominates at Army combine
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
4:59
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO - - ESPN Watch List offensive tackle Mike Grimm (Bethel Park, Pa.) was on a mission to represent his state on Friday at the U.S. Army National Combine, and he did just that.
Grimm (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) won 10 of his 12 1-on-1s to cap off a very impressive day.
“I just wanted to win all of my 1-on-1s and show everyone what’s going on with Pittsburgh,” he said. “I think I did pretty good. I ran a 5.5 40. I had a vertical of 23.5 and won all but two 1-on-1s.”
Grimm (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) won 10 of his 12 1-on-1s to cap off a very impressive day.
“I just wanted to win all of my 1-on-1s and show everyone what’s going on with Pittsburgh,” he said. “I think I did pretty good. I ran a 5.5 40. I had a vertical of 23.5 and won all but two 1-on-1s.”
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UVa commit Cook scheduling officials
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
4:53
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Safety Malcolm Cook (Fork Union, Va./Fork Union Military Academy) remains committed to Virginia, but he said he plans to "shop around" before signing day.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound prospect will take an official visit to Virginia on Jan. 18 before visiting Virginia Tech a week later. Cook is also in the midst of scheduling an official to Wake Forest, and he's also considering trips to Syracuse and TCU.
"I'm going to go to those schools and shop around, but right now I'm committed to Virginia and [head coach] Mike London," he said. "I want to see what those places have to offer. I don't think that'll change my mind -- I don't think there's really anything that could change my mind -- but I just want to see."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound prospect will take an official visit to Virginia on Jan. 18 before visiting Virginia Tech a week later. Cook is also in the midst of scheduling an official to Wake Forest, and he's also considering trips to Syracuse and TCU.
"I'm going to go to those schools and shop around, but right now I'm committed to Virginia and [head coach] Mike London," he said. "I want to see what those places have to offer. I don't think that'll change my mind -- I don't think there's really anything that could change my mind -- but I just want to see."
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QB Rocco interested, but PSU not an option
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
4:00
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Former Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco, who was granted a release from his scholarship Nov. 30, has been in contact with Penn State -- but future scholarship restrictions have prevented any kind of transfer.
"There's been definite interest and some discussion," said his father, Frank, a PSU alum, "but my understanding is just the scholarship numbers are going to affect it. I think if that was different then we'd be very much heading down that path."
Penn State will have just 65 scholarships available in 2014, and it's set to have three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster by then.
Michael Rocco would have to sit out in 2013 due to transfer rules but could compete in 2014 as a redshirt senior if he opts to stay within the FBS. His father said he's already moved out of Charlottesville, and he'll make visits this week and next before enrolling in a new school.
The elder Rocco declined to name the schools still under consideration but said they involve the FBS and FCS. Michael last spoke with Penn State about a week ago, and his father said that no longer remains an option because of the restrictions.
"Penn State needed an additional quarterback for the spring, and Mike was ready to do that," Frank Rocco said. "Nonetheless, he's going to be somewhere in a couple weeks."
Michael Rocco threw for 2,671 yards in 2011, the most for a first-year starter in school history, and led the Cavaliers to an 8-5 record and its first bowl game since 2007. But Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims transferred to Virginia, and the two battled against one another for playing time throughout the 2012 season.
The Cavaliers finished a disappointing 4-8 this past season, and head coach Mike London fired four assistants.
"There's been definite interest and some discussion," said his father, Frank, a PSU alum, "but my understanding is just the scholarship numbers are going to affect it. I think if that was different then we'd be very much heading down that path."
Penn State will have just 65 scholarships available in 2014, and it's set to have three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster by then.
Michael Rocco would have to sit out in 2013 due to transfer rules but could compete in 2014 as a redshirt senior if he opts to stay within the FBS. His father said he's already moved out of Charlottesville, and he'll make visits this week and next before enrolling in a new school.
The elder Rocco declined to name the schools still under consideration but said they involve the FBS and FCS. Michael last spoke with Penn State about a week ago, and his father said that no longer remains an option because of the restrictions.
"Penn State needed an additional quarterback for the spring, and Mike was ready to do that," Frank Rocco said. "Nonetheless, he's going to be somewhere in a couple weeks."
Michael Rocco threw for 2,671 yards in 2011, the most for a first-year starter in school history, and led the Cavaliers to an 8-5 record and its first bowl game since 2007. But Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims transferred to Virginia, and the two battled against one another for playing time throughout the 2012 season.
The Cavaliers finished a disappointing 4-8 this past season, and head coach Mike London fired four assistants.
Malcolm Cook (Fork Union, Va./Fork Union) hasn't officially decommitted from Virginia following the firing of four assistants, but the safety said he's re-opening his recruitment.
In the last 48 hours, the prospect has received 11 offers and entertained visits and phone calls from the likes of Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and USC. He planned to speak with the Trojans after basketball practice Wednesday, and he chatted in-person with Penn State assistant Charles London on Tuesday.
"It doesn't really matter to me about other schools looking at me," he said, when asked whether this new attention was a consolation. "The reason I committed to Virginia was because of the defensive coordinator, Coach [Jim] Reid. So I was really hurt by Coach Reid not being there.
In the last 48 hours, the prospect has received 11 offers and entertained visits and phone calls from the likes of Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and USC. He planned to speak with the Trojans after basketball practice Wednesday, and he chatted in-person with Penn State assistant Charles London on Tuesday.
"It doesn't really matter to me about other schools looking at me," he said, when asked whether this new attention was a consolation. "The reason I committed to Virginia was because of the defensive coordinator, Coach [Jim] Reid. So I was really hurt by Coach Reid not being there.
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WR Hamilton talks recruitment, officials
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
11:30
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
A medium-sized suitcase, enough to fit a few days' worth of clothes, sits in the corner of DaeSean Hamilton's bedroom.
But the four-star wideout, who boasts double-digit offers, doesn't lug that around on college visits. No, that stays in the corner -- with dozens upon dozens of handwritten letters stuffed inside like a mailbag.
"It's a bit of motivation" said Hamilton, a receiver out of Stafford (Va.) Mountain View. "I don't try to take it for granted. I just use it as a boost to keep doing what I've been doing."
But the four-star wideout, who boasts double-digit offers, doesn't lug that around on college visits. No, that stays in the corner -- with dozens upon dozens of handwritten letters stuffed inside like a mailbag.
"It's a bit of motivation" said Hamilton, a receiver out of Stafford (Va.) Mountain View. "I don't try to take it for granted. I just use it as a boost to keep doing what I've been doing."
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Cook enjoys PSU visit, still 'solid' to UVa
October, 31, 2012
10/31/12
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Safety Malcolm Cook (Fork Union, Va./Fork Union) said he remains "100 percent committed to Virginia," but he still felt like part of the Penn State family over the weekend.
Cook joined his high school teammate Christian Hackenberg as a recruiting guest Saturday and the two checked out a tailgate before before joining PSU's other commits at Beaver Stadium. He shared popcorn with Adam Breneman and Kasey Gaines, and even took a sip of Breneman's soda.
"It's how they were to me, just like family," Cook said with a laugh. "Adam was like, 'Taste this, man' and I'm like, 'I don't want to taste it.' ... A guy on the field told us we all act like brothers."
Cook joined his high school teammate Christian Hackenberg as a recruiting guest Saturday and the two checked out a tailgate before before joining PSU's other commits at Beaver Stadium. He shared popcorn with Adam Breneman and Kasey Gaines, and even took a sip of Breneman's soda.
"It's how they were to me, just like family," Cook said with a laugh. "Adam was like, 'Taste this, man' and I'm like, 'I don't want to taste it.' ... A guy on the field told us we all act like brothers."
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2014 LB Tyler Burke holds three offers
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
10:00
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Middle linebacker Tyler Burke sneaked up to the line of scrimmage Friday and darted for the quarterback as soon as the center flinched. Immediate sack.
The 2014 prospect jogged over to the sideline a few plays later and turned toward a Coatesville assistant coach: "So, was that good?"
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Instant analysis: Virginia 17, Penn State 16
September, 8, 2012
9/08/12
3:49
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By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Here's a quick look back at Virginia's come-from-behind 17-16 win over Penn State:
It was over when: With about 90 seconds left in the game, on third-and-goal from Penn State's 6-yard line, Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco found tight end Jake McGeeopen in the end zone for what would be the game-winning touchdown. The Hoos marched 86 yards on 10 plays in 6:36. Penn State kicker Sam Ficken would then miss a 42-yard field goal with no time remaining.
Gameball goes to: Jake McGee. He had four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winner. He also had a terrific catch in double coverage to exted UVa's final scoring drive. On third-and-16, he caught a 44-yard pass from Rocco for the first down.
Stat of the game: Virginia's defense held PSU to minus-17 yards and no points after its three turnovers. PSU, which missed its first three field goals, didn't score any points off of UVa's turnovers until Ficken's 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Halftime Analysis: Penn State 7, Virginia 3
September, 8, 2012
9/08/12
1:48
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Matt McGloin jogged to the locker room late in the second quarter with an apparent elbow injury, and true freshman Steven Bench is now in at quarterback.
It's not yet known if McGloin will return, so Penn State might now be without all of its top skill players from the spring. Starting tailback Silas Redd (transfer) and backup Bill Belton (injury) are gone, No. 1 wideout Justin Brown defected for Oklahoma, McGloin is injured and kicker Anthony Fera transferred.
Stat of the half: Three. The number of fourth-down conversions PSU made in the first half, two on the opening drive and one on a fake punt that resulted in a 19-yard run by middle linebacker Glenn Carson. Bill O'Brien's gambles have certainly paid off so far. They're 3-for-4 -- and the Lions' scored their only TD thanks to two of those conversions.
Player of the half: Jordan Hill. He's wreaked havoc in the middle of Virginia's offense and also grabbed an interception that's bound to appear on some highlight tapes. He's been one of the few bright spots in this game.
What's working for Penn State: Turnovers. Linebacker Michael Mauti stressed that his team had to force fumbles or make interceptions this week, and Penn State's done both so far. Mauti forced a fumble, and Hill hauled in an interception. Unfortunately for PSU, the offense couldn't capitalize.
What's not working for Penn State: Special teams. Sam Ficken missed two field goals -- from 40 yards and 38 yards -- and punter Alex Butterworth can't seem to hit a punt longer than 40 yards.
What's working for Virginia: Blitzing. The Cavaliers' front-seven has confused Penn State's offensive line by showing different blitzes. Penn State's having difficulty adjusting. And while that's just led to two sacks, it's forced several incompletions by McGloin.
What's not working for Virginia: Passing game. Michael Rocco is missing some easy throws, and his intended targets aren't making this any easier. Tight end Paul Freedman fumbled in the first quarter and several players made critical drops. A strength of UVA has been looking like a weakness.
It's not yet known if McGloin will return, so Penn State might now be without all of its top skill players from the spring. Starting tailback Silas Redd (transfer) and backup Bill Belton (injury) are gone, No. 1 wideout Justin Brown defected for Oklahoma, McGloin is injured and kicker Anthony Fera transferred.
Stat of the half: Three. The number of fourth-down conversions PSU made in the first half, two on the opening drive and one on a fake punt that resulted in a 19-yard run by middle linebacker Glenn Carson. Bill O'Brien's gambles have certainly paid off so far. They're 3-for-4 -- and the Lions' scored their only TD thanks to two of those conversions.
Player of the half: Jordan Hill. He's wreaked havoc in the middle of Virginia's offense and also grabbed an interception that's bound to appear on some highlight tapes. He's been one of the few bright spots in this game.
What's working for Penn State: Turnovers. Linebacker Michael Mauti stressed that his team had to force fumbles or make interceptions this week, and Penn State's done both so far. Mauti forced a fumble, and Hill hauled in an interception. Unfortunately for PSU, the offense couldn't capitalize.
What's not working for Penn State: Special teams. Sam Ficken missed two field goals -- from 40 yards and 38 yards -- and punter Alex Butterworth can't seem to hit a punt longer than 40 yards.
What's working for Virginia: Blitzing. The Cavaliers' front-seven has confused Penn State's offensive line by showing different blitzes. Penn State's having difficulty adjusting. And while that's just led to two sacks, it's forced several incompletions by McGloin.
What's not working for Virginia: Passing game. Michael Rocco is missing some easy throws, and his intended targets aren't making this any easier. Tight end Paul Freedman fumbled in the first quarter and several players made critical drops. A strength of UVA has been looking like a weakness.
Every week, NittanyNation takes a look at five storylines that stand out for Penn State's opponent: What should fans keep an eye on? What's the bigger picture? What might be on display Saturday?
Here are NittanyNation's Week 2 storylines for the Cavaliers:
1. It's a family reunion for Michael Rocco. The Virginia quarterback's father played as the backup quarterback on Penn State's 1982 national championship team, and his grandfather was an assistant under Joe Paterno. Rocco has a lot of family in Pennsylvania, and they're all coming down to watch him. Michael grew up as a Penn State fan, and that was his dream school, so it should be a surreal day for the junior. Paterno offered him a grayshirt, not a scholarship, because he had already offered Rob Bolden and Paul Jones. Rocco opted for a scholarship elsewhere.
Here are NittanyNation's Week 2 storylines for the Cavaliers:
1. It's a family reunion for Michael Rocco. The Virginia quarterback's father played as the backup quarterback on Penn State's 1982 national championship team, and his grandfather was an assistant under Joe Paterno. Rocco has a lot of family in Pennsylvania, and they're all coming down to watch him. Michael grew up as a Penn State fan, and that was his dream school, so it should be a surreal day for the junior. Paterno offered him a grayshirt, not a scholarship, because he had already offered Rob Bolden and Paul Jones. Rocco opted for a scholarship elsewhere.
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ABOUT NITTANY NATION
Josh Moyer
Josh Moyer joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Penn State football for recruiting website Nittany Network and City Hall for The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Moyer graduated from Penn State and earned his graduate degree at Columbia. Email him at espnjoshmoyer@gmail.com.