PSU Nittany Lions

NittanyNation recently asked four-star offensive tackle Andrew Nelson (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) to explain, in his own words, why he decided to commit to Penn State. The below article is written entirely by Nelson without any help from ESPN.

A number of high school football players, through hard work and dedication, earn the opportunity to be recruited by the nation’s top football universities during their high school football careers. I, by the grace of God, was one of those players.

For many, the recruiting process includes trips all over the nation to visit universities, compiling lists of pros and cons for every school, and many hours spent with parents deciding what’s best for the student-athlete’s future. While some of this went on during my recruiting process, the decision of which university I would choose came much easier for me than for most recruits. My decision to go to Penn State was influenced by many things; a great education, a quality coaching staff, and relationships are three areas that were unmatched at Penn State.

First is the education. While some athletes might look past the degree, my parents instilled in me that football will end someday for everybody -- and when that day comes, it’s what you know that will make you successful. So, during my recruiting, I always tried to keep my eye on the prize, which is the value of education.

Through the Penn State recruiting process, it was easy to see that education came first. I still remember back to my Junior Day at Penn State when we sat and talked with the academic advisors at PSU longer than we did with any of the coaches. That’s something I really appreciate about Penn State; it knows that the education comes first. At a highly esteemed institution such at Penn State, the degree I will walk away with is almost priceless. So, once I found out they offered my major, kinesiology, I knew the education would be unmatched.

Second is the coaching staff, another category where I believe Penn State is unmatched. When it came to the coaching staff, I focused on which staff could best develop me as a player and, more importantly, a young man of character. If there was any staff that could develop me best as a player and into possible NFL material, it is Penn State. Coach [Bill] O’Brien and Coach Mac [McWhorter] have come from very highly esteemed football programs before coming to Penn State, so I know that they’re experts on what it takes to make me the best.

(Read full post)

Penn State has filled its open coaching position by hiring former Georgia State defensive coordinator Anthony Midget.

Midget will coach the safeties, while John Butler -- who replaced Ted Roof as Penn State's defensive coordinator -- will continue to coach the cornerbacks. Midget was hired by Marshall toward the end of January, but opted to leave for Happy Valley.

"It's an honor to be part of the Penn State family and this great university," Midget said in a news release. "I am thankful to Coach [Bill] O'Brien for the opportunity to come to Penn State and am excited to get to know the players and get ready for spring practice."

Midget was a three-year starter at cornerback for Virginia Tech in the late 1990s. He was a fifth-round draft pick who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Hokies as a graduate assistant in 2007.

One year later, he became a member of Georgia State's coaching staff and was promoted to defensive coordinator last season. The Panthers struggled to a 1-10 record and allowed 234 passing yards per game.

The Clewiston, Fla., native is expected to be a boon to Penn State's recruiting efforts thanks to his Southern roots. Roof was well-known around Georgia and also boasted strong ties to Alabama, so Midget's background should help him get a jump-start.

Brandon Bell (Mays Landing, N.J./Oakcrest) is the highest-rated linebacker of Penn State's 2013 class, and big things are expected out of the 6-foot defender.

So, NittanyNation decided to get a better idea of Bell's playing style and ability by polling five of the 10 coaches he faced this season. They shared their impressions, recollected memorable plays and talked about what fans have to look forward to from the three-star commit.

Click here to read the story

Brian Bennett discusses the Big Ten's decision to stop scheduling nonconference football games against FCS programs.