PSU Nittany Lions: Andrew Nelson
NittanyNation takes a look at this week’s Penn State football news and what you might have missed:
- Coaches who squared off against Brandon Bell sounded off on the Penn State commit and appeared most impressed by his speed and range.
- Andrew Nelson wrote a column for NittanyNation on why he chose Penn State. He listed academics, coaching staff and relationships as his three main reasons.
- Penn State hired former Georgia State defensive coordinator Anthony Midget as the safeties coach.
- Video: NCAA president Mark Emmert discussed the penalties imposed against Penn State on "Outside the Lines."
- Tight end-turned-offensive tackle Garry Gilliam received an extra year of eligibility.
- Parker Cothren's coach talked about his player and said Cothren stood his ground against ESPN's top-rated OT -- despite weighing in more than 40 pounds lighter than him.
- Listen: Jay Paterno joined "Mike and Mike" to discuss the family's report on the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
- We took an overview at all the run-ons on defense/special teams along with the run-ons on offense.
- Penn State's first commit of the 2014 class, Mark Allen, said he felt called to be a leader and wants to help the staff reel in other commits in the class.
- We started up our "Meet the run-on" series by offering a glance at the following walk-ons: Sean Corcoran, Brandon Smith, Cole Chiappialle and Tom Pancoast.
- OT Juwann Bushell-Beatty will visit PSU soon, and Anthony Davis will also likely make another visit. The staff has also been in the ear of athlete Patrick Amara.
- Mailbag: From breakout players to quarterbacks, NittanyNation answered several questions in-depth as part of the bi-weekly mailbag.
- We listed five Penn State commits who are rated three-stars that fans should keep an eye on.
- Linebacker Carter Henderson talked in a Q&A about why he turned down offers from several FCS and Div. II schools to walk-on at PSU.
- ESPN Watch List prospect D'Andre Payne named his top schools ... and Penn State has some catching up to do.
- Video: Brian Bennett talks about the B1G's decision to stop scheduling games against FCS opponents.
- Harrisburg (Pa.) RB Rob Martin received his first few offers earlier in the week and said he plans to attend Penn State's junior day.
Andrew Nelson column: Why I chose PSU
February, 14, 2013
Feb 14
1:00
PM ET
By NittanyNation | ESPN.com
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.
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.
- Andrew Nelson
- Offensive tackle
- 2013
- Committed: Penn State
| Pos Rk | Stars | Grade | Hometown |
| 17 | | 82 | Hershey, PA |
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.
Now that Penn State's Class of 2013 is officially in the books, we decided to ask the commits about their future with the Nittany Lions.
NittanyNation posed the same question to everyone: How do you think -- or hope -- your class will be remembered in four or five years?
Here's what they had to say:
NittanyNation posed the same question to everyone: How do you think -- or hope -- your class will be remembered in four or five years?
Here's what they had to say:
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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- He rarely addresses the media. He doesn't opine for the spotlight. Heck, Bill O'Brien didn't mention his name once during Wednesday's 33-minute national signing day press conference.
But don't be fooled here. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. has played one of the most important roles in piecing together this 2013 recruiting class.
But don't be fooled here. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. has played one of the most important roles in piecing together this 2013 recruiting class.
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Coaches aren't able to talk about individual recruits until they sign their letters of intent. Here's how Penn State coach Bill O'Brien responded to questions about them Wednesday:
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Penn State has signed larger and more decorated recruiting classes than the 2013 version, and brought in more big names. But the program has never faced NCAA sanctions, including scholarship reductions and postseason probation. Under the circumstances, the 17-member recruiting class PSU signed Wednesday might be one of the most impressive in team history. Penn State brought in star power like quarterback Christian Hackenberg and tight end Adam Breneman, retained most of its top recruits and addressed several needs. Head coach Bill O'Brien and his assistants have received a lot of praise for their first recruiting class of the sanction era, and deservedly so.
ESPN.com caught up with O'Brien on Wednesday to discuss the class.
ESPN.com caught up with O'Brien on Wednesday to discuss the class.
Signing day has gone smoothly in Happy Valley.
Here's a recap of how the letters of intent came in and how the class came together in Penn State's Class of 2013.
Follow the live blog after the jump.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- With Penn State's fax machine whirring early Wednesday morning, NittanyNation takes an overall look at the expected recruiting class.
From top players to sleepers, misses and everything in-between, there's a lot going on in this class:
Who they got: Penn State looks as if it will sign 17 players this class, including the five who have already enrolled. The headliners are ESPN's No. 1 QB in Christian Hackenberg and No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, who have helped bring the same kind of excitement to this class as Derrick Williams and Justin King in 2005. Penn State turned in a quality offensive group, with four-star prospects also at offensive guard (Brendan Mahon), offensive tackle (Andrew Nelson) and wideout (DaeSean Hamilton).
From top players to sleepers, misses and everything in-between, there's a lot going on in this class:
Who they got: Penn State looks as if it will sign 17 players this class, including the five who have already enrolled. The headliners are ESPN's No. 1 QB in Christian Hackenberg and No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, who have helped bring the same kind of excitement to this class as Derrick Williams and Justin King in 2005. Penn State turned in a quality offensive group, with four-star prospects also at offensive guard (Brendan Mahon), offensive tackle (Andrew Nelson) and wideout (DaeSean Hamilton).
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Penn State's Class of 2013 ranks among the top 25 in the nation, and it's been one of the more surprising stories of the recruiting season. These prospects could've gone elsewhere -- some could've attended anywhere -- but they stuck with the Nittany Lions.
They'll officially become part of Penn State today. So, we asked them, why did you want to commit Penn State? Here's what they had to say this week:
They'll officially become part of Penn State today. So, we asked them, why did you want to commit Penn State? Here's what they had to say this week:
- QB Christian Hackenberg, Fork Union, Va./Fork Union, four stars, No. 15 in ESPN 150: "You know, I just got this gut feeling that it was home for me. Everything fell in line for me moreso than the other schools. I liked a lot of other schools, but I loved Penn State."
- OT Andrew Nelson, Hershey, Pa./Hershey, four stars:"Well, first off, I've been a Penn State fan my entire life. My dad went to Penn State, his whole family went to Penn State, my sister went to Penn State -- so I've been watching Penn State my whole life. So, since like fifth grade, I wanted to play for Penn State. It also came down to, most importantly, the education. That should be first on everyone's list, and it was on mine. Penn State offered a great education, and it offered the major I'm looking for.
- "And, secondly, it would have to be the coaching staff and how they can develop me -- not just as a player but as a man of character. I think this coaching staff will do the best job of that. And, then, location comes into it. I have to admit I'm a momma's boy, and I love being around my family. And I want them to come and watch me play. So, in a nutshell, that's why."
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On Friday, RecruitingNation took you behind the scenes on recruiting trips and polled various prospects about their favorite memories on the recruiting trail.
NittanyNation asked two Penn State commits about their favorite-everythings. So, we decided to list offensive tackle Andrew Nelson's answers for every category right here. We'll have the second player tomorrow.
NittanyNation asked two Penn State commits about their favorite-everythings. So, we decided to list offensive tackle Andrew Nelson's answers for every category right here. We'll have the second player tomorrow.
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With two weeks left until signing day, NittanyNation takes a closer look at what fans should know about the state of the class and this Penn State team.
Team needs: Defensive coordinator John Butler made it clear he wasn't happy with the secondary's depth last season. At cornerback, untested true freshman Da'Quan Davis was the backup, and the safeties opened the year as the team's weakness.
That's not the only concern. With Matt McGloin's departure, Steven Bench is now the most experienced quarterback on the team. And he threw just eight passes last season. Linebacker is also a position that could use a few extra bodies, especially with Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges making a run at the NFL.
Team needs: Defensive coordinator John Butler made it clear he wasn't happy with the secondary's depth last season. At cornerback, untested true freshman Da'Quan Davis was the backup, and the safeties opened the year as the team's weakness.
That's not the only concern. With Matt McGloin's departure, Steven Bench is now the most experienced quarterback on the team. And he threw just eight passes last season. Linebacker is also a position that could use a few extra bodies, especially with Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges making a run at the NFL.
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Every weekday until signing day, NittanyNation will break down a commitment from Penn State’s 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Offensive tackle Andrew Nelson, Hershey, Pa./Hershey, 6-foot-5, 280 pounds
Committed: April 15, 2012
Vitals: Offensive tackle Andrew Nelson, Hershey, Pa./Hershey, 6-foot-5, 280 pounds
Committed: April 15, 2012
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Three future Penn State players -- two commits, one preferred walk-on -- have earned spots on the Pennsylvania team in the Big 33 Football Classic, an annual all-star game that now pits players from Maryland and the Keystone state.
Three-star athlete Zayd Issah (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) will play outside linebacker, while four-star OL Andrew Nelson (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) will be on offensive line. Preferred walk-on Evan Galimberti (State College, Pa./State College) will join him there.
Maryland will not choose its team until next month. The game will kick off on Saturday, June 15 at 7:06 p.m., in HersheyPark Stadium.
The all-star game traces its roots to 1957 and has at times included Texas, Ohio and East Pa. vs. West Pa. This will be the first year Pennsylvania doesn't play Ohio in 14 years; the Big 33 signed a five-year contract with Maryland in late October.
In the last meeting between Pennsylvania and Maryland was in 1992. Pennsylvania won 38-0.
Other familiar names to make the team include Pitt commit WR Tyler Boyd, PSU target LB Chris Britton, Pitt commit (and former PSU commit) OL Dorian Johnson, PSU target WR Brian Lemelle, South Carolina commit RB David Williams and Michigan State commits QB Damion Terry and SS Delton Williams.
The Big 33 has a full roster here.
Three-star athlete Zayd Issah (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin) will play outside linebacker, while four-star OL Andrew Nelson (Hershey, Pa./Hershey) will be on offensive line. Preferred walk-on Evan Galimberti (State College, Pa./State College) will join him there.
Maryland will not choose its team until next month. The game will kick off on Saturday, June 15 at 7:06 p.m., in HersheyPark Stadium.
The all-star game traces its roots to 1957 and has at times included Texas, Ohio and East Pa. vs. West Pa. This will be the first year Pennsylvania doesn't play Ohio in 14 years; the Big 33 signed a five-year contract with Maryland in late October.
In the last meeting between Pennsylvania and Maryland was in 1992. Pennsylvania won 38-0.
Other familiar names to make the team include Pitt commit WR Tyler Boyd, PSU target LB Chris Britton, Pitt commit (and former PSU commit) OL Dorian Johnson, PSU target WR Brian Lemelle, South Carolina commit RB David Williams and Michigan State commits QB Damion Terry and SS Delton Williams.
The Big 33 has a full roster here.
Penn State's 2013 class: 5 things to know 
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
4:30
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
There's still about 44 days left for PSU to pick up two more players for the Class of 2013, but there's already some things we know about this group.
NittanyNation takes a look at five things that have already come into focus here:
1. The future for this offense is bright. If ESPN's No.1-rated passer, Christian Hackenberg, was the only offensive prospect in this class, that statement might still be accurate. But throw in the nation's No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, the No. 10 OG in Brendan Mahon and the No. 18 OT in Andrew Nelson -- and that's the best combination in the Big Ten.
NittanyNation takes a look at five things that have already come into focus here:
1. The future for this offense is bright. If ESPN's No.1-rated passer, Christian Hackenberg, was the only offensive prospect in this class, that statement might still be accurate. But throw in the nation's No. 1 TE in Adam Breneman, the No. 10 OG in Brendan Mahon and the No. 18 OT in Andrew Nelson -- and that's the best combination in the Big Ten.
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Official visits to Penn State this weekend
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
More than a dozen recruits and commits will converge on Happy Valley for their official visits this weekend, and Penn State's coaching staff is hoping it might earn at least one more commitment.
A majority of Penn State's 13 commits will drive or fly to campus Friday and then leave Sunday. The staff is hoping their loyalty rubs off on a quartet of uncommitted prospects, as this weekend is undoubtedly one of the most important -- recruiting-wise -- of the season.
Here's the visitors' list:
UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS
DaeSean Hamilton, WR
Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Four stars, No. 51 at position
Synopsis: He's already gone on official visits to Wake Forest and Virginia, and he might also see Virginia Tech. He wants to make a decision before the New Year, so this visit could likely go a long way in helping him decide. He's never before been to Happy Valley.
Zayd Issah, LB
Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Three stars, No. 118 at position (ATH)
Synopsis: He's been to Penn State multiple times, but he figured it was worth attending an official visit to see if it offered a different perspective or deeper look. He'll take an Oregon official after this -- and possibly another to Arizona State. But, at this point, it's probably a race between the Ducks and Lions.
Deondre Singleton, Cornerback
Unrated
Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Synopsis: Penn State is clearly Singleton's best offer. When asked last month why he hasn't yet committed, he said he just wants to a visit a school first before he makes a decision. It would be a surprise to see him land elsewhere; a commitment could be coming soon from Singleton.
Jonathan Walton, LB
Unrated
Daphne, Ala./Bayside
Synopsis: He went on an official visit to Minnesota last week, but it's clear PSU has a very good chance to land the linebacker. He took on a part-time job over the summer so he could afford to fly himself to Penn State for a camp, and he said he wanted to see the campus and get a feeling for what student life would actually be like -- since Penn State was deserted when he came up before.
COMMITTED PROSPECTS
A majority of Penn State's 13 commits will drive or fly to campus Friday and then leave Sunday. The staff is hoping their loyalty rubs off on a quartet of uncommitted prospects, as this weekend is undoubtedly one of the most important -- recruiting-wise -- of the season.
Here's the visitors' list:
UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS
DaeSean Hamilton, WR
Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Four stars, No. 51 at position
Synopsis: He's already gone on official visits to Wake Forest and Virginia, and he might also see Virginia Tech. He wants to make a decision before the New Year, so this visit could likely go a long way in helping him decide. He's never before been to Happy Valley.
Zayd Issah, LB
Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin
Three stars, No. 118 at position (ATH)
Synopsis: He's been to Penn State multiple times, but he figured it was worth attending an official visit to see if it offered a different perspective or deeper look. He'll take an Oregon official after this -- and possibly another to Arizona State. But, at this point, it's probably a race between the Ducks and Lions.
Deondre Singleton, Cornerback
Unrated
Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Synopsis: Penn State is clearly Singleton's best offer. When asked last month why he hasn't yet committed, he said he just wants to a visit a school first before he makes a decision. It would be a surprise to see him land elsewhere; a commitment could be coming soon from Singleton.
Jonathan Walton, LB
Unrated
Daphne, Ala./Bayside
Synopsis: He went on an official visit to Minnesota last week, but it's clear PSU has a very good chance to land the linebacker. He took on a part-time job over the summer so he could afford to fly himself to Penn State for a camp, and he said he wanted to see the campus and get a feeling for what student life would actually be like -- since Penn State was deserted when he came up before.
COMMITTED PROSPECTS
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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.