PSU Nittany Lions: DaeSean Hamilton
NittanyNation takes a look at this week’s Penn State football news and what you might have missed:
- Defensive end Deion Barnes hates missing sacks. He can still recall each of the four he missed last season, and the humble redshirt sophomore is intent on improving upon that this season. His mother, father, high school coach and teammates talk about what makes him tick in this in-depth feature.
- The coach of 2014 PSU commit Mark Allen talks about what makes his player special
and how he knew from Allen's Pop Warner days that he'd find success.
- Three-star LB Zayd Issah faces felony charges after police say he tried to pass off counterfeit $20 bills at a McDonald's.
- Who's impressed or surprised the most so far this spring? NittanyNation polled the players to find out.
- PSU signee DaeSean Hamilton talks about taking up yoga and preparing for life at PSU in this week's edition of "5 Questions."
- ESPN Watch List QB Michael O'Connor didn't come away from PSU with a scholarship offer , but he did hear other really good news during his unofficial visit.
- News, notes and observations from parts of Thursday's open practice.
- As part of an ongoing series, NittanyNation takes a closer look at 2014 prospects with PSU offers -- including best highlights, stats, other offers and more. Up this past week: WR De'Andre Thompkins and CB Jabrill Peppers .
- Adam Rittenberg writes that linebacker Mike Hull is set up for a breakout season.
- OL Quenton Nelson is aiming to trim his list after more visits and will see PSU for the Blue-White Game.
- 2015 CB Jordan Whitehead talks about the Nittany Lions and his recruitment in this in-depth Q&A.
- Interest is picking up for linebacker Tyler Burke, but PSU seems to have backed off .
- NCAA president Mark Emmert said on "Mike & Mike" that Penn State's sanctions will likely remain.
- David Njoku, a 6-foot-4 wideout, said his interest in PSU 'skyrocketed' after his unofficial visit.
Every week, NittanyNation will pose five questions to a recruit, player, alum or coach about all things Penn State.
This week's subject is DaeSean Hamilton, a four-star wideout out of Stafford (Va.) Mountain View who committed in December and signed in February. He'll arrive on campus in June.
This week's subject is DaeSean Hamilton, a four-star wideout out of Stafford (Va.) Mountain View who committed in December and signed in February. He'll arrive on campus in June.
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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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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 wideout DaeSean Hamilton's answers for every category right here.
NittanyNation asked two Penn State commits about their favorite-everythings. So, we decided to list wideout DaeSean Hamilton's answers for every category right here.
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Every weekday until signing day, NittanyNation will break down a commitment from Penn State’s 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, Stafford, Va./Mountain View, 6-foot, 185 pounds
Vitals: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, Stafford, Va./Mountain View, 6-foot, 185 pounds
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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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With signing day just three weeks away and Penn State's 2013 class almost in the books, NittanyNation takes an early look at the next recruiting class and what to keep an eye on.
Because of the sanctions, Penn State will be allowed just 65 scholarships for the 2014 season. As a result, the next recruiting class will likely consist of about a dozen commits.
Here's a breakdown of each position:
Because of the sanctions, Penn State will be allowed just 65 scholarships for the 2014 season. As a result, the next recruiting class will likely consist of about a dozen commits.
Here's a breakdown of each position:
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Over the next week, NittanyNation will be taking a glance at different positions and their outlook for next season.
WIDE RECEIVERS
WIDE RECEIVERS
- Who: Allen Robinson is the star on this receiver corps, but the lineup isn't all that clear after placing him at the No. 1 spot. Brandon Moseby-Felder could still be in position to be the No. 2 target, but rising redshirt freshman Eugene Lewis and rising sophomore Trevor Williams will try their best to overtake him. Lewis has the higher ceiling, but Williams is more refined at this point. This group could see quite a bit of shuffling before Week 1 begins.
- Strengths: Penn State might be lacking depth at other positions, but it's absolutely stacked at wide receiver. There'll be at least 10 players at the position next season, which should provide some good competition and some close battles. Most of the wideouts here -- such as Robinson, Lewis and incoming freshman DaeSean Hamilton -- are more athletic than fast. Their leaping ability and hands are all good, and they should be an exciting group to watch.
- Weaknesses: Consistency was definitely something missing last season. Dropped balls plagued the wideouts -- even Robinson at times -- throughout the season. There's also not really a deep threat with top-end speed here. Alex Kenney is incredibly quick, but he seems to be made more in the mold of a track athlete than football player. Moseby-Felder showed flashes last season after overcoming an injury, and he might be Penn State's best bet as a deep threat as long as he stays healthy.
- Player to watch: Lewis is going to be a good one. He didn't play last season because he was unaccustomed to running routes since he played quarterback in high school. After a year of learning, he'll definitely be utilized in 2013 -- and he could end up being the biggest surprise on the offense.
- Overall: The receivers should be much improved from last season. Everyone with significant playing time returns, and it's difficult to see how a drop-off could occur with another offseason under Stan Hixon. Some of the wideouts' numbers might decline with a new quarterback, but the talent at this position will definitely be an improvement over 2012.
Wideout DaeSean Hamilton (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) didn't expect to become Penn State's 17th commitment on Dec. 9 -- but he also didn't expect the school to outshine the others so much either.
NittanyNation recently spoke with Hamilton at length about his plans for next season, what separated Penn State and why he decided to become a Nittany Lion.
NittanyNation: Penn State made your initial top 5 or top 7. What was it about them to begin with that put them toward the top of your list? Why'd you consider them so much at the start?
NittanyNation recently spoke with Hamilton at length about his plans for next season, what separated Penn State and why he decided to become a Nittany Lion.
NittanyNation: Penn State made your initial top 5 or top 7. What was it about them to begin with that put them toward the top of your list? Why'd you consider them so much at the start?
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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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With four recruits committing to Penn State over the weekend, NittanyNation decided to turn to the people who know best what they're capable of on the field -- their high school coaches.
NittanyNation polled those coaches about what separates each player, how they first noticed the player's ability and when the player really showcased his college potential. A different commit will be highlighted in each of the next four days.
Up today: DaeSean Hamilton, Stafford (Va.) Mountain View
NittanyNation polled those coaches about what separates each player, how they first noticed the player's ability and when the player really showcased his college potential. A different commit will be highlighted in each of the next four days.
Up today: DaeSean Hamilton, Stafford (Va.) Mountain View
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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.