PSU Nittany Lions: Eric Shrive
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Every Wednesday, as part of a RecruitingNation-wide series, NittanyNation will take a closer look at what's going on in the world of Penn State recruiting.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Rise & grind: Players endure early workout
February, 8, 2013
Feb 8
12:00
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Players' tweets start up a little after 4:30 a.m., that strange time when it's not quite day and not quite night. Traffic lights blink yellow along College Avenue, and -- outside of a whirring Herr's potato chip truck -- the roads are silent.
On this starless night ... or morning (take your pick) ... players pry their heads off their pillows and descend on the nearby Lasch Football Building. Streetlights around town still shine, and not a single student is spotted walking on a campus that holds more than 40,000.
But Garry Gilliam, a tight end turned offensive tackle, is up. He tweeted, at 4:39 a.m, "They sleep, we grind. They dream, we shine."
On this Friday, Penn State football players' days have already started. In about 30 minutes, their morning workouts will begin.
5:12 a.m.
Bill O'Brien walks onto the field with a whistle draped around his neck. The players are still inside the building, throwing on their gray T-shirts and blue shorts, and Penn State's dimple-chinned coach awaits them in the 31-degree weather.
Four bright stadium lights for the practice field are flipped on, and snow covers the perimeter of the turf. O'Brien chats with the staff and grad assistants, who constantly shift their weight from one leg to another to stay warm. He's cracking jokes, smiling and seems to be acting as if it's 3 p.m. He's ready.
"We should've had this at 3," he says with a nod.
About five minutes later, players burst from the weight room doors. Some hold their hands in the air, almost as if they're running through the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium. They yell, they chatter, they run.
The nearby stereo starts blaring LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," and the drills begin.
5:28 a.m.
Strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald, an eccentric-but-beloved guy who's been known to lick the weight room floor and do the worm in pregames, is dressed in his trademark shorts, backward hat and T-shirt.
Players break into six groups. Some flip tires, others weave through cones, and others stretch. Fitzgerald guides about a dozen to the northwest corner of the field. If he pumps his arms left, they go left. Right, they go right. Down? Their stomachs kiss the turf.
But O'Brien isn't liking what he's seeing. He cuts the music, and the entire field falls silent like a third-grade classroom that's ticked off the schoolteacher for the last time.
"I don't see the intensity I'm expecting!" O'Brien barks. "Let's do it!"
The pace noticeably picks up.
Josh Moyer/ESPNPenn State's players participated in an early workout Friday.
But Garry Gilliam, a tight end turned offensive tackle, is up. He tweeted, at 4:39 a.m, "They sleep, we grind. They dream, we shine."
On this Friday, Penn State football players' days have already started. In about 30 minutes, their morning workouts will begin.
5:12 a.m.
Bill O'Brien walks onto the field with a whistle draped around his neck. The players are still inside the building, throwing on their gray T-shirts and blue shorts, and Penn State's dimple-chinned coach awaits them in the 31-degree weather.
Four bright stadium lights for the practice field are flipped on, and snow covers the perimeter of the turf. O'Brien chats with the staff and grad assistants, who constantly shift their weight from one leg to another to stay warm. He's cracking jokes, smiling and seems to be acting as if it's 3 p.m. He's ready.
"We should've had this at 3," he says with a nod.
About five minutes later, players burst from the weight room doors. Some hold their hands in the air, almost as if they're running through the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium. They yell, they chatter, they run.
The nearby stereo starts blaring LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," and the drills begin.
5:28 a.m.
Strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald, an eccentric-but-beloved guy who's been known to lick the weight room floor and do the worm in pregames, is dressed in his trademark shorts, backward hat and T-shirt.
Players break into six groups. Some flip tires, others weave through cones, and others stretch. Fitzgerald guides about a dozen to the northwest corner of the field. If he pumps his arms left, they go left. Right, they go right. Down? Their stomachs kiss the turf.
But O'Brien isn't liking what he's seeing. He cuts the music, and the entire field falls silent like a third-grade classroom that's ticked off the schoolteacher for the last time.
"I don't see the intensity I'm expecting!" O'Brien barks. "Let's do it!"
The pace noticeably picks up.
Experts, fans and pundits will analyze every angle of the 2013 recruiting class in the coming weeks, but there will be no certainties there. There never are in recruiting.
For every elite prospect who falls short, there's an Allen Robinson -- an under-the-radar, two-star prospect who exceeds all expectations. The only true way to gauge the success of a recruiting class is in hindsight, by simply waiting.
So, as part of a RecruitingNation-wide series, NittanyNation took a closer look at PSU's Class of 2009. Some fifth-year seniors will have one more chance to show what they have on the field next fall. But, at this point, it's pretty safe to judge whether the class was a bust or not.
For every elite prospect who falls short, there's an Allen Robinson -- an under-the-radar, two-star prospect who exceeds all expectations. The only true way to gauge the success of a recruiting class is in hindsight, by simply waiting.
So, as part of a RecruitingNation-wide series, NittanyNation took a closer look at PSU's Class of 2009. Some fifth-year seniors will have one more chance to show what they have on the field next fall. But, at this point, it's pretty safe to judge whether the class was a bust or not.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Obviously, coaches hope every elite recruit they reel in becomes a star player and household name. But recruiting doesn't work like that.
For every hit, there's a miss. So, NittanyNation decided to take a look at five big-name recruits -- from the 2006 class and on -- that never were. Here they are:
For every hit, there's a miss. So, NittanyNation decided to take a look at five big-name recruits -- from the 2006 class and on -- that never were. Here they are:
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
In spite of the sanctions, the Nittany Lions' recruiting class has held up remarkably well. It's currently ranked No. 24 in the nation and features the nation's top quarterback in Christian Hackenberg and top tight end in Adam Breneman.
Without the specter of the sanctions, this class would be even better. But how does it rank now compared to past Penn State classes? Is this class just as good, or has it noticeably slid a little?
NittanyNation takes a look back at the last four classes and sees how 2013 stacks up.
Without the specter of the sanctions, this class would be even better. But how does it rank now compared to past Penn State classes? Is this class just as good, or has it noticeably slid a little?
NittanyNation takes a look back at the last four classes and sees how 2013 stacks up.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
PSU assistant to visit 2014 OL McHale 
November, 29, 2012
11/29/12
12:00
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
James McHale waited for the whistle at Wednesday's practice, surging forward and plowing over an unsuspecting teammate during one-on-one drills. A little while later, his coach approached him after he landed atop another teammate after pushing him to the turf.
"Calm down, James," his coach told him.
The 2014 offensive tackle out of Dunmore (Pa.) couldn't help it. He was told shortly before that practice that Penn State's offensive line coach, Mac McWhorter, would be in the stands for Friday's game -- and McHale wanted to make sure he prepared himself as much as possible.
"Calm down, James," his coach told him.
The 2014 offensive tackle out of Dunmore (Pa.) couldn't help it. He was told shortly before that practice that Penn State's offensive line coach, Mac McWhorter, would be in the stands for Friday's game -- and McHale wanted to make sure he prepared himself as much as possible.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Players, alumni react to controversial call
November, 11, 2012
11/11/12
11:44
AM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
After Matt Lehman's diving touchdown was ruled a fumble Saturday night, some recruits and alumni took to Twitter to express their displeasure while players later tweeted their disappointment.
NittanyNation brings you some of those memorable tweets:
S Stephen Obeng-Agyapong: The whole nation knows what really happened.....(Link)
WR Matt Zanellato: I'm not an official but I'm pretty sure that ball is over the line. But I mean they didn't review it...Oh wait (Link)
TE Garry Gilliam: Looks like a touchdown to me.. (Link)
CB Stephon Morris: This hurts. Can't let em see my tears. Last time ever wearing the away uniforms. (Link)
OG Eric Shrive: Unbelievable. (Link)
Christian Hackenberg, 2013 commit: Looks like its us against the world! I love it. (Link)
Adam Breneman, 2013 commit: PSU vs. the world. (Link)
Greg Miclisse, 2014 recruit: They cheating PSU! (Link)
Zack Mills, former PSU QB: That was a terrible review (Link)
Adam Taliaferro, former PSU CB and current Board of Trustee: Refs...you win (Link)
Mike Pereira, former VP of Officiating for NFL (no PSU affiliation): It's a close play in PSU/NEB but if it was me I would've reversed it to a touchdown. Seems to have control when the ball broke the plane. (Link)
NittanyNation brings you some of those memorable tweets:
S Stephen Obeng-Agyapong: The whole nation knows what really happened.....(Link)
WR Matt Zanellato: I'm not an official but I'm pretty sure that ball is over the line. But I mean they didn't review it...Oh wait (Link)
TE Garry Gilliam: Looks like a touchdown to me.. (Link)
CB Stephon Morris: This hurts. Can't let em see my tears. Last time ever wearing the away uniforms. (Link)
OG Eric Shrive: Unbelievable. (Link)
Christian Hackenberg, 2013 commit: Looks like its us against the world! I love it. (Link)
Adam Breneman, 2013 commit: PSU vs. the world. (Link)
Greg Miclisse, 2014 recruit: They cheating PSU! (Link)
Zack Mills, former PSU QB: That was a terrible review (Link)
Adam Taliaferro, former PSU CB and current Board of Trustee: Refs...you win (Link)
Mike Pereira, former VP of Officiating for NFL (no PSU affiliation): It's a close play in PSU/NEB but if it was me I would've reversed it to a touchdown. Seems to have control when the ball broke the plane. (Link)
Practice notebook: Wideouts look sharp
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
6:36
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Stan Hixon stood near the sideline with shorts, short sleeves and a wide smile during a warm afternoon practice.
"Nice weather," said a visitor. "Wish it were Saturday."
"Me too," a grinning Hixon said, before jogging off to coach the receivers.
Hixon later had reason to smile -- his wideouts caught everything in preparation of Saturday's Northwestern game. The assistant head coach stood 12 yards in front of the quarterbacks and didn't raise his voice once during the open session of Wednesday's practice.
He glanced down a few times at a folded piece of paper, directed his players in a soft tone and sometimes pulled a player aside. He'd pump his arms to mimic route-running and send the player off with a pat.
Matt McGloin completed seven straight passes to Hixon's wideouts, mostly on intermediate routes, before a large digital clock showed all zeroes to indicate the drill was over. No wideout dropped a pass, and the only incompletion -- from Steven Bench -- came on a miscommunication with Matt Zanellato.
Trevor Williams caught two balls for 36 yards, Allen Robinson grabbed two receptions for 28 yards, and Brandon Moseby-Felder had two grabs for 21 yards. Alex Kenney also caught a 16-yard pass.
"Nice weather," said a visitor. "Wish it were Saturday."
"Me too," a grinning Hixon said, before jogging off to coach the receivers.
Hixon later had reason to smile -- his wideouts caught everything in preparation of Saturday's Northwestern game. The assistant head coach stood 12 yards in front of the quarterbacks and didn't raise his voice once during the open session of Wednesday's practice.
He glanced down a few times at a folded piece of paper, directed his players in a soft tone and sometimes pulled a player aside. He'd pump his arms to mimic route-running and send the player off with a pat.
Matt McGloin completed seven straight passes to Hixon's wideouts, mostly on intermediate routes, before a large digital clock showed all zeroes to indicate the drill was over. No wideout dropped a pass, and the only incompletion -- from Steven Bench -- came on a miscommunication with Matt Zanellato.
Trevor Williams caught two balls for 36 yards, Allen Robinson grabbed two receptions for 28 yards, and Brandon Moseby-Felder had two grabs for 21 yards. Alex Kenney also caught a 16-yard pass.
OL preparing for big test -- literally
September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
1:40
PM ET
By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Miles Dieffenbach doesn't just have to worry about written tests in math and English -- he studies feverishly for his weekly Thursday football exam, too.
There's no Scantron, no multiple-choice and no true-false softballs inside the Lasch Football Building. Instead, Penn State assistant Mac McWhorter distributes in-depth, open-ended exams to the offensive linemen.
The coach diagrams the opponent's favorite blitzes and depth chart, and the linemen must choose plays that best counter the opposition's look.
"It's not so much a grade, but moreso letting us know where we messed up," Dieffenbach said. "They don't want us to use our notes, and we try to fill it out as best we can and then we give it to the coaches and, the next day, they give it back."
McWhorter's weekly test is as unavoidable as contact during blocking drills. Everyone's required to sit down and take the exam -- starters, backups, even injured players.
There are no exceptions because Bill O'Brien has emphasized maintaining a rotation and fresh line. Backups Angelo Mangiro and Ty Howle will find themselves in at guard at some point, while Eric Shrive and Adam Gress will rotate in at tackle.
"Anytime you can add depth, that's good," O'Brien said. "I think these guys are playing well together."
Penn State's rushing average has slowy risen since Week 2 -- from 2.9 yards a carry to 3.9 to 4.1. And players believe the offensive line's improvement is a big reason for that.
Zach Zwinak initially shrugged Saturday when asked how this team has improved its running offense, especially when it started four different tailbacks in four weeks. Zwinak thought for another moment before settling on the answer.
"The offensive line," he said. "They've been playing really well."
Dieffenbach said he's improved his exam results every week, but he knows the real test -- the tougher test -- comes Saturday. Illinois is the best defensive line they've seen yet, and O'Brien said the unit reminded him a lot of Penn State's.
Dieffenbach agreed.
"I would definitely say this is the best front four," he said. "They're the biggest, strongest, fastest."
McWhorter will have another exam waiting for Dieffenbach and Co. on Thursday. Reporters and fans may not know the test results, but Saturday will likely be a good indicator.
"It's a pretty in-depth kind of exam," Dieffenbach added.
There's no Scantron, no multiple-choice and no true-false softballs inside the Lasch Football Building. Instead, Penn State assistant Mac McWhorter distributes in-depth, open-ended exams to the offensive linemen.
The coach diagrams the opponent's favorite blitzes and depth chart, and the linemen must choose plays that best counter the opposition's look.
"It's not so much a grade, but moreso letting us know where we messed up," Dieffenbach said. "They don't want us to use our notes, and we try to fill it out as best we can and then we give it to the coaches and, the next day, they give it back."
McWhorter's weekly test is as unavoidable as contact during blocking drills. Everyone's required to sit down and take the exam -- starters, backups, even injured players.
There are no exceptions because Bill O'Brien has emphasized maintaining a rotation and fresh line. Backups Angelo Mangiro and Ty Howle will find themselves in at guard at some point, while Eric Shrive and Adam Gress will rotate in at tackle.
"Anytime you can add depth, that's good," O'Brien said. "I think these guys are playing well together."
Penn State's rushing average has slowy risen since Week 2 -- from 2.9 yards a carry to 3.9 to 4.1. And players believe the offensive line's improvement is a big reason for that.
Zach Zwinak initially shrugged Saturday when asked how this team has improved its running offense, especially when it started four different tailbacks in four weeks. Zwinak thought for another moment before settling on the answer.
"The offensive line," he said. "They've been playing really well."
Dieffenbach said he's improved his exam results every week, but he knows the real test -- the tougher test -- comes Saturday. Illinois is the best defensive line they've seen yet, and O'Brien said the unit reminded him a lot of Penn State's.
Dieffenbach agreed.
"I would definitely say this is the best front four," he said. "They're the biggest, strongest, fastest."
McWhorter will have another exam waiting for Dieffenbach and Co. on Thursday. Reporters and fans may not know the test results, but Saturday will likely be a good indicator.
"It's a pretty in-depth kind of exam," Dieffenbach added.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Matt McGloin dropped back and rehearsed some draws early Tuesday evening while quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher barked some encouragement.
"Bam!" Fisher yelled when the football hit Bill Belton's stomach. "C'mon! Good!"
Bill O'Brien asked the media to leave soon after those positional drills, but NittanyNation still found some highlights to the short-lived open practice:
"Bam!" Fisher yelled when the football hit Bill Belton's stomach. "C'mon! Good!"
Bill O'Brien asked the media to leave soon after those positional drills, but NittanyNation still found some highlights to the short-lived open practice:
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.