PSU Nittany Lions: Parker Cothren
What kind of player is Penn State getting here in Parker Cothren? And what can fans expect?
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows best what Cothren is capable of on the field -- Matthew Putnam, his high school coach at Hazel Green (Ala.) -- and asked what separates him as a player, how he first noticed Cothren's ability and when he especially showcased his potential.
NittanyNation turned to one of the people who knows best what Cothren is capable of on the field -- Matthew Putnam, his high school coach at Hazel Green (Ala.) -- and asked what separates him as a player, how he first noticed Cothren's ability and when he especially showcased his potential.
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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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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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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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No Penn State commit's loyalty was tested more than Parker Cothren (Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green).
The Alabama boy with the southern drawl grew up less than a three-hour drive from Tuscaloosa. Visions of the SEC once danced in his head at night and, during the day, it wouldn't be uncommon for him to step on the school bus while wearing a gray "Roll Tide" T-shirt.
The Alabama boy with the southern drawl grew up less than a three-hour drive from Tuscaloosa. Visions of the SEC once danced in his head at night and, during the day, it wouldn't be uncommon for him to step on the school bus while wearing a gray "Roll Tide" T-shirt.
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Every weekday until signing day, NittanyNation will break down a commitment from Penn State’s 2013 recruiting class.
Vitals: Defensive tackle Parker Cothren, Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
Committed: Nov. 20, 2012
ESPN.com grade: 69. Two-star prospect.
ESPN.com rankings: No. 121 at position. No. 643 in region, No. 45 in state.
Picked Penn State over: North Carolina, Purdue, Tennessee and others.
Vitals: Defensive tackle Parker Cothren, Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds
Committed: Nov. 20, 2012
ESPN.com grade: 69. Two-star prospect.
ESPN.com rankings: No. 121 at position. No. 643 in region, No. 45 in state.
Picked Penn State over: North Carolina, Purdue, Tennessee and others.
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With Ted Roof's departure to Georgia Tech, it seems as if some SEC schools have wasted no time in going after one of his Penn State commits.
Three-star linebacker Jonathan Walton (Daphne, Ala./Bayside) said Thursday on Twitter he received scholarship offers from a few schools.
Three-star linebacker Jonathan Walton (Daphne, Ala./Bayside) said Thursday on Twitter he received scholarship offers from a few schools.
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Roof's departure affects Southern pipeline 
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
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Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Ted Roof's surprise resignation Wednesday won't send this defense reeling, in part, because John Butler is a fiery, competent coach. But his departure will definitely be felt in one key department -- recruiting.
Roof was Penn State's pipeline to the South, a man whose reputation commanded the attention of recruits, especially those in Georgia and Alabama. With his absence, so goes an important part of that pipeline.
Historically, the coaching staff hasn't ventured farther south than Virginia, so Penn State wasn't a favorite among recruits unaccustomed to building snowmen. Most didn't see the university as an option -- until Roof showed up.
Roof was Penn State's pipeline to the South, a man whose reputation commanded the attention of recruits, especially those in Georgia and Alabama. With his absence, so goes an important part of that pipeline.
Historically, the coaching staff hasn't ventured farther south than Virginia, so Penn State wasn't a favorite among recruits unaccustomed to building snowmen. Most didn't see the university as an option -- until Roof showed up.
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With less than a month until national signing day, Penn State's priority will likely shift -- if it hasn't already -- to retaining commits instead of finding new ones.
Three-star linebacker Jonathan Walton already scheduled an official visit to South Carolina, and now another Penn State commit is being courted by several major programs.
Defensive tackle Parker Cothren (Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green) earned an offer from Tennessee a few days ago, and he's also fielded several calls from Auburn. He remains committed to the Nittany Lions, but he's also considering visits elsewhere.
Three-star linebacker Jonathan Walton already scheduled an official visit to South Carolina, and now another Penn State commit is being courted by several major programs.
Defensive tackle Parker Cothren (Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green) earned an offer from Tennessee a few days ago, and he's also fielded several calls from Auburn. He remains committed to the Nittany Lions, but he's also considering visits elsewhere.
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Welcome to NittanyNation's first-ever mailbag! We asked you to tweet your questions this week, and we've selected three to answer in-depth -- starting with the question we received most.
Brian Wess (@bwessfootball) writes: What's Penn State's next move for a quarterback? Tyler Ferguson?
Josh Moyer: You hit the nail right on the head, Brian. I spoke with Ferguson and his junior college coach briefly Thursday, and that's exactly what's at play here. Penn State made it clear Jake Waters was Plan A. When that fell through, the staff contacted Ferguson and offered him a scholarship as their Plan B.
Ferguson said he'll commit to a school at some point this morning. He's on the West Coast, though, and plays for Bakersfield (Calif.) College of the Sequioias, so it could still be a few hours. At this point, though, it's pretty clear that Penn State is Ferguson's top choice. Houston already has three quarterbacks as part of its 2013 class, while PSU has just one scholarship QB for the spring. You do the math.
Ferguson's addition would help PSU -- but he's no Waters. Iowa Western's QB threw one interception for every 111 attempts; Ferguson one for every 29 attempts. Steven Bench had a head start against Waters in learning Penn State's pro-style offense, but Bench has to be considered a much higher favorite to start in 2013 now that another quarterback -- likely Ferguson -- is coming on instead.
Brian Wess (@bwessfootball) writes: What's Penn State's next move for a quarterback? Tyler Ferguson?
Josh Moyer: You hit the nail right on the head, Brian. I spoke with Ferguson and his junior college coach briefly Thursday, and that's exactly what's at play here. Penn State made it clear Jake Waters was Plan A. When that fell through, the staff contacted Ferguson and offered him a scholarship as their Plan B.
Ferguson said he'll commit to a school at some point this morning. He's on the West Coast, though, and plays for Bakersfield (Calif.) College of the Sequioias, so it could still be a few hours. At this point, though, it's pretty clear that Penn State is Ferguson's top choice. Houston already has three quarterbacks as part of its 2013 class, while PSU has just one scholarship QB for the spring. You do the math.
Ferguson's addition would help PSU -- but he's no Waters. Iowa Western's QB threw one interception for every 111 attempts; Ferguson one for every 29 attempts. Steven Bench had a head start against Waters in learning Penn State's pro-style offense, but Bench has to be considered a much higher favorite to start in 2013 now that another quarterback -- likely Ferguson -- is coming on instead.
Parker Cothren (Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green) became the Nittany Lions' 13th commitment shortly after his official visit at the PSU-Indiana game.
The defensive tackle will likely bulk up and play the three-technique, the same position Jordan Hill thrived at. He recently spoke with NittanyNation at length about his recruitment, why he chose Penn State and his thoughts on the sanctions.
NittanyNation: Before you committed to Penn State, you were part a member of Purdue's 2013 class. Why the change of heart?
The defensive tackle will likely bulk up and play the three-technique, the same position Jordan Hill thrived at. He recently spoke with NittanyNation at length about his recruitment, why he chose Penn State and his thoughts on the sanctions.
NittanyNation: Before you committed to Penn State, you were part a member of Purdue's 2013 class. Why the change of heart?
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Recruiting holds up through sanctions
December, 5, 2012
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By
Josh Moyer | ESPN.com
Bill O'Brien, the coach with the near-permanent scowl, softens up when he greets recruits and talks about what Penn State has to offer.
He can't yet discuss bowls or conference titles because of the sanctions, so he takes a different tack. Look at Beaver Stadium, he tells them. Look at those 100,000 fans and that weekly exposure on national television. Look at the staff's experience and pay careful attention to the academics.
Through unprecedented sanctions, that pitch has held up well. It helped retain the nation's top quarterback in Christian Hackenberg and top tight end in Adam Breneman. It also prompted three other recruits -- Richy Anderson, Tanner Hartman and Parker Cothren -- to decommit from Maryland and Purdue after the sanctions and pledge there instead.
He can't yet discuss bowls or conference titles because of the sanctions, so he takes a different tack. Look at Beaver Stadium, he tells them. Look at those 100,000 fans and that weekly exposure on national television. Look at the staff's experience and pay careful attention to the academics.
Through unprecedented sanctions, that pitch has held up well. It helped retain the nation's top quarterback in Christian Hackenberg and top tight end in Adam Breneman. It also prompted three other recruits -- Richy Anderson, Tanner Hartman and Parker Cothren -- to decommit from Maryland and Purdue after the sanctions and pledge there instead.
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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.