Looking ahead to 2018

[linebackeru]

With the 2017 edition in the rear view, quick, way too early look ahead at the 2018 Nittany Lions. lose Gesecki, Hamilton and Barkley on O (a few others that aren't big pieces and easily replaced as well.). On D, we lose up the middle with the Cothran/Cothren, Cabinda, Smith, Allen and our entire starting secondary. We do have 4 corners with a ton of experience, including the guy who would've been our top guy this year, Ried, returning. long with Wade, Castro-Fields and Amani, we will be string there. Losing allen will be huge role to fill, but think either Aayron Monroe or John sutherland step in there...Allen referred to the latter as choo choo because he hits like a train. Middle linebacker could be Parsons, Brooks, Farmer or....get ready for it, Manny Bowen. Apparently its not a 100% lock that he is gone for good......not likely he's back, but there's a chance.

If I had to project starters, I would go:

QB - Trace
RB - Miles
WR- Johnson
WR- Thompkins
WR- Hamler or Hippenhammer
TE- Hopefully Bowers is healthy, if not Holland or Friermuth
RT - Bates
RG - Menet
C - McGovern
LG - Gonzales/Thorpe/Miranda
LT - Fries

DE - Miller
DT - Windsor
DT - Givens
DE - Bucholz
LB - Farmer
LB - Parsons if Bowens isn't back
LB - Brown
S - Scott
S - Sutherland/Monroe
CB - Reid
CB - Castro-Fields/amani

KR - Hamler or Slade
PR - Thompkins

I think the offense will be lights out, defense may have some early struggles, but could be a very good unit by year's end. We have depth everywhere except DT (its there, but its young). Looking like another 10 win season with a floor for me of 9 and the eral possibility of a 0-1 loss season with every big game but Michigan at home.

 

[Ritzarmy]

With the 2017 edition in the rear view, quick, way too early look ahead at the 2018 Nittany Lions. lose Gesecki, Hamilton and Barkley on O (a few others that aren't big pieces and easily replaced as well.). On D, we lose up the middle with the Cothran/Cothren, Cabinda, Smith, Allen and our entire starting secondary. We do have 4 corners with a ton of experience, including the guy who would've been our top guy this year, Ried, returning. long with Wade, Castro-Fields and Amani, we will be string there. Losing allen will be huge role to fill, but think either Aayron Monroe or John sutherland step in there...Allen referred to the latter as choo choo because he hits like a train. Middle linebacker could be Parsons, Brooks, Farmer or....get ready for it, Manny Bowen. Apparently its not a 100% lock that he is gone for good......not likely he's back, but there's a chance.

If I had to project starters, I would go:

QB - Trace
RB - Miles
WR- Johnson
WR- Thompkins
WR- Hamler or Hippenhammer
TE- Hopefully Bowers is healthy, if not Holland or Friermuth
RT - Bates
RG - Menet
C - McGovern
LG - Gonzales/Thorpe/Miranda
LT - Fries

DE - Miller
DT - Windsor
DT - Givens
DE - Bucholz
LB - Farmer
LB - Parsons if Bowens isn't back
LB - Brown
S - Scott
S - Sutherland/Monroe
CB - Reid
CB - Castro-Fields/amani

KR - Hamler or Slade
PR - Thompkins


I think the offense will be lights out, defense may have some early struggles, but could be a very good unit by year's end. We have depth everywhere except DT (its there, but its young). Looking like another 10 win season with a floor for me of 9 and the eral possibility of a 0-1 loss season with every big game but Michigan at home.

Do you think we redshirt? Shorter?

 

[linebackeru]

Do you think we redshirt? Shorter?

I'd say about a 0.0000001% chance he redshirts.

 

[Ritzarmy]

I'd say about a 0.0000001% chance he redshirts.

Who redshirts

 

[linebackeru]

Who redshirts

Its easier to say who doesn't. I think Parsons, Slade, Shorter, Mustipher are no doubters (provided no injuries). I could see Luketa/Tarburton and one of the TE's playing as well. Would probably like to RS the rest unless someone really stands out in camp

 

[thehobocop]

Unfortunately it appears Josh Gattis won’t be with PSU in 2018 because he’s taken a job at Alabama. Can’t blame Josh, being an assistant under Saban is a great opportunity and I wish Josh the best. Lot of attrition on the coaching staff this offseason, which sucks but also means you’re doing something right because your assistants are hot commodities.

 

[linebackeru]

Unfortunately it appears Josh Gattis won’t be with PSU in 2018 because he’s taken a job at Alabama. Can’t blame Josh, being an assistant under Saban is a great opportunity and I wish Josh the best. Lot of attrition on the coaching staff this offseason, which sucks but also means you’re doing something right because your assistants are hot commodities.

Can't blame a guy for taking a promotion (he got Co-OC) to a place like Bama. Knew Gattis wouldn't be here longterm, he will be an OC (not just co) minimum, probably HC sooner than later. Thank god the early signing period started this year or I would be sweating it out for Shorter till February 7. Franklin has been doing just fine replacing people who left so I will keep teh faith he'll make another exfellent hire to replace Josh

 

[thehobocop]

Can't blame a guy for taking a promotion (he got Co-OC) to a place like Bama. Knew Gattis wouldn't be here longterm, he will be an OC (not just co) minimum, probably HC sooner than later. Thank god the early signing period started this year or I would be sweating it out for Shorter till February 7. Franklin has been doing just fine replacing people who left so I will keep teh faith he'll make another exfellent hire to replace Josh

Agree. JF has the benefit of the doubt from me until I see otherwise. Lots of people talking about Bobby Engram, obviously he’s an alum but he’s already a WR coach in the NFL, not sure if he’s be interested but I think he’d be a good hire.

 

[linebackeru]

Agree. JF has the benefit of the doubt from me until I see otherwise. Lots of people talking about Bobby Engram, obviously he’s an alum but he’s already a WR coach in the NFL, not sure if he’s be interested but I think he’d be a good hire.

It will be someone who likes to recruit, not sure Bobby fits that bill. If he wants to come back and go on teh recruiting trail, I'd take him, but Franklin has a notebook with dozens of potential replacements for every position on teh staff so he doesn't get caught flat footed in a situation like this

 

[Ritzarmy]

Does this affect Solomon Enis?

 

[linebackeru]

Does this affect Solomon Enis?

Position coaches leaving really doesn't hurt PSU much. They have several people woking on every recruit and Franklin has been heavily involved with Enis personally. Same thing happened with Salde and RB coach leaving. He said he was comfortable with teh whole staff and mainly with JFF to bring in another top quality guy, which he did in Corley

 

[linebackeru]

Sounds like we will have our new WR coach soon...Ja'Juan Seider from University of Florida staff. Another ace recruiter with big ties in Southern Florida. another HR hire by JFF if true

 

[linebackeru]

Lamont Wde listed t safety on newest roster. He cou.d be a terror there if he does indeed make permanent switch. Micah Parsons will be wearing #11, appropriate as he is the most athletic defender I have seen since Lavar

 

[Ritzarmy]

We are losing a lot of defensive players to graduation. How many true freshman we see playing? Or better yet what’s everyone’s predictions on starting 22.

 

[linebackeru]

We are losing a lot of defensive players to graduation. How many true freshman we see playing? Or better yet what’s everyone’s predictions on starting 22.

Playing? 100% barring jury Shorter and Parsons will play.....I'd say highly likely Slade, Mustipher, 1 of the TE and Pinegar play. Anyonbe else will have to show something in camp to get green light. I have a starting lineup listed in initial post. I have Parsons starting at MLB, based on Bowen not being back. I could see him starting there regardless now, could keep Bowen outside if he comes back. With Wade listed at safety, I'd have him as starter ooposite Scott now as well.