Group of players reaffirm commitment to PSU

Submitted by Leaders And Best on

- A group of 25 players led by Zordich and Mike Mauti reaffirmed their commitment to stay at Penn State this morning. Notably, Silas Redd was not present. It will be interesting to see if PSU brings Redd to B1G Media Days this week as originally planned.

Video of statement:

 

Bruce Feldman @BFeldmanCBS

Arnd 2 dozen PennSt players make commitment to program this AM. RT @Ben_Jones88 Silas Redd was NOT one of players at the statement

EDIT #2:

-The previous report on Silas Redd is false. PSU is taking no players to Media Days. Commence Silas Redd speculation again.

No Penn State players will attend Big Ten media days. Silas Redd, John Urschel and Jordan Hill had been scheduled to attend.

- Also in other news, the Freeh Report has been updated to correct some errors. Doesn't really change anything in the report but will probably give more fuel to the more delusional segments of the PSU fanbase who continue to refuse to accept the facts contained within it.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/07/penn_state_freeh_report_update.html

 

Leaders And Best

July 25th, 2012 at 10:27 AM ^

You could possibly say that about all three. The way Michigan is recruiting, I would rather have a player the coaches could teach from the beginning of their career. Underclassmen coming in just before start of camp may lose another a year just trying to pick up the system.

I think you maybe make an exception for an upperclassman (Silas Redd or Jordan HIll) who wants to come here for one year to help with depth or fill gaps becuase we are under the scholarship limit for 2012 , but the fan in me kind of wishes the seniors stick it out with Penn State. I would feel kind of dirty if Michigan pulled a key starter from PSU.

Elmer

July 25th, 2012 at 11:31 AM ^

Zettel is only a redshirt freshman.  Penn State is pretty good at developing d-linemen.  His technique and strength should be a year better and I thought they also play a 4-3.  Transition wouldn't be that bad.

Leaders And Best

July 25th, 2012 at 11:49 AM ^

Every team coaches their DL to play a different way depending on scheme and personal style. Need to learn the playbook. Scheme is much more than just personnel groups like 4-3 as it includes philosophy like attack vs. read and react, gaps & alignment. Not to mention moving and adjusting to new school and facilities during fall football camp.

I don't think he would have much if any advantage at all over Wormley, & Strobel. If he is not contributor this year, you are looking at a kid who becomes a RS sophomore in 2013 without any real game experience.  Unless the transfer could contribute on the field this year, I think you could recruit a kid in 2013 class that would be more valuable than that.

coldnjl

July 25th, 2012 at 9:59 AM ^

I understand that USC gives him the best win now situation, but I bet his ultimate goal is the NFL. Would he truly risk a starting spot for a chance to compete in a loaded backfield at USC?

 

State Street

July 25th, 2012 at 10:10 AM ^

This idea actually isn't half bad.  Methinks Fitz is done for some time, and think about how much an elite back will improve our chances of success this season.

He wants to play in the NFL?  How's this as a marketing strategy to NFL scouts: play the season opening game against Alabama.  No other school can offer that.

snarling wolverine

July 25th, 2012 at 12:01 PM ^

I don't wish to trivialize what he did at all.  I fully support him being suspended against Alabama.

I'm just saying that in general, the first time a student-athlete gets in trouble with the law (regardless of what it is), the punishment won't be as severe as it would be for a second offense.  Which I think is reasonable - college-age kids will do a lot of idiotic things.  You expect them to be able to learn from when they mess up.

WolvinLA2

July 25th, 2012 at 12:03 PM ^

But what precedent do you have to support that?  Stonum got a DUI and was suspended one game.  I know it's a different team, but Michael Floyd missed no games after an off-season DUI. 

I'm not saying he won't miss time, and it's possible he's out Alabama and one more just to send a message, but from all reports Fitz cooperated with the police and he hasn't had a blemish on his record until then. 

If I were to guess, I'd say he misses the first full game at most.

mGrowOld

July 25th, 2012 at 10:09 AM ^

Wow.  Am I the only one that thinks 25 player reaffirming their committment s is a VERY small number?  That's can't be very reassuring to the PSU faithful.

Schembo

July 25th, 2012 at 10:11 AM ^

I read that Rodriguez is contacting players at PSU.  He's looking for anybody that can play defense.  The cupboard must be bare again.  Flamebait!!

Leaders And Best

July 25th, 2012 at 10:34 AM ^

http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/7/25/3185915/penn-state-players-reaffirm-commitment-redd-absent

I'm sure someone will break down who each player in the picture. Notably, Jordan Hill was not there either, but he is a rep for PSU at Media Days like Redd. John Urschel was there though (also a PSU rep at Media Days).



Video of statement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKNhjTrU5ac

JayZ1817

July 25th, 2012 at 10:20 AM ^

Good for these select few players at Penn State. No one, including myself, would have blamed them for leaving Penn State after all these terrible things happened, but it shows their character by staying true to their school.

Mr Miggle

July 25th, 2012 at 10:25 AM ^

The window to leave before the season is so short. The normal reaction would be to stick it out with your teammates. It may be a different story after this season, when players have had the time to make a decision not based on emotion. O'Brien may want to play his entire roster vs Ohio U, so they can't transfer during the season and be immediately eligible.

LB

July 25th, 2012 at 11:03 AM ^

them. Are you a member of the perpetually anguished class?

Now that this has happened, I hope they turn as one and collectively flip the rest of us off, and move on to a new future. I would be happy to go help rebuild that team (as long as I could wear Maize).

Also, it isn't the football team, that is why there are skinny fellows.