FOOTBALL

The next Micah Parsons? Penn State football star looking to shine in year two

The Nittany Lions may already have the next Micah Parsons.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 18, 2023

Penn State football, Abdul Carter, Micah Parsons

Nov 9, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates after sacking the Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (not pictured) in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football star Abdul Carter, a rising sophomore linebacker, was rewarded with Freshman All-American honors and more during his first year in the Blue and White last fall. Despite being a true freshman, Carter was awarded Penn State’s coveted No. 11, worn by all of the great Nittany Lion linebackers throughout the program’s history. The most recent all-star before Carter was Micah Parsons, who donned the Blue and White for the final time in the 2019 Cotton Bowl, helping lead his program to its third 11-win season and top 10 finish since 2016.

1️⃣1️⃣ day!

We are Micah Parsons from Penn State Football! The All-American linebacker led Penn State in tackles in both his freshman and sophomore years, so let’s look back on some of his highlights at LBU. #BeatPurdue pic.twitter.com/ZA6DnhGLi1

— Dear Old State (@_DearOldState) August 21, 2022

Now, heading into year two, Abdul Carter is looking to take the next step and develop into the next Micah Parsons — all elite defenses need a player that is an athletic freak, and Carter has the potential to be exactly that.

Penn State football star Abdul Carter: the human missile

Penn State football has established a rich tradition of producing elite linebackers, earning them the well-deserved moniker of “Linebacker U” and a reputation for leading the nation in linebacker development. Amongst this esteemed lineage, Abdul Carter has emerged as a standout player, evident from the beginning of the 2022 season. As he enters his second year with the Blue and White, new questions arise about his potential.

It is no longer a question of whether Carter will excel at Penn State; rather, the focus has shifted to how far his talents can take him. In his second season, Carter has enhanced his physical attributes, becoming bigger, faster, stronger, and gaining valuable experience. He aims to bring a presence reminiscent of Micah Parsons to Manny Diaz’s defense. Multiple sources have recognized Carter as one of the nation’s top linebackers, despite his young age. His explosive and lightning-fast style of play has led him to be described as a “missile” on the field, further highlighting his exceptional abilities.

“Abdul wants to be great,” Manny Diaz said of Carter during spring practice. “Most great players, they know that they have to improve. Most great players are are obsessed with improvement more so than the fact that, yes, they flashed and made plays. Abdul — obviously you can make a play, you can flash and make a play, and a guy like that it makes it very easy to try to put him in situations to make plays … down after down being where you’re supposed to be and understanding the ins and outs of the defense.”

“Also be able to play multiple positions,” Diaz continued. “Abdul will be the first to tell you he has a lot of room to grow and that it’s been fun to get through the spring, and not have to worry about getting ready for a game … and to give him a more foundational base of what we’re doing defensively.”

A new Michah Parsons?

Micah Parsons undeniably left a lasting impact on the game of football, redefining it with his unmatched athleticism. During his time at Penn State, he stood out as one of the all-time greats to wear the No. 11 jersey in the Blue and White. Although his college career was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parsons has successfully transitioned to the next level and now stands as one of the most feared pass-rushers in the National Football League.

1 year ago today…
Penn State wins the Cotton Bowl against Memphis lead by unreal performances by Micah Parsons, Journey Brown, and company!
pic.twitter.com/YzTa6jG0rg

— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) December 28, 2020

Parsons’ time at Penn State showcased his explosive athletic ability, making him a constant threat on the field. Regardless of who was blocking him, where the play was headed, or the number of blockers in his path, Parsons consistently posed a problem for the opposition. Last season, Penn State football star Abdul Carter demonstrated glimpses of that same explosiveness. Fans witnessed Carter’s ability to fly from sideline to sideline and his relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks.

Carter’s electrifying bursts of speed and powerful tackling bring back memories of the Micah Parsons era, and hint at his immense potential as a college linebacker. Since last season, Carter has added considerable weight, now boasting a 6-foot-3, 249-pound frame heading into his second year. If he continues to improve and develop, fans may witness the resurgence of Micah Parsons-like dominance at Penn State through Carter’s performances.

Not sure the casual football fan is ready for Abdul Carter pic.twitter.com/m5hT1gfUfb

— Hardcore Penn State Football (@HardcorePSUFB) March 1, 2023

“At the end of the day it is that they put on good weight, and [if they can] carry it,” James Franklin said about Abdul Carter’s physical growth. “And [Penn State football star Abdul Carter] has put on good weight and is carrying it well right now. So, at the end of the day, the reality is [get] as big as you can get and still keep your speed and quickness — it is a weapon. So, right now, he seems to be doing a good job of it.”

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FOOTBALL

James Franklin is pleased with new Penn State football transfer portal addition

James Franklin says a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is standing out so far.

Published

1 hour ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, transfer portal, Dante Cephas, James Franklin

Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff had some time to speak with the media ahead of summer camp in Happy Valley. With the team’s newest signees suiting up and on campus now, it comes as little surprise to fans and the media that a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is already standing out during his short period in the Blue and White.

New Penn State football transfer portal addition already standing out

According to Penn State head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have a star in Dante Cephas, a new Penn State football transfer portal addition. Cephas is headed to State College after spending four years with the Kent State Golden Flashes, a member of the Mid-American Conference.

Cephas brings a large frame, quick hands, great footwork, and a fast release to the table for the Blue and White. He is expected to be a valuable weapon for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who many assume will be the Nittany Lions’ starter in Week 1 against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Today, James Franklin delved into what makes Dante Cephas special and shared his observations so far.

James Franklin breaks down Cephas

Below is just some of what the Nittany Lions’ head coach, James Franklin, had to say about Dante Cephas and his abilities thus far in the Blue and White. It’s important to note that these comments were made shortly after Cephas arrived on campus and before summer ball, but indications are that there are great things ahead for this new addition to the Penn State football transfer portal.

“He tested well in our initial testing,” James Franklin said earlier today during Penn State’s media availability. “I do think this level of training, no knock to anybody else or other programs or other schools, I do think this is different for him. And I think, in a lot of ways, that’s exciting because the lifting in the running is at a very different level. And I think his body really has a chance to explode and develop over the time that hopefully we have him. So far, so good.”

Dante Cephas has been receiving significant national attention since joining Penn State after the 2022 season. Just this week, he was recognized as a top Big Ten transfer by CBS Sports and was ranked among the top three wide receivers in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. It’s clear that Cephas is off to a strong start in the Blue and White.

FOOTBALL

BREAKING: 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules released

Penn State football has just learned which Big Ten opponents it will face under the new scheduling format.

Published

5 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Matt Thomas

2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules, Penn State Football

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans defensive back Ajene Harris (27) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday afternoon, the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules for football were announced. The announcement is notable given the addition of two new teams, USC and UCLA, to the conference. In a significant move for Nittany Lions fans, Penn State football will host USC in Beaver Stadium next fall, followed by UCLA in 2025.

Penn State football gets favorable Big Ten matchups in 2024

Penn State football will face a series of monster Big Ten opponents at home in 2025, including Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, and USC. The schedule also features several favorable road matchups, such as Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

The 2025 schedule will present a challenge for Nittany Lions

While the 2024 schedule shakes out favorably for Penn State football, 2025 will be much more difficult. The Nittany Lions will host Illinois, Minnesota, and Rutgers in the 2025 season. However, the road slate will feature extremely difficult tests. Penn State will have to travel to several challenging venues, including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Other notable features of the new 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules

As has been reported by several different outlets this afternoon, Penn State is not included in one of the protected rivalry games kept by the Big Ten. We are already seeing the impacts of this feature firsthand. Penn State will not play the Michigan Wolverines next season, nor will the Nittany Lions play the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025.

While this means that James Franklin and Penn State will no longer face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East, that does not mean the schedule gets easier by any means. The 2025 road schedule is nothing short of daunting, with games at Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Of course, we do not have the scheduled dates for any of these games yet, so the timings of these matchups will also greatly influence the strength of the schedule for the Nittany Lions.

Please note: This is a breaking news story. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football: James Franklin thinks PSU may have the best defensive line in the nation

According to James Franklin, the Penn State football defensive line is coming together nicely thus far.

Published

7 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football defensive line, James Franklin, defensive tackles

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates with Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) after a sack during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, head coach James Franklin had a chance to speak with the media for around 30 minutes at the Lasch Football Building in State College, PA. There, Franklin expressed his excitement about the Penn State football defensive line — specifically the defensive tackles — which he claims may be the best in the nation. Since last year’s crushing 41-17 loss to Michigan, the D-tackle position has been in question for Penn State, so this is great news for the Blue and White.

Penn State football defensive line is resolving questions with defensive tackles this spring

The Penn State football defensive line is looking like one of the best in the country right now — from the defensive ends to the interior of the D-line, the Nittany Lions are looking to make waves on defense and push for a Big Ten title this fall.

Following the Blue/White spring game at Beaver Stadium in April, James Franklin pointed out a major area of need for his Nittany Lions: more depth and experience at defensive tackle. Considering the loss of long-time star defensive tackle PJ Mustipher from the 2022 squad, Franklin’s concern appeared to be justified. However, today his message was different heading into summer camp.

“Probably the position I am most excited about right now, for a lot of different reasons, is defensive tackle,” head coach James Franklin said earlier today. “… We got a chance to have, I think, one of the best D-lines in the country — from a depth and talent standpoint — but also a size standpoint … right now that’s a position group that I am really excited about, that I think has a chance to take us to the next level on defense.”

2023 D-line, especially defensive tackles, could make or break the Nittany Lions’ season

A season ago, the Penn State football defensive line left many wondering how it would pan out down the road. Now, Franklin says that these questions are starting to be resolved.

“We’ve got a chance (to have a great defensive tackle group), we just gotta back it up with the work right now,” Franklin explained.

There have been a few notable names turning heads along the Penn State football defensive line this spring. One of the most talked-about rising stars is sophomore tackle Zane Durant, who has consistently been mentioned as a potential breakout player for the 2023 season. Additionally, players like Hakeem Beamon and Dvon Ellies were mentioned today as potential stars in the making.

“Zane Durant is bigger and stronger than he’s been,” Franklin said. “Hakeem [Beamon] is bigger than he has been in a long time.”

If this year’s Penn State football defensive line can step up and make a significant impact this fall, the Nittany Lions will have their best opportunity in quite some time to challenge the powerhouses of the Big Ten East, Michigan and Ohio State. It could pave the way for them to claim the program’s first Big Ten title since the 2016 season.