The BS&T Penn State Chat(05/08/2008) 
2:58
Hi everyone. Got here a little early to make sure everything was on the up and up. Feel free to start sending along some questions, and I'll see what I can do about answering them.
Thursday May 8, 2008 2:58 
3:00
[Comment From BSM PSU 93BSM PSU 93: ] 
Hey Donnie. Great blog... I come here quite often and am always impressed with your posts. Who's your early pick for Sean Lee's replacement in the linebacking core? Bani? Navorro (if he returns)? Someone else?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:00 BSM PSU 93
3:02

I think Bani is going to be the guy on the outside, where Lee had played. He seems like a different player this year than he was a year ago -- more in control, a better thinker, things like that. He's always had great athletic ability. I worry about his size, but he's going to be able to run.

The bigger question is who will be stepping up in the middle. I think Josh Hull gets the first look, but I'd bet on Chris Colasanti taking over by the time conference play starts.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:02 
3:02
[Comment From KjacKjac: ] 
What is your take on the QB situation for the upcoming season?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:02 Kjac
3:06

It's still a tough one for me to answer. I'm one of the few who didn't think either was impressive enough in the spring game to just hand the job over to him. If I were the coaching staff, I'd go with Clark at the start. The offense just looked too good with him in there during the Alamo Bowl. Devlin is going to get his chance, though. This is where the Coastal Carolina game helps. Both of the QBs were going to play a lot anyway in that one. I think if Devlin impresses, he buys himself some time against Oregon State.

It's not the worst quarterbacking situation I've ever seen. But it's not the best. For such an experienced offense, there are too many questions under center.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:06 
3:06
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Hey Donnie, been a few weeks since I've posted but I've been around just haven't had time to put some posts. After I saw this Live Blog I knew I would have to take a some from my work day to attend. Anyways, In regards to the defense, Lee of course was injured, Wallace got banged up with the jaw, and a few key suspensions for the spring which meant a lot of younger talent got looks this spring practice, do you think by this it will make our defense more deep and more dependable into those tough conference opponets like we did last year. (i.e. Michigan running all over us)
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:06 slacoe
3:10

slacoe...no excuses for not posting. I won't have it.

I agree with you that there will be some improvement in the depth, because there are so many people who got and will get more practice time. I think the defensive line is going to be the best in the conference this year. Chima Okoli and Tom McEowen looked great in the spring, and they're guys who would have been an afterthought had Chris Baker and Phil Taylor been around.

Will it help all around? Who knows. That's one position where I think it will, but it's still just spring practice. There's no substitute for going through it during games.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:10 
3:10
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
I think an aspect of our offense going unnoticed by a bunch of people is our offensive line. The hype this spring has been set around the QB battle and the emergence of Green at RB. Like every good offense, the line has to be the key. How much do you think the QBs will benefit in their first year starting with a veteran offensive line protecting them?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:10 slacoe
3:13
Well, when was the last time you saw a good team with a poor offensive line? You have to be good up front to be good offensively. I think this starting five will be the best Penn State line since 1994 -- and it's only going to be better if Shuler plays, because I think he works harder as a blocker than Quarless did. I can picture Penn State getting an early lead and then grinding it out on the ground in the fourth quarter with Royster and Clark. And with the QBs being so young, any protection they can get helps.

Of course, good protection didn't really help a guy who was a pocket passer a year ago. So, it depends on the guy throwing the ball, too.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:13 
3:13
[Comment From kathykathy: ] 
Is this the year Joe Paterno retires?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:13 kathy
3:14
If they win a major bowl game, I think it might. We're not talking Capital One Bowl or Alamo Bowl, though. One of the big ones might convince Joe to leave on top. I think that might be what the guys in Old Main are privately hoping for, too.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:14 
3:15
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Will the cupboard be empty after the year or will PSU some how be able to notch up its recruiting efforts?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:15 Guest
3:19

OK, that's a complicated one. Right now, the cupboard is going to look pretty bare. There will be three starting O-linemen and the top backup gone. All of the big three receivers are out of there, too. Defense should be OK, but you might be looking at a prehistoric offense in '09 unless they get some big-time playmakers in the recruiting class.

To me, they're going to have a hard time doing that. If I were a recruit who wanted to play offense in college, I'd want to see the "Spread HD" first before I gave Penn State serious consideration. Might be late in the process for that, though, considering so many big players are committing early. Three of Penn State's top targets at quarterback, for instance, have already signed elsewhere. So have two receivers (Heastie and Stokes).

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:19 
3:19
[Comment From SapperSapper: ] 
Donnie, what is your take on JoPa's tenure with the team....who do you think might be the new head coach after this year.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:19 Sapper
3:23

I like that question....espeically the "after this year" part. Sapper's pushing the issue!

I don't think anyone really knows what's going on in JoePa's mind, or what Spanier and Curley have in mind. I really think they want this to be a huge year, and for Paterno to step aside gracefully as a champion. But I can also see Penn State going with Joe one year at a time until 1.) he leaves on his own or 2.) it gets so bad that he has no choice but to accept a pink slip. It's a delicate situation. Joe has earned a lot of consideration here. But no one man is bigger than the program -- even Joe.

As for the next head coach, I think Greg Schiano from Rutgers is at least going to get asked to interview, unless they just opt to give the job to Tom Bradley. I don't think that's the greatest idea, but he has certainly earned a chance at it. Part of me wonders why, if Joe wants the successor to come from within the staff, Bradley hasn't been named coach in waiting. I think everyone wonders that.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:23 
3:24
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
How do you think the night games will be this year for PSU? I know you said you hate covering them, but in the past we haven't performed wll at night outside of the first White Out game. We have some major conference battles on tap for prime-time. Do you think this is a major factor for a team on the road, getting away from a routine? But, as they always say "great teams find ways to overcome odds". Overall, do you think this team will be affected by the night games?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:24 slacoe
3:25

Nah. The only thing that has always concerned me is night road games because the routine gets so messed up, but I think players kind of look forward to them now. It's national television. It's a special night. The crowd is really into it.

As for them not playing well in night games recently, I agree. But I think those are games that they were beaten in because they weren't the better team -- except for last year's Michigan State game maybe, when they completely fell apart defensively.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:25 
3:26
[Comment From BSM PSU 93BSM PSU 93: ] 
It looks like we have at least one tight end who can get open and catch a football this year. Andrew Szczerba looked great in the Spring game and Schuler and Ditto are no slouches either. Do you think we'll actually integrate them into the offense this year or are there too many quality running backs and receivers for them to get involved. Put differently, does the Spread HD lend itself to tight ends catching passes?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:26 BSM PSU 93
3:29
I don't know. I'd really like to see what the Spread HD is all about. I have a feeling it's going to be what Penn State makes it out to be, and if they want to use a tight end in the passing game, they will. I still think it's going to be a tough road for Quarless to get back in the rotation, but I do think Shuler and Szczerba will see a lot of action. Szczerba can really play, can't he? I was very impressed with his speed, and I think he can indeed be a factor in a spread offense. But again, it depends on exactly what kind of spread Jay Paterno has in mind. My gut feeling is that Clark, Royster, Green and Williams will be the guys who see most of the footballs this year.

I'd be surprised if Ditto made a huge impact, unless it's as a slot receiver.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:29 
3:29
[Comment From Up On BaseUp On Base: ] 
Hear anything about some BOT members contacting Joe recently about leaving sooner than later and it not going well?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:29 Up On Base
3:31

Nothing official, but it wouldn't shock me. There are a lot of BOT members who want Joe to stay, too. That doesn't get reported a lot. Remember friends, Joe brings A LOT of money into the university.

Some day, I hope I can be sitting at my desk and, when my boss comes up to me asking for me to step aside, I can just wave my hand and say, "I've got it under control," and he'll just walk away.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:31 
3:31
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Obviously after this season we are losing a ton of talent, what are the main areas you see PSU having to hit the recruiting trail hard for the 2009 class (or should have hit harder in the 2008 class)?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:31 slacoe
3:34

Here it goes...

1.) Wide receiver -- definitely needed more than one last year, and they need three or more in this class

2.) Offensive line -- there is just no depth after Cadogan, Ohrnberger, Shipley and Lucian go following this season.

3.) Quarterback -- there will be just two scholarship players on the roster at the position after 2008.

4.) Defensive back -- I don't like the depth there at all this season..

5.) Running back -- not going to be as much of a need if Green is going to be the game-changer he appears to be.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:34 
3:34
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
It seems for the past two season we start the season in the mid-Top 25, go 3-0 going into conference play and then fizzle out into the Outback or Alamo Bowl. Do you think this is a sign for PSU to "beef up" the non-conference schedule? I know 'Bama is coming on in the next few years and OSU (not our neighbors) is this year, but second part to the question, who would you love to see added to the schedule?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:34 slacoe
3:39

A funny story....me and another member of the local media were talking the other night, and he says to me, "Ohio State is winning the national championship this year. They're going undefeated look at their nonconference schedule. It's easy."

And it was, if you didn't count USC in week three. At the Coliseum.

Point is, they can schedule all the Coastal Carolinas they want in my book, as long as one of their nonconference games is a legitimate challenge. Now, it's not their fault Notre Dame stunk last year, but I really do believe the Penn State nonconference schedule isn't preparing the team for the Big Ten. Oregon State is going to be good this year, but that was a game Penn State added almost at knife-point because the rest of the schedule was so bad. There has to be some kind of challenge in there. If there is, you can overlook the easy ones.

I would like to see Notre Dame every year. But I'd settle for Pitt. And that's in addition to an Alabama or an SEC team like that.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:39 
3:39
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Who do you think will be the biggest surpise on the offensive, defensive, and special teams?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:39 slacoe
3:40

Willie Harriott. I think he'll make a big impact as a nickle corner and on special teams. He really impressed me from what I saw in the spring.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:40 
3:40
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Looking for any teams to suprise the conference like Illinois did last year?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:40 slacoe
3:41
Yes, slacoe. Glad you asked.

Minnesota is going to be markedly better this year, and next season, watch out. They can be in 2009 what Illinois was in 2007.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:41 
3:41
[Comment From JRJR: ] 
Do you think JoPA's just hanging on to overtake Bobby Bowden?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:41 JR
3:43
I certainly hope not, because how silly is that? But the thought has entered my mind. I might not go so far as to say Joe is trying to overtake Bowden. There are some forfeits from last season that might wind up pushing Joe ahead, and Joe has a much better team this year. I'd be stunned if he's not in the lead after 2008.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:43 
3:43
[Comment From Up On BaseUp On Base: ] 
Do you think going outside the program is best for next HC?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:43 Up On Base
3:45
Yes. Greg Schiano is the guy I've been supporting all along. I just think Joe has been such an institution in State College that you need to go in a totally opposite direction -- with someone who would resist the urge to imitate the man. This whole program is in dire need of a breath of fresh air. And look what that fresh air did for Rutgers. Try to remember where that program was before Schiano took over.

Again, this is no offense to Tom Bradley. I think he's a fine coach. But I personally would want to go outside the program.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:45 
3:46
Should Penn State go outside the program for its next head coach?
Yes
 ( 62% )
No
 ( 38% )

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:46 
3:46
[Comment From MUGrbgMUGrbg: ] 
Hey Donnie...What do you think about the Penn State secondary? I'm really high on AJ Wallace and have been for years, and in my honest opinion I think he is a more able and willing tackler than Justin King...but how about Mark Rubin potentially being a starter and having to cover opposing players down the field? Do you see D'Anton Lynn coming in and playing, I do. Just your general thoughts on what seemingly failed us near the end of last year; pass defense. And I realize it is worth pointing out that we were without Jerome Hayes and Jared Odrick for a significant period of time as well as Chris Baker late in the season, Abe Koroma and Devon Still early in the season.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:46 MUGrbg
3:49

I think the secondary is going to be weaker than people believe this year. Wallace is about ready to emerge, and trust me, Tony Davis is going to be better off on the corner than he was at safety. But there just isn't a dynamic player there after Wallace, unless Scirrotto plays better than he did last season.

I do see Lynn playing immediately, but probably at safety. I don't think Michael Mauti is going to stay there.

Injuries really did kill the defensive line last year, but like I said earlier, the injuries are getting more players time and they are thriving. Especially Okoli. They are going to go three, maybe four, teams deep in the rotation at defensive tackle. And that position is so important to what Penn State does defensively.

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:49 
3:50
[Comment From BSM PSU 93BSM PSU 93: ] 
Being from the Scranton area, you've probably seen Eric Shrive play a few football games... and I know you're documenting his selection process. What are our chances at getting Mr. Shrive to come to PSU? Also, unrelatedly, do you know if we're actually in the running to get Tate Forcier?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:50 BSM PSU 93
3:52
I think Shrive is going to go elsewhere, although he has certainly not eliminated Penn State from consideration. That would be a huge loss for Penn State, because he can really play. I've seen him a bunch of times, and what I really like about him is, he can get so much better. Some of these guys who don't get better when they get to a college atmosphere don't get better for a reason -- because they peaked in high school. Shrive won't.

Yes, Penn State is in the running for Forceir. I would think he's their top target at QB now, and he's an exciting player to watch. He was at a Penn State game last year and really seemed to enjoy it.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:52 
3:52
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
This is a question outside of PSU, but related to the Times-Tribune(sort of)...How do you think Chad Jenning's Mizzou Tigers will fair this year after their season last year?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:52 slacoe
3:52
As long as they have their quarterback back, Jennings is going to have to pretend he knows something about football again this year. Although, tough to lose the tight end. He was a big factor in what they did.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:52 
3:53
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
What do you think will be the conference in the nation this year?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:53 slacoe
3:54
The best conference in the nation? SEC, until they are knocked off the throne. When your best team can lose twice in the regular season and still win the national title, that's saying something about reputation. But I just don't see the depth in the Pac-10 and Big 12. Big Ten might be up a little this year.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:54 
3:54
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Are the fans and/or coaches upset that Pryor did not choose Penn State?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:54 John
3:56
Good question, John. I think the fans might be -- we'll certainly find out when Pryor comes to Beaver Stadium next year. The coaches sure wanted him, especially Bradley. But it's like anything: You don't get your way, you can pout about it for a few minutes, then you move on to trying to get the next player on your list.

I think Penn State should be more upset about losing Michael Shaw to Michigan, personally. Not that he's a better player than Pryor, but Pryor at least didn't break a commitment.
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:56 
3:56
[Comment From billsinarizonabillsinarizona: ] 
We rarely use the middle of the field for down field passing. Does that help or hurt us?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:56 billsinarizona
3:58
Hurts. Hurts badly, in fact. It's more that Penn State couldn't successfully throw down the middle of the field than that they didn't try last year. But Penn State has two receivers, Williams and Butler, who can outrun just about anyone in a straight line. If you work the middle of the field, it's the safeties that have to defend that. And when the safeties have to defend that, they have to give something up. Usually, it's the very deep coverage. I think Williams and Butler become superstars if the quarterbacks and tight ends can establish some sort of threat up the seams and on crossing routes. (Everyone marveled at how open Terrell Golden was on those crossing routes against Wisconsin. It's because the Badgers never thought they'd have to cover it.)
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:58 
3:59
Who should be Penn State's starting quarterback in 2008?
Daryll Clark
 ( 43% )
Pat Devlin
 ( 57% )
Paul Cianciolo
 ( 0% )

Thursday May 8, 2008 3:59 
3:59
[Comment From YodaYoda: ] 
Just joining now, so if I missed it let me know and I'll go back. Any chance Austin Scott makes an NFL roster?
Thursday May 8, 2008 3:59 Yoda
4:00
Yes. Cleveland really liked him after his tryout in minicamp. The Browns can use some depth at the position, so why not? He's a big enough guy, and I always thought he could push the pile well enough. My only concern about him is ball protection. He was always a fumbler.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:00 
4:01
[Comment From YodaYoda: ] 
I say Pryor gets creamed next year at Ohio State. I think he's great, but now he'll be playing with athletes just like him. Even field theory.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:01 Yoda
4:01
He'll also be playing against college coaches who won't let him dominate games athletically. I have a crisp $10 bill saying teams will try to force him to stand in the pocket and throw. He has a nice arm, but I don't know if he can do that.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:01 
4:02
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Whats Shipley's chances of the Rimington this year? Do you think he can stop Luigs from becoming the first two-time winner of the trophy? Btw, I did know who won it last year without looking it up, one of the trophies I follow the most ;)
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:02 slacoe
4:03
I think my man Luigs takes it again. But don't be stunned if Shipley hangs in the race for a while. He's at least a name guy who has a really good reputation as a solid anchor on the line. Funny thing is, everyone I talk to says he's a much better nose guard.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:03 
4:03
[Comment From MUGrbgMUGrbg: ] 
Do you have any thoughts on some of the Pennsylvania talent this year with the exception of Todd Thomas? I read your blog so I saw the piece on Todd, and his concerns relative to the coaching situation.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:03 MUGrbg
4:06
The players I have seen in PA and have really liked are coming off the board really fast. I thought offering Jordan Hall early was a great idea, and he still went to Ohio State. Dorian Bell was a big loss to OSU, and so was Tom Savage to Rutgers. Shrive is still out there, but I wish I had better news for some of you folks. Watch out for WR Jaleel Clark, LB Dan Mason and SAF Abdul Smith, though. Those are very, very solid prospects from PA that don't get a lot of attention, and Penn State is all over them.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:06 
4:06
[Comment From YodaYoda: ] 
Pryor couldn't do it against Dunmore, let alone Michigan. How about Morelli? Can he even make am arena team?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:06 Yoda
4:08
Pryor didn't need to do it against Dunmore. I was there, and saw it up close and personal on the sideline. He did some amazing things that day against as solid a high school team as I've seen come out of this area.

I think Morelli would be an awful arena league quarterback. He has the arm to do whatever he wants in football, but in arena ball, you need the touch and you need savvy. He displayed neither in his two years as a starter.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:08 
4:08
[Comment From Co-workerCo-worker: ] 
Not PSU related, but with no U.S. team riding in this year's Tour 'de France, who will you be cheering for?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:08 Co-worker
4:10
Are there any cyclists from Ireland entered?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:10 
4:10
[Comment From LION FANLION FAN: ] 
Let's say PSU has a really exceptional year, one or two loses, how much do you think the out of conference schedule will hurt in the final rankings?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:10 LION FAN
4:12

A ton. That's why I rail against the rankings every week. So much of how you finish depends on where you start. For argument's sake, let's say Penn State is the best team in the nation. But, it's only going to be ranked 20th or somewhere in that area at best to start the season. Well, beating the four teams on the nonconference schedule isn't going to make that much of an impression.

Go back to '94. Nebraska wasn't the best team in the nation that year and finished first. Why? Because they started there.

Thursday May 8, 2008 4:12 
4:13
[Comment From MUGrbgMUGrbg: ] 
Donnie, will you attend the State College Nike Camp on May 10th to get a better feel for this 2009 recruiting crop and try to get a better feel for what it is that Penn State and the coaches are trying to accomplish with regard to recruiting? In the past, has Joe been heavily involved himself in these events? I know there are usually a couple of players talking and instructing so that is a positive. Any thoughts on Pennsylvania DE Jack Lippert, Pennsylvania RB Jeremiah Young, Pennsylvania DE/DT/FB/LB Jordan Hill, Pennsylvania CB Deonte Flemmings? How about some Wilkes-Barre/local talent such as the OL from WVW or Ryan Womack from GAR?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:13 MUGrbg
4:16

Won't be attending the camp this week while I recover from my leg issue. I've never been a big believer that attending that camp can give away what Penn State is trying to accomplish in recruiting. Just looking at some of the offers they have out, they're trying to do what I said they needed to do. Get some big receivers and some QBs who can run a spread offense.

Lippert and Young haven't been offered yet, and that surprises me. Both are very good players. Hill and Flemings might get offers, but they're backup plans right now, it appears. I haven't seen much of the Wilkes-Barre kids, but from what I'm told, Penn State likes them. Maybe late adds or walk-ons, though.

Thursday May 8, 2008 4:16 
4:16
[Comment From Co-workerCo-worker: ] 
A few British guys, sorry pals, no Irish lads to speak of.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:16 Co-worker
4:16
I'm cursing under my breath in Celtic right now.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:16 
4:16
[Comment From slacoeslacoe: ] 
Donnie, hope you see this but I gotta run. Got some work to get done before 5 here, I'll be back to posting don't worry. Take care.
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:16 slacoe
4:16
[Comment From SteelerFanSteelerFan: ] 
What do you think about Pittsburgh's first round pick?
Thursday May 8, 2008 4:16 SteelerFan
4:18

Loved it. Loved the second round pick too. And the third.

I always want the best available player in the first round of a draft. A friend of mine called while I was at my brother's annual NFL Draft blowout on draft day and said the Steelers still needed to take Kentwan Balmer. I almost spit out my Pepsi. You take Mendenhall and you run down the clock in the third quarter three yards at a time. You don't take a lineman when the best combination of power and speed in the draft falls in your lap.

If you can't tell, I'm ready for September.

Thursday May 8, 2008 4:18 
4:19

Hey guys, this was great. I've gone over my time, so I'm going to have to cut it off now. I'll get one of these going again as soon as I can. Great questions all around. It really was a blast.

Take care, and thanks for coming.

Thursday May 8, 2008 4:19 
4:20
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