The Blue Board

I have my doubts defensively. Going from Tom Bradley to Ted Roof isn't exactly an upgrade. I'd go as far as saying it's a pretty significant downgrade. But I think that's a major reason why he retained LJ and Vandy. I think we'll do better with DBs, but I wonder if we'll be able to get the Linebackers we used to. We're completely changing the defensive philosophy on that side of the ball, and one of the reasons PSU was so attractive to LBs is that we were the rare program that developed LBs in all areas. Most colleges these days don't ask much of their LBs in coverage, mostly they stop the run or attack the LOS, or play man. Rarely they drop into zones. It's why we have so many Linebackers in the NFL currently. From what I know of Ted Roof's schemes, we're not going to be doing that any more.

Offensively, it was logical to think that Coach Obie would be to snag good offensive players.

We'll be somewhat like last year. Good but not great. I think we'll be better offensively and worse defensively. Quite simply, we don't have the horses in the secondary, and as aggressive as Roof likes to call a game, I think we're going to give up a lot of big plays

Exactly, even if Joe and the current staff stayed, we weren't going to have a very good year. Probably not miss much of a beat defensively, but offensively we'd continue to be horrible. This year, I have some hope offensively because of the overhaul we're going through on that side of the ball. We'll be better than what we would have - but we might miss a beat with defensive recruiting - and even there, it comes down to the linebacker position.

By "In", I meant "A player".

It's not too surprising that you guys are struggling to get a QB though, the SEC isn't QB friendly. I mean, Stafford was the top pick in the draft and AJ Green to throw to, and yet his stats wouldn't have been upper half in the Pac10 or Big 12. It's a league were the defenses are dominating the offenses, so I think that has the effect where it might put off some big time QBs, who want a better chance to show off their abilities.

Did you guys offer Ryan Burns (teammate of Johnathan (sp) Allen)? He was leaning to PSU but I'm sure will change now. He's a high 4 star guy as well, might give Bama a nice look as his teammate is leaning heavily towards Bama.

Nice commit! PSU recruiting is definitely going to take off now. It's amazing what effect a new coaching staff can have.

You know what's comical is the fact that so many expect Penn St. to completely fall off the face of the earth. I was always on the fence; I didn't think Penn St. would fall off, I felt they wouldn't be the traditional Penn St. we're accustomed to, but I also knew that Penn St. would have a good product. Maybe not quite up to par for Lion football but respectable nonetheless. The Sandusky mess seemed like a dagger to your program, but I don't buy into the whole thing about you guys being irrelevant. This commitment is huge for you guys and I would expect more will follow suit. I'm actually quite happy for you guys with all the bad news you've all been through; this commitment really helps lift the spirits of Penn St. nation.

I'm not sure about your defense. I really don't know much about Roof. What I do know is that Penn St. traditionally has a superb defense who puts players in the NFL. I don't expect you guys to miss too much of a beat in that respect. A school sells itself; a player sees that Penn St. offer and that speaks volumes knowing Penn St. produces talent. Coaching of course is a whole different aspect. Like I said, I don't know really anything about Roof but I still expect you guys to land some studs on the defensive side of the ball.

When it comes to the Sandusky mess, it may take a little while until it's done and over with. Sure, some recruits may look at that negatively and move on. Having a coach who can still sell the program amidst scandal is a huge plus. When you have guys like Breneman, who grew up rooting for Penn St. and have dreams of becoming a Lion, I'm not so sure that a scandal is going to do much in terms of players neglecting their childhood dream. The biased side of me hopes that Foster and Breneman both become Buckeyes ... but if they stay in state that's a good testament of players staying home and playing for their childhood favorites. Just like an Ohio kid, who grows up rooting for the Buckeyes and finally getting his dream offer, then committing to Ohio State. I would completely understand if those players decided to stay in Pennsylvania. I hope not tho...

Congrats on your commit. As a whole, not only does it make each team that much better, but makes the conference much better as well. I am sure that we'll see some tough battles in the B1G heading forward!

Soon to be second best QB.

Shane's dropping to third after Hack passes em both?

Great post in general, and this stood out. Today was the day I think people moved on just a little bit (the message board crazies who follow recruiting). It's been a huge sh*tstorm and I think this commit might be the most uplifting for any program in a long, long time. Much more important than just a recruit right now. (not saying anything to belittle the crimes or saying recruiting should take away from the victims at all before someone jumps down my throat. Just saying it finally feels like a win, and we needed one).

135 pounds? That's light, kid will get destroyed.

Once he hits the weight room, he should be 6'4, 140! Monster!