I was in State College this past weekend for a close friends wedding. I love State College in the late summer, after summer classes have ended, but before the rush of students return for the fall semester. You can walk into a bar at midnight, and find a place to sit. You can catch up with friends over a drink, and not be shouting to do it. But most of all, you can walk around campus on a Saturday morning and take it all in.

I spent part of my Saturday morning doing just that. There was a noticeable quietness, especially in comparison to the tumultuous week nearly 10 months back. But there was also something else I have not felt at Penn State nearly as often recently. A buzz. I felt it when I arrived in town in 2005 for the Ohio State game. I felt it in 2008 for the Homecoming game versus Michigan that ended years of frustration. It’s that unmistakable, yet silent feeling I get in the build up to something big. Call me crazy, but that exists in State College, PA right now.

Nearly every business on College Ave. and throughout the town is proudly displaying their “Proud to Support Penn State Football” signs in their windows. Nearly everyone I passed or chatted with was proudly wearing his or her PSU Blue and White. People wanted to talk about football, and September 1st, and the next step in the healing of our community.

Yes, there is frustration, a lot of it, with what has happened in our Happy Valley since November, but starting at noon on September 1st, some normalcy returns. For at least for a few hours in Beaver Stadium we can come together and support this team. Of course there will be many differences, and at the end of the day, Penn State is playing for little more than pride. But they are also playing for this town, this school and this place.

My last stop before heading off to prepare for the day’s festivities was Beaver Stadium. I drove by the spot the infamous statue once stood. I drove by the tunnel where the blue buses will drop off the team. I pulled up along the curb there, just for a few seconds to snap a picture on my phone and I couldn’t help but smile. In 12 days, thousands of people will line that patch of pavement and cheer the players and coaches as they enter the stadium. It won’t be the Penn State football we remember, and many of us fell in love with, but it will still be Penn State football. For many Penn Staters around the world, that’s not a bad thing at all.

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Jesse James TE

Jesse enrolled in January and immediately went to work. He shined in the Blue-White game and left spring practice listed as a second string tight end. When asked if Jesse would play in 2012, Bill O’Brien quickly replied “Oh yeah, definitely.”

The 6’7″ James is an ideal red zone target, and despite O’Brien’s plea to temper the expectations on his tight ends, many believe Jesse will become a starter, sooner rather than later, in BOB’s tight end-driven offense. The transfer of Kevin Haplea may help speed up that process.

Offer from Penn State! Believe whatever and listen to the media, but it’s a honor to be recognized by a program with such tradition. Blessed

— Kasey Gaines(@KG_III) August 19, 2012

Gaines has offers from Harvard,  Howard and VMI to go along with Penn State and according to multiple reports, the  5’10″ 160 pound safety has Penn State at, or near the top of his list.

Gaines camped at Penn State in June, so it’s fair to assume that his interest has been building for some time. The Georgia-to-Penn State trip is not a particularly easy one to make.

Despite being listed as a cornerback on Rivals, his FILM show him playing more of a safety role. It will be interesting to see if he gains some weight to play safety at the next level or if Ted Roof and the staff feel that his coverage abilities dictate a move to corner.

Both Scout and Rivals credit Gaines with a 4.5 40 yard dash time, so speed should not be an issue at the next level. His 5 interceptions and 9 tackles for loss as a junior are also very impressive numbers.

Kudos to the staff for digging deep and finding players with ability and upside. Most importantly, they are finding kids who are still very interested in Penn State, despite the sanctions.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

photo by Rob Christy-US PRESSWIRE

Mac McWhorter: Offensive Line

Mac was previously the offensive line coach at Texas, where he helped the Longhorns produce multiple All-Americans along the offensive line and rank among the top of the Big 12 and country in total offense, as well as rushing offense. He was also the “Assistant Head Coach” in Texas.

After years of underwhelming, the Penn State offensive line has its most accomplished coach in a long time, if not ever. The group is full of highly recruited kids at both guard and tackle and will need to step up if the running backs hope to successfully replace Silas Redd. If McWhorter can mold this unit into a solid group, the Penn State offense can be better than most expect.

The 6’1″ 180 pound Render currently holds an offer from Kent State but apparently has more interest in their Wagon Wheel rival (Kent and Akron play for a trophy that is actually a wagon wheel in the least-known rivalry in the country). Only people who live within a few miles of both Dix Stadium and InfoCision Stadium (me) have heard of the rivalry…but I digress.

Penn State currently has two defensive backs committed to the 2013 class (Jordan Smith, Neiko Robinson) but would certainly like another, if not two more. Neiko Robinson will likely play safety at the next level, but much like Jordan Smith, De’Quan Render could potentially play cornerback or safety in college.

Rivals lists Render as a two star cornerback with a 4.49 40 yard dash and scout.com agrees that he is a two star CB.

One would have to imagine that if Penn State extends an offer or an invitation for an official visit, they will become the heavy favorite in this race. Add De’Quan Render to the list of names to monitor throughout the 2012 season, when it comes to recruiting.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Here is a short video of De’Quan Render playing defensive back and wide receiver:

Another part of the equation is the recent addition of Arizona linebacker Brennan Franklin to the 2012 recruiting class. This is a move worth noting, as he essentially took the spot of one linebacker in this class. I’m glad that’s not confusing at all…

There are currently two linebackers committed (Zayd Issah, Brandon Bell) but there’s a rumor that Zayd may not be committed for much longer. Also, players like Al-Rasheed Benton, Buddy Brown and Jonathan Walton are all still interested, according to various reports. The point is, Penn State can probably get as many linebackers as they want in this class, sanctions be damned. The problem comes back to that darn scholarship limit.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Running back/linebacker Jonathan Walton tells me that he is looking forward to scheduling an official visit this fall with Ted Roof to watch a game at Beaver Stadium and take in the Penn State campus. While he is being recruited by Penn State as a linebacker, it’s worth noting that the majority of LBs Penn State has recruited in this cycle have been players that doubled as offensive skill players. That includes current commit (for now) Zayd Issah and de-committed LB/Athlete Zach Bradshaw, both of whom played key roles on offense with the ball in their hands.

It would appear that the mold has been set for Ted Roof’s ideal linebacker and he likes them fast and athletic.

Scout.com lists the 5’11″ 220 pound Walton as a two star middle linebacker, but he tells me that Arkansas State has offered him as an all-purpose running back. He also holds offers from UAB, Louisiana Tech, Troy, Arkansas State, South Alabama and Louisiana Lafayette. He was offered by Penn State around the same time as current commit Neiko Robinson, following a trip to the deep south by the aforementioned Penn State defensive coordinator, Ted Roof.

With currently-committed linebacker Zayd Issah nearing a decision about Penn State, the recruitment of Walton could become crucial.

His defensive highlights start just after the 6:00 mark of his FILM. However, the first play at running back is worth watching, if only to see the block his wide receiver throws around the 25 second mark. Jonathan says that was actually the wrong block…but it looks SO right.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Following a one-week vacation from the podcast, Matt de Bear joined me to talk FOOTBALL! Also, the uniform changes and Matt crowbars in a little band talk. Click below to listen to the second episode of Victory Bell Radio.

Nothin like a team building event like paintball with my brothers!

— Garry Gilliam™ (@GarryGilliam89) August 14, 2012

Team went paint-balling today. Zettel decided not to wear a shirt in the final entire offense vs defense round lockerz.com/s/234365303

— Matt Zanellato (@mzanellato) August 14, 2012

This is the after math of team Paintball lmaooo, big Z is a warrior! twitter.com/PSU_PT_Kiley2/…

— Jake Kiley (@PSU_PT_Kiley2) August 14, 2012

One of the most fun things I’ve done in my life was paintball with my teammates

— Paul Jones(@_7unechi) August 14, 2012

Paintball with my brothers was too fun

— Steven Bench(@SBench12) August 14, 2012

Today was crazy, playing painting with 105 of my teammates was fun.. i got a lot of bodies #WhatsYourBody? #TeamBonding

— Nyeem Wartman (@PSU_5_iz_AliVe) August 14, 2012

Had a great time with the team & strength staff. Paint ball guns to fun. Thanks to the coaches allowing us have fun. Now back to the mission

— Stephon Morris (@12_darKnight) August 14, 2012

Paintball with the Penn st family #OneTeam instagr.am/p/OSqk5VGSdD/

— C.J Olaniyan (@cjolaniyan86) August 14, 2012

-Team Photo

Smith seemed happy to have the process over. After camping at Illinois, Maryland and Penn State this summer, he seemed confident in his choice. Jordan also told me that in addition to Colorado, Hawaii and Kansas, Illinois had also offered him a scholarship. He was also being recruited by Vanderbilt and Ohio State.

Jordan explained that he grew up a Penn State fan, pointing to the fact that his brother’s teammates Navarro Bowman and Derrick Williams went to Penn State.

He’s unsure if he’ll be playing corner of safety in Ted Roof’s defense, saying “I only know that I’ll be enrolling as a defensive back.” When will he enroll?

“I will be graduating in the winter and enrolling at Penn State in January.”

That’s crucial information because it allows the staff to count him toward the 2012 recruiting class, not against the limit of 15 scholarships that they have in 2013. With both Smith and Adam Breneman enrolling early, the staff will be allowed to give scholarships to 17 kids from this class. That’s assuming they’re the only two early enrollees.

Jordan doesn’t yet have an official visit planned to Penn State this fall, but noted that he definitely intends to be at the opener September 1st against Ohio, saying “It’s going to be crazy.”

Jordan Smith was the first player to commit to Penn State following the sanctions levied by the NCAA president Mark Emmert. Without even enrolling at Penn State, he has already etched out a place in the hearts of many Nittany Lion fans with his commitment and the timing of it.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

photo by Rob Christy-US PRESSWIRE

Akeel Lynch

With the transfer of Silas Redd to USC, much of the attention at the running back position has been with sophomore Bill Belton, the likely starter on September 1st.  But with the uncertainty on how Belton can handle the load of starting back in the Big 10,  the depth at running back will be tested.  Curtis Dukes is a known quantity, but the early reports on Lynch have been promising.  Before he announced his intention to stay with Penn State, a fellow member of the freshman class called Lynch one of the most athletic players on the team.  Expect him to get a chance early to show what he can do, and expect him to be impressive.

Jordan Smith, Penn State Welcomes YOU!!! photo by Rob Christy-US PRESSWIRE

Penn State fans haven’t had a ton of good news lately, so when word came on Saturday that Penn State had landed a commitment, many wondered what the asterisk was. Is this another 2012 kid? A JuCo player? None of the above.

Jordan Smith is a class of 2013 defensive back from Woodson High School in Washington DC, listed as the fourth best prospect in DC this year by ESPN.

He is the first 2013 recruit to commit to Penn State following sanctions that the program received last month. Word is that he may graduate in December, allowing him to enroll at Penn State in January, counting against the 2012 class. Moves like that give the staff a little flexibility against the 15 scholarship limit that was a part of those sanctions.

Jordan’s coach Wendy Johnson told Scout.com “Jordan is a high-energy guy at practice and in the weight room, and he’s adamant about football and academics,” adding that “He always gave me the impression he wanted to go there.”

Landing Jordan Smith isn’t only terrific for Penn State on a “good-vibe” level, it’s also crucial as far as depth goes. The Nittany Lions secondary depth chart is very thin  and the staff needs to recruit players who can get into that depth chart as soon as possible.

Jordan gushed about Penn State in an interview with ESPN, calling Penn State his “dream school.”

“While playing in the back yard, you’re imagining you’re part of a team,” he said. “Ever since those days, I always envisioned myself in a Penn State uniform and playing in Happy Valley.”

Scout lists Jordan’s 40 yard dash time as 4.38. He camped at Penn State in early June and received his offer later that month. Smith was on campus Saturday for an unofficial visit when he committed to the Nittany Lions.

There is a little confusion with his film, as it says he is a 2012 prospect from Archbishop High. I assure you, this is the right Jordan Smith. I’m working on sorting out the details of how he became a 2013 prospect.

Jordan Smith
5’11″” 180 lbs.

Scout.com    NR 
Rivals.com   **
247Sports    NR
ESPN.com    *** 

OFFERS:
Colorado
Kansas
Hawaii

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

QB: 1 (previously 1) (Chritian Hackenberg)
As long as Christian Hackenberg is interested in Penn State, they will have a spot for him.

RB: 1 (previously 1-2)
The staff will have to look a little deeper than expected, but getting a running back in this recruiting class is vital.

WR: 1-2 (previously 2-3)
It looks like the coaching staff would have been content taking just two wide receivers in the first place. The fact that they brought in three WRs last year (Lewis, Golden, Warner) gives them some flexibility here. I wouldn’t be totally shocked to see just one player taken this year, due to other areas of need.

TE: 1 (Adam Breneman )
No other TE was ever offered this year.

OL: 2-3 (previously 3-4) (Brendan Mahon, Andrew Nelson)
I think the staff would like to add another tackle, after not landing one in 2011. But with the big local targets off the board, it’s tough to predict what they’ll end up with.

DT: 1-2 (previously 1)
The transfer of Jamil Pollard may leave them wanting an extra DT than they had previously had planned. Problem is, they have zero right now.

DE: 2 (previously 2) (Garrett Sickels, Curtis Cothran)
These two have both solidified their commitments following the NCAA sanctions. For now, the defensive end position is finalized.

LB: 3? (previously 3-4) (Brandon Bell,  Zayd Issah)
After taking just two LBs total in the last two classes, Penn State is very thin on underclassmen linebackers. Bell is a solid commitment, but the jury is still out on Zayd.

DB: 3-4 (previously 4+) (Neiko Robinson)
Probably the biggest depth chart issue on the team, Penn State will likely have to reach to at least add some bodies to this unit. If they don’t have the class full by mid-January, I’d expect to see a couple offers thrown out here to some fringe prospects.

Total: 15-19 15

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

In no particular order, here are FIVE reasons why Penn State will not fall into obscurity in 2013:

photo by Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Silas Redd Was Not That Important.

Silas Redd is a terrific player. However, it’s not like the Nittany Lions are left playing with 10 players in his departure. Last year, Redd had 1,241 rushing yards, which was really good. It was actually the third best total for Penn State…in the last seven years. In fact, Penn State has produced a 1,000 yard rusher in eight consecutive seasons, including 1,200+ yard seasons from Evan Royster, Rodney Kinlaw and Tony Hunt. Bill Belton has a legit shot at approaching that 1,000 yard mark in 2012, and in 2013 he will be a junior, with a year of experience under his belt. Silas Redd may not have been at Penn State in 2013, whether or not he had transferred.

News came in the afternoon that three star athlete/linebacker Zach Bradshaw had withdrawn his verbal commitment to Penn State. Zach became the third member of the 2013 class to decommit since the sanctions were handed out by NCAA president Mark Emmert. Guy Cipriano of the Centre Daily Times later reported that Bradshaw had committed to Virginia after speaking with O’Brien.

While the loss of a dynamic player like Bradshaw shouldn’t be overlooked, Penn State currently has two other linebackers committed to the 2013 class in Zayd Issah and Brandon Bell.  With the scholarship limitations that PSU is facing, they may longer be interested in taking three linebackers in this class. If they are, options like Al-Rasheed Benton and Buddy Bell may still be available.

The big blow came this evening when news broke that top offensive tackle, Dorian Johnson, has also decommitted  from the Nittany Lions. Dorian was one of the best players in the class and is probably the top recruit that O’Brien and staff have lost since the Freeh Report was released. The current class now stands at nine players, four of whom are from Pennsylvania.

Before committing to Penn State, Johnson had narrowed down his choices to Ohio State, West Virginia, Pitt and PSU. From the sounds of it, Virginia Tech is now a player to land the four star talent.

The loss of Dorian Johnson leaves OG Brendan Mahon and OT Andrew Nelson as the only two offensive linemen committed to Penn State. I would imagine that the staff will begin casting the net back out to gauge interest from other offensive tackles that they previously had relationships with. Dorian will be very hard to replace.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Cue social media explosion regarding the uniforms.

— Drew Balis (@drewBbalis) August 7, 2012

@rmusselmansc I really do not like the idea of names on the uniforms.That is one thing that made #PSU special. Team more import than playr

— J John Patrick (@jjohnpatrick) August 7, 2012

@timtolleyvbr so you “save the program” but is it worth saving if it just becomes another NFL feeder team and you lose all traditions

— TC Weber (@norinrad10) August 7, 2012

@timtolleyvbr I dont understand why people would even get upset over this.Its not a huge change and its a new era, past is past

— Rob Boland (@Rob_Boland3) August 7, 2012

Stop being logical- this is the internet!!!

A uniform change that recognizes the current team and helps create child abuse awareness. I’ll support that 100%.

— Tim Tolley (@TimTolleyVBR) August 7, 2012

Shameless self-promotion.

@rmusselmansc love it & love the idea that coach has behind it.

— Stephon Morris (@12_darKnight) August 7, 2012

-Penn State starting CB Stephon Morris.

Interesting to see these names on the jerseys now.. This is a Different look…. A REAL different look

— Daryll Clark (@CaptainClark17) August 7, 2012

-Former QB Daryll Clark

These alterations will include a blue ribbon on the front of the jersey to support victims of child support. Bill O’Brien also asks that fans in attendance to games also wear the blue ribbon. The second change in 2012 will be (GASP!) the addition of names on the back of the jerseys, a sight that has never been seen before.

The ribbons seem like an obvious choice. Many won’t mind if those ribbons remain forever, serving as a conversation piece at least, for generations to come. That’s how “awareness” happens.

The names on the jersey didn’t go over quite as well.

“We want our fans to know and recognize these young men. They have stuck together during tough times, and I commend them for the leadership they have shown.”
-Head coach Bill O’Brien

Of course, the collective roar from the Penn State crowd could be heard across the country. After what has transpired since last November, I’m surprised that this even registers as news for Penn State fans, but it most certainly did.

Cries on message boards and twitter calling this the “end of tradition” and the “destroying of Penn State” are laughable. Here’s the bottom line: Over half of the players on this year’s football team had offers from other schools in recent weeks. Had they taken those offers, there would have been no football team. No. Football. This season isn’t just about the “name on the front of the jersey.” It’s also about those individuals who chose to stick with Penn State through it’s toughest times. Not only to stick with Penn State, but chose to turn down offers from across the country from schools offering things that Penn State football can not offer at this time. Backups were offered starting jobs on teams that will play in bowls this season. Starters were offered spots on teams that will play in BCS bowls this January.

Every player on this Penn State team declined.

Over the past week, I’ve been told to “stop writing about the players that transferred and let’s focus on the ones who stayed” at least a dozen (too many) times. You’re right. Focus on those players. Also, acknowledge their sacrifices and commitments with a simple gesture like their names on the back of their jersey. Penn State football will still be Penn State football. Thankfully.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

#9
OT Ryan Nowicki (Illinois)

Nowicki did not appear on the post-spring depth chart, making him a third string tackle, at best. With RS Freshman Donovan Smith likely holding down the left tackle spot for the next 3-4 years and the 2013 class currently consisting of Dorian Johnson and Andrew Nelson, the tackle position will go on without Ryan.

#8
QB Rob Bolden (LSU)

Rob was buried on the depth chart and was behind PJ Jones, who has more eligibility than he does. With accurate freshman Steven Bench now on the roster and Christian Hackenberg coming in next year, it’s not likely that Bolden would have seen another meaningful snap at Penn State.

#7
S Tim Buckley (NC State)

Buckley was a walk-on from North Carolina, who came to Penn State partially because his father was a PSU grad. Despite not being offered a scholarship out of high school, Buckley was likely to see some playing time this season in an already-thin defensive backfield.

#6
TE Kevin Haplea (Florida State)

Kevin saw a lot of action last year, though sometimes it seemed that the attention he gained was for blown plays and penalties. With Garry Gilliam back from injury and freshman Jesse James catching everyone’s attention in the spring, Haplea became expendable, and he knew it. There are few reasons for a tight end to transfer out of a Bill O’Brien offense. One of them would be the absence of playing time.

#5
WR Justin Brown (Oklahoma)

Brown arrived at Penn State with high expectations but never seemed to reach his potential. Inconsistency and dropped balls played a part in this, along with average quarterback play. Penn State threw for 29 touchdowns over the last two seasons but Brown managed to haul in only three during that time. In contrast, QB-turned WR-turned H-back/TE managed to grab 5 touchdowns in his senior campaign of 2010. Brown was expected to be the incumbent number one receiver at Penn State this year, but there a handful of guys on the roster capable of taking that spot.