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Penn State Football: Week 1 studs and duds against Appalachian State

By Corey Hunter

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 12 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after rushing for a 12 yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on September 1, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 28: Aaron Burbridge #16 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a 13-yard reception against John Reid #29 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 28: Aaron Burbridge #16 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a 13-yard reception against John Reid #29 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Cornerback John Reid

Much like KJ Hamler, John Reid has been itching to get back onto the field after a leg injury.  Reid missed all of last season after injuring his knee during spring ball and was forced to redshirt last year.  His return this season allowed Nittany Lion coaches to move prized recruit Lamont Wade back to safety.

Now that Reid is back, he is supposed to solidify the cornerback position.

Reid struggled on Saturday.  On many occasions he looked out of place or failed to make the correct read.  Penn State has him slotted as the starting boundary corners in basic sets and as the STAR or fifth defensive back in nickel packages.  He finished the game with a single tackle, and he was beaten (despite being in decent defending position) by Malik Williams on a 24-yard touchdown catch that brought the Mountaineers within seven points.  What may be even more telling was that he was not on the field for Penn State during OT.

Things take time, even for someone who is used to playing at a high level like John Reid.  I have no doubt that by season’s end, Reid will be one of the best cover corners in the Big Ten, but on Saturday he had his struggles.  Next week, Pittsburgh will feature Araujo-Lopes at wideout.  He is tall and speedy, so Reid better be up to the challenge.

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