Christian Kuntz (17), Justin Brown (19), and Shawney Kersey (81) lead a deep group of wide receivers into 2012.
The news never stops for the Penn State fan this offseason, and luckily 2012 has been quite a bit better than 2011, at least from a news point of view. We have a new energetic coach who is staffing up with some great coaches, both young and experienced. So while the coaching news continues, we continue to take a way-too-premature look at the 2012 team. Today, the pass catchers.
| Previous Depth Charts |
|---|
| Quarterback |
| Running Back/Fullback |
| Defensive Line |
| Linebacker |
The cupboard is relatively full, stocked with as many hands as it had in 2011, with Derek Moye's spot being filled by incoming freshman Eugene Lewis. Additionally, there is a new man in charge of the squad, with former Buffalo Bills wide receivers coach Stan Hixon taking over for Mike McQueary.
| WR | Class | TE | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Brown | SR | Garry Gilliam | RSJR |
| Devon Smith | SR | Kevin Haplea | JR |
| Shawney Kersey | RSJR | Kyle Carter | RSFR |
| Brandon Moseby-Felder | RSJR | Jesse James | FR |
| Christian Kuntz | RSJR | Brent Wilkerson | FR |
| Curtis Drake | RSJR | ||
| Allen Robinson | SO | ||
| Bill Belton | SO | ||
| Matt Zanellato | RSFR | ||
| Eugene Lewis | FR |
While there are 10 receivers on the roster, there are question marks up and down the list. There is a lot of experience and production at the top, with Brown and Smith ranking second and third, respectively, in catches, yards, and touchdowns by wide receivers in 2011. However each of them is not without their concerns. Brown had some issues with holding on to the ball throughout the year, while Smith was commonly used in routes that just didn't suit his skill set. A new head coach, offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach should (hopefully) alleviate these problems.
Behind them, the major question marks arise. Shawney Kersey has been a transfer rumor for at least two seasons now, and may be gone by the time this article is published. He saw early season in the slot, both out wide and in the slot, but didn't catch a ball over the last eight games and didn't play in the last three.
The other three redshirt juniors haven't seen as much time as Kersey, with Kuntz and Moseby-Felder combining for five catches in 2011. Curtis Drake has seen action at numerous positions, but his future is in jeopardy following a pre-bowl altercation with Matt McGloin that kept the Philadelphia native out of Houston. He has shown flashes of greatness on the field, and moments of stupidity off of it. If he can straighten himself out, Drake could be a valuable asset to Coach Bill O'Brien.
Three Class of 2011 members round out the active roster, with Robinson and Belton burning their redshirts and seeing some valuable playing time in 2011. Robinson has promise, and Belton is in the mold of Drake, with the ability to play almost anywhere on the field. The last spot is reserved for Pennsylvania's own Eugene Lewis, the sole wide receiver in the Class of 2012. Lewis comes to Penn State highly regarded, committing to the Nittany Lions over a list of Big Ten, Big East and ACC schools.
Forced to identify a two-deep at the position, my guess would be something like this...
| WR | SLOT | WR |
|---|---|---|
| Brown | Smith | Kersey |
| Moseby-Felder | Belton | Robinson |
...but there are just too many wildcards (Kersey, Drake) to make any reasonably educated guesses at this point.
At tight end, a position many have their eyes on thanks the the extreme production from New England Patriots tight ends the past two years, five players enter (four already on campus) and some number less than five will likely leave spring camp. Garry Gilliam should finally return from the ACL injury he suffered against Iowa in 2010, and Kevin Haplea will get a shot to live up to his potential now that Andrew Szczerba is gone. Both Szczerba and Haplea appeared in every game last season, but Szczerba was the primary guy, hauling in 12 catches. Whether or not Haplea should have been the primary guy is debatable, but after losing his appeal for a sixth year of eligibility Szczerba will not be there in 2012 to wave off Haplea.
Behind these two is a lot of unknown. Kyle Carter redshirted in 2011, while Jesse James and Brent Wilkerson will be true freshmen, and it's not even known if the two will stay at the position. James, already on campus as an early enrollee, may slide down the line as a tackle, and Wilkerson could end up on the other side of the ball.
It doesn't appear as if Bill O'Brien has his Rob Gronkowski yet, but the tight ends should be used more than the 15 catches they caught in 2011. Like the wide receivers, these guys will have a new coach in John Strollo, most recently of Ball State and "trying not to look super depressed in staff photo day" fame.
UPDATE: And right on cue, Sean Fitz of Lions247.com comes in this morning with some encouraging news about Kersey and Drake ($).
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0 recs | 64 comments
Gonna miss Big Red
Really think Brown has potential for nice 2012….and Kuntz…need I say more?
SweepTheLeg - January 10, 2012
Good thing we don't have Brad Smelley
the combo of him and Kuntz would be too much
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
we have a stanky though..
tlrpsu - January 10, 2012
In this chicken-or-egg scenario, it all starts with the Stank
jtothep - January 10, 2012
If Gilliam is all the way back
he is going to be a fantastic TE. And if he can team up with Haplea in BOB’s system, it should be another Quarless/Shuler situation for the next two or three years. I can’t wait!
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
Dang
Someone had a big bowl of optimism this morning!
I’m not sold on any of our TE’s being world-beaters. Too many bad penalties, drops, and injuries. Maybe they get past some of that with another year in the program.
Tailgate Shogun - January 10, 2012
Different systems. Different coaches.
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
The bad penalties I think can be pinned on Szczerba.
How many false starts made you want to punch your TV?
Jeff Junstrom - January 10, 2012
Or spike your football to avoid injury only to be flagged for a 'Personal Foul'?
/that penalty was called on Szczerba, wasn’t it?
Bob Sacamano - January 10, 2012
Oh, I thought about that McGloin penalty again
when Roethlisberger did the same thing with extreme prejudice to the ball. Obviously no flag, because I’ve never seen a flag with anything short of a spike into a D-lineman’s crotch.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Belton, as others have speculated,
could also end up being moved to running back if the coaches don’t land a RB on LOI day. Regardless of position, he should get a lot of touches next season.
CvilleLion - January 10, 2012
Belton is a player.
He has “it”, in my opinion. We’ll be seeing a lot of him, and I’d almost hope it was in some sort of Percy Harvin type hybrid with 5-6 carries and 5-6 catches a game, plus maybe returns.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
I agree.
Although Moo-Moo may not want Belton to float any more wildcat option passes to him along the sidelines.
CvilleLion - January 10, 2012
I'd give that 'it' to Drake
That OSU game sealed it for me, watching the two of them in the wildcat. Belton’s nice, but Drake is smooooooooovvvvve. Both are way more athletic than all the other receivers, but ‘they know, they know, they know..’
Hope dude comes back.
jtothep - January 10, 2012
Common Sense says that Belton is more valuable than Drake
While Drake may Take Care of the football and produce a few Headliners, Belton can really Be a Resurrection of sorts for our offensive gameplan.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Unless
McGloin channels his inner McBrady, these guys are going to have trouble producing. On the optimistic side, I have to think that McGloin, with some real position coaching, can be comparable to McCarron at Bama. He’s got the drive, maybe all he needs is the proper guidance?
Excited about this position group’s talent!
SkellerDweller06 - January 10, 2012
Having a decent TE game should help immensely
Defenses last year could key on the receivers, knowing the TEs were worthless in the offensive game plans Penn State put together in 2010 and 2011.
Look at 2009, how great the TEs were that year, making up for the mediocre receivers.
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
Look at Alabama.
Brad Smelley was a beast last night as a primary receiver and safety valvle for McCarron when things went awry.
Jeff Junstrom - January 10, 2012
I just can't get the image of Quarless
streaking down the middle of the Michigan defense for a 60-yard touchdown in ’09.
It was a thing of beauty. Then again, so were all three consecutive wins over The Corn and Blue.
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
McCarron is really good, guys
I’d say he has both a much stronger arm and more athleticism. But that isn’t to say McGloin can’t stand to improve a lot more with new play designs that get receivers open.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
I see talent
but it needs to produce. Qb, WR, TE, and OL need to work together on this.
FB6244 - January 10, 2012
The OL should improve with McWhorter on staff
he won a national title w/Texas in 2005 as Mac Brown’s associate head coach, and was on that staff from 2002-2010. Oh yeah, and AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2008.
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
If I were a player on offense, WHY WOULD I WANT TO TRANSFER?
If my impression of BOB is true, he’ll use every single one of these players mentioned for a more elaborate offensive play scheme.
And I disagree with Chris that our two horrible QBs are not moldable (podcast). Yes, they’re not clean slates, but my opinion is they were severely under coached. I’m very excited to see what happens to them. My prediction is that they will improve. Of course that won’t quell the 2011 QB controversy though.
Mr. Rosewater - January 10, 2012
They can't be worse, right?
Esteban d' Amur - January 10, 2012
Well, Jordan Jefferson was pretty terrible last night
That might be worse.
Mr. Rosewater - January 10, 2012
Rob Bolden
ROB-FRICKIN-BOLDEN threw for more yards and led the offense to more points against Bama than LSU scored in both 2011 games vs the Tide COMBINED.
So yeah, they can most definitely be worse.
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
I think I read LSU made it past the 50 only one time last night
Bolden can at least get them into field goal range.
Mr. Rosewater - January 10, 2012
Into the end zone, to be exact
Mike Pettigano - January 10, 2012
Did not watch one second of the game...
…but I did hear on the radio this morning that they only made it past the 50 once. And I believe it was later in the game. That’s about 1000 times worse than PSU did against ‘Bama so that’s really saying something (about how bad LSU’s offense is).
J Breezy - January 10, 2012
terrible would be an..
improvement on what Jefferson did yesterday. I openly wonder if LSU threw that game.
Esteban d' Amur - January 10, 2012
so bad that the only excuse is that they did it on purpose?
or is there something else that made you suspicious?
Mr. Rosewater - January 10, 2012
only execuse...
is that they did it on purpose and that they really had no gameplan..at all. We’ve seen more imagination from Jay and Galen.
Esteban d' Amur - January 10, 2012
One thing no one is talking about
How did LSU win the first meeting? I mean, sure, LSU’s game plan and execution were both backroom abortions last night, but Alabama was better than them in the first game as well. One of those FG goes in or the TE doesn’t let a much smaller DB take the ball from him on the 1, and Bama is undefeated and #1 all season. I thought they were the better team through about 7 of the 8 quarters played.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Wasn't Jefferson just beginning to emerge as QB1 on LSU-
I think Alabama was not as prepared for the option as they were last night. Those two differences really stood out, ‘Bama didn’t really know if Jefferson would get all the reps and then the extra time for Alabam to prepare led to the shut out.
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
LSU barely did anything on offense the first time either
I mean they weren’t as bad as last night. But they had 6 points and a little over 200 yards in regulation. Sure, Bama was more prepared last night, but it wasn’t like they were really beat by it in the first place. Last night, they just were able to completely obliterate it.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
I'll be honest- I struggled to watch both games
i watched both in the bar and the bar was more entertaining that the games. To be fair- I think playoff baseball was on during the first one- but last night was a Monday, with almost no one out, and nothing else on. It was just bad.
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
Bama...
is really good on defense, but they didn’t face a single QB all year that I would rate as better than meh.
Esteban d' Amur - January 10, 2012
It's a good point
would have been interesting to see how they’d match up with OK State, Stanford, USC, Wisconsin or Baylor’s offense. I think they’re a better all-around team than those listed, but it would be interesting to see the offense-defense matchups. Stupid BCS.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
USC....
I think would move the ball on both Bama and LSU and score. Bama didn’t face a set of WR’s like Woods and Lee all year and no one even half as good as Barkley. Not even close.
Not sure how USC’s D would handle Bama, but Monte seems to do better against the pro-style offense than the Oregon/WVU speed/spread option.
Esteban d' Amur - January 10, 2012
Or Houston!
J Breezy - January 10, 2012
Tempo
Is going to be significantly different. I’m hoping for a Brady Hoke-esque transformation of the offense (as Hoke did with meeechigan’s defense). He took that defense and in a year took it from joke status to respectable performer. I think that energy and focus can do that, and that’s what we’re getting in BOB.
Now, so long as Roof doesn’t drive the defense off a cliff…
SkellerDweller06 - January 10, 2012
Greg Mattison might have had something to do with that.
But I see your point. Would love to see that quick turnaround.
Jeff Junstrom - January 10, 2012
Hopefully LJ and Vandy can help prevent that.
misdreavus79 - January 10, 2012
Don't know about Roof, but...
I’m not expecting much from PSU’s D next year. They were bad against the only good offenses they faced this year and they’re losing a lot.
Again, not sure on the Roof hire, but I don’t think we can judge him hastily because I think whoever is the DC would have “challenges” next year.
J Breezy - January 10, 2012
We need the tight ends to be a part of the offense other than just blocking
It will help take the pressure off the rest of the offense.
GoodOleDays - January 10, 2012
I'm looking for Zanellato to break out
I haven’t heard anything about how he’s looked at practice, but something about him definitely struck me when I watched his highlight videos and heard about his senior year performances after changing schools. Kid has all the tools, I’d love to see him get involved as a RSFR.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Nice guy, too, from what I've heard
Cari Greene - January 10, 2012
Hmm. Not too bad.
The TE’s are going to have to get healthy / grow up fast. A lot of people who followed Carter in high school have high hopes for him, so let’s hope we have something there. Adan Brenneman sounds like he’s totally on board with PSU for the next recruiting class. Hopefully we get him in the fold early (say, March or so) and get the momentum building for O’Brien’s first actual recruiting group.
As for the WR’s, I don’t hate the top six noted above. Hopefully the new coaches can find a more effective way to use Smith, who I can’t believe is a senior already. Where did that time go? Kersey sticking around would be huge, and we need BMF to pitch in, too.
I was just about to type what Octa wrote about Matt Z. above. I bet we see plenty of him next year. Still not sure about Robinson, but he’s young. Who knows what Drake’s status will be. Same with Belton, obviously for different reasons. We might need him in the backfield.
Chris Grovich - January 10, 2012
re: Zanellato and Robinson.
They were each freshmen and only Robinson burned his shirt. That has to tell you something about what the last staff saw in practice. I’ve got good hopes for both (Z was a four-star recruit, and looks to be a Welker-type reception guy with great hands).
Jeff Junstrom - January 10, 2012
It's interesting
I don’t know if they burned Robinson’s shirt because he filled a different position than Z or because he was looking better in practice. Or because Bolden was more comfortable with him. Or any other reason. Either way, I’m excited to see what Z can do (same with Robinson really, who I didn’t expect to see any PT – maybe he’s going to be a player as well)
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Z needed to fill out a lot
he was too lanky, imo, and that may be why he redshirted
Cari Greene - January 10, 2012
Kent Taylor
With BoB and his creative TE use in the fold, and the lack of an OC at Florida, is there any chance he switches allegiance? He could probably see playing time this year if he’s as advertised…
Cpiritual27 - January 10, 2012
Quick Thoughts
Brown: Will be the main guy next year. Brown is very athletic, but he needs to be more consistent with catching passes. If he is more consistent, look out.
Smith: I would like to see him in the slot. Anyway, he needs to be used more effectively.
Drake: He is very athletic, good from the wildcat, and has some potential at receiver. However, he needs to get his act together.
Kersey: So far he has been a disappointment. Losing him would not be that devastating. However, Kersey does provide us with some depth at WR.
Belton: He is a player that can be used in a number of ways (WR/Slot/RB).
Moseby-Felder and Robinson: I would like to see more out of them to accurately judge. If we lose both Drake and Kersey, these guys will need to step up.
Gilliam and Halpea: I would like to see what O’Brien can do with them.
psu2007 - January 10, 2012
How much of that Patriots TE scheme is O'Brien?
And how much of it is BB and TB?
And if it is BOB’s brainchild, how much of it is simply a function of having two outstanding TE’s on the team, in addition to a great possession slot receiver? That is to say, is it a scheme that was tailored to existing personnel, or is it BOB’s preferred style?
From his initial remarks, I don’t think it’s safe to say that we’re going to see a copy of the 2011 NE offense. I think it’s going to have a base set tailored to the skill set of our players, with some variation on run/pass weighting each week depending on the strengths of the opposing defense. The TE’s may or may not weigh heavily.
SkellerDweller06 - January 10, 2012
This hit my points but in much more succinct fashion than I was about to lay out.
I think the Pats system is built around the talent at TE and the derth of it at WR. PSU is reversed. I am not saying Wes Welker and Dion Branch are not good- but to get down the field, Ochocinco apparently couldn’t learn the playbook. So, the Pats devised a sytem using their great athletes at TE to do so.
I envision A lot of short stuff in space to Smith and Brown using that big body on intermdiate stuff, the question is who will be the stretch the field receiver to replace Moye?
Going further- I believe BOB is a great hire for the personnel currently on the roster. The most played You Tube clip for PSU fans had to have been the Urban Meyer (remember how giddy we al were) faux paux about “our receivers”- but he is also saying that the routes that our offense called for took a long time to develop- I expect that to change. The ball will be coming out much quicker in 2012.
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
Well, he was there when they changed the emphasis to the 2 TE offense
So even if it wasn’t his brainchild, so to speak, I’d assume he is comfortable with it and has seen how mind-blowingly awesome it is when done correctly.
And if it were tailored to existing personnel, then there’s no reason he can’t go ahead and try to acquire that type of personnel at Penn State. We already know that Brenneman is apparently happy about the prospect of BOB’s offense. I’d venture a guess that when BOB calls, other elite tight end recruits will answer that phone call before a second ring.
And, not to disagree with you, but New England’s offense does exactly what you say (variation based on strengths of opposing defense). I know, because I had BenJarvus Green-Ellis on my fantasy teams. Some weeks he’d get 25 or more carries and dominate. Some weeks, he’d get 8 carries and Ridley and Woodhead would get just as many touches. The reason NE’s use of their tight ends is so exciting is because it works in either game plan. Gronkowski can block on an elite level, and obviously can get open and catch the football. Hernandez is a fair blocker, but can also be put in motion, split out wide, or dropped back into the backfield to diagnose the defense, spread a defense out, or get a blocking advantage at the point of attack. It’s really a very intelligent offensive system, and it does change week to week.
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Does anyone else want Moseby- Felder to be good solely because he has a great set of intials?
How awesome would be if he earned the status of being known by “BMF”? This is on my bucket list for the upcoming seasons.
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
AND we could play Rick Ross after every catch he makes
I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
Jules Winnfield and his wallet would approve:
Bob Sacamano - January 10, 2012
Wipe the slate clean on a couple things
As far as the general offense goes- No one has our number anymore- I’m looking at you Kirk Ferentz. There is no blueprint to stopping Penn State currently. One thing that the divisional play does is make you very familiar with the scheming of the teams you play every year. By cleaning house on the offensive side of the ball and retaing the front seven coaches, I think PSU has a tangible advantage heading into 2012. Kool aid shots for everyone!
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
Is our advantage decided and/or schematic?
OctaShields - January 10, 2012
I guess schematic...
There is no film on Penn State’s offense now. So there is little scheme against until the latter half of the 2012 season. Now its not a decided advantage- but its nice to have a bit of edge going into the season.
NEPA_Lions - January 10, 2012
[nods approvingly.]
Chris Grovich - January 10, 2012
ill take a koolaide shot with ya
tlrpsu - January 10, 2012
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