Are you REDD-y for 2012? (Photo: Mike Pettigano/BSD)
| More 2012 Depth Charts |
|---|
| Quarterback |
| Running Back/Fullback |
| Receivers |
| Defensive Line |
| Linebacker |
| Secondary |
We round out our super-duper-early 2012 Penn State depth chart preview by throwing together what this year's lineup could look like. There is so much still unknown at this point, it's a difficult task to do this for any team. But with a new coaching staff, things get even tougher.
Let's have some fun, anyway, and dive into the first official non-official 2012 Penn State depth chart.
The full depth chart at the end of the 2011 season, but prior to National Signing Day (where we'll hopefully add ~20 more names to the chart), after the jump.
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| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WR |
SL |
RB |
QB |
FB |
WR |
|
Kersey |
D. Smith |
Redd |
McGloin |
Zordich |
Brown |
|
Kuntz |
Belton |
Beachum |
Bolden |
Zwinak |
Moseby-Felder |
|
Kenney |
Drake |
Dukes |
Jones |
|
Zanellato |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robinson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LT |
LG |
C |
RG |
RT |
TE |
|
Smith |
Arcidiacano |
Stankiewitch |
Urschel |
Farrell |
Gilliam |
|
Gress |
Kolb |
Dieffenbach |
Shrive |
Nowicki |
Haplea |
|
Cadogan |
Mangiro |
Howle |
Figueroa |
|
Carter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CB |
DE |
DT |
DT |
DE |
CB |
|
Amos |
Stanley |
Terry |
Hill |
Massaro |
Morris |
|
Thomas |
Olaniyan |
Jones |
Hailes |
Baublitz |
|
|
Wallace |
Oakman |
Zettel |
Graham |
Bars |
|
|
|
Kerner |
Alosi |
|
Barnes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Safety |
Fritz |
Middle |
Sam |
Safety |
Punter/Kicker |
|
Obeng-Agyapong |
Hodges |
Carson |
Mauti |
Willis |
Fera |
|
|
Hull |
Fortt |
Kline |
|
Ficken |
|
|
Royer |
Yancich |
|
|
There are 67 names on this list, a number we're quite certain will drop. Brandon Beachum, for instance, is almost certainly gone, choosing not to return for his fifth year. Will there be others, either foregoing a fifth year or possibly transferring? We've got eight and a half long months to wait and see.
The major areas of concern are in the defensive backfield at corner and safety. We looked at that two days ago, to conclude it will be a rough go stopping the pass in 2012, unless some of these guys break out with good seasons. SOA and Willis could--could--be a good safety tandem, but haven't proven much, especially SOA. The corners are a little more deep, but have so many question marks (Thomas) that we can't predict they will be anything strong enough to slow down a half-decent quarterback.
Luckily, the offense actually looks like it will improve this year. How? The offensive line, though it loses a few starters, will have one (!) coach for the entire unit. Mac McWhorter is a great OL coach, and should be able to counter any negatives due to graduation. The quarterbacks, as tired of them as we are, will be another year older. On top of that, they will actually have a clean slate with the coaching staff, including a head coach who will double as offensive coordinator. At the bottom of the pyramid is the foundation of the offense: Silas Redd. Though Bill O'Brien likes to pass the ball around, you can bet he will lean on what works for Penn State's personnel--running the ball. Maybe we will even see a little more of Curtis Dukes this year, particularly after he and Redd teamed up to grind the Iowa defense into a fine powder last season.
We will come back to the depth charts during spring practice in two months. For now, try to keep your football stress levels in check.
*BSD editor Mike Pettigano contributed to this post.
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2 recs | 60 comments
QB...
If Mornhinweg stays committed to PSU and emerges as the best option at QB, does he have a realistic shot at starting as a frosh given that this new staff has or feels no class-related allegiance to the upperclassmen?
LowcountryLion - January 13, 2012
I'm sure it's possible
although I can’t imagine him being that much better than McGloin this year. It’s one thing for Bolden to be a whiz-kid out of HS and beat out a former walk-on RSSO who’s never seen serious playing time, let alone start a game. It’s quite another for a true freshman to beat out a guy who’s in his fifth year and has almost two seasons of playing time, much of which has come against some of the better defenses in the country.
I know, I know – McGloin isn’t that good, and you can claim that we won 9 games this year in spite of him. But burning the kid’s redshirt would have to bring serious improvement over McGloin’s play to be worth it, and I don’t see that happening. If anyone’s going to beat out McGloin this year, it’s gonna be Jones, and we have yet to see or hear anything to make us believe that’s a realistic scenario.
dbl5030 - January 13, 2012
I agree
Plus, let Mornhinweg have a year to learn the system and adjust. If next year is a lost year due to transfers and system adjustment for veterans, no point in burning his redshirt. The only concern is if Jones and Bolden leave, then we might not have a choice.
psualum9931 - January 13, 2012
But all of them have to "learn the system" right?
We can’t seriously trot out that same pass offense under BOB.
jrm412 - January 13, 2012
That's true.
But at least the QBs currently on our team are already adjusted to the speed of the college game.
dbl5030 - January 13, 2012
Nice work guys...top notch stuff for weeks
Except for Chris…he stinks.
SweepTheLeg - January 13, 2012
No, no, no.
I LOVE his sports stuff.
Generally.
Pete the Streak - January 13, 2012
RB's
I think Beachum is gone too. I would like to see Dukes get some carries early in the game and then let Redd work his magic with a worn out D. On a personal note I am glad that Green is gone.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
Has Beachum said anything about not coming back?
Or is this based upon rumor, tweets or something else? Just curious.
kijana's acl - January 13, 2012
No statement that I know of...
I would certainly love to see him play.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
As far as Beachum.
I saw nothing from him this year that has me hoping that he comes back. He wasn’t bad, but he certainly didn’t leave an impression. I was much more impressed with Dukes, who inexplicably had zero carries down the stretch.
Swiggs - January 13, 2012
Easy Explanation
He is a kid, while we had two other seniors at tail back. After the scandal, Bradley gave Beachum (until his injury) and Green more carries. Redd was even phased out a bit, though this could have been due to injury as well. That was Paterno’s way, and it became Bradley’s way. May be frustrating to a fan, but it shows respect to the players.
FB_Dive_or_Bust - January 13, 2012
Inexplicable?
He was getting his QBs blown up in the worst display of pass protection I have seen out of a RB, he was going the wrong way on passing patterns that was resulting in totally blown up plays, and he had a few games in a row averaging around 3 yards a carry.
I think when he puts together the pass protections and other aspects he could be a monster. Until then he is a liability on the field. You almost can’t have him out there if you aren’t handing it to him.
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
Carries.
He was running better than Beachum. That’s all I’m saying. I didn’t say he should have been the 3rd down back.
Swiggs - January 13, 2012
He was running better than Beachum, definitely.
I just don’t think it was so inexplicable that he got zero carries down the stretch. He was making other awful mistakes, and wasn’t running any more effectively than Beachum by that point in the season.
Last 3 games with carries (they alternated):
Beachum- 13 carries- 53 yards- 4.08 YPC (Ill-Neb-OSU) (very effective against Neb)
Dukes- 13 carries- 47 yards- 3.62 YPC (Pur-NW-Wisco) (only effective late in Wisco blowout)
If they are goint to run just as effectively or Dukes less effectively, and one can’t do anything else right? You might as well get the ball to Beachum (until you are getting blown out by Wisco anyway).
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
^should have said he was running better than Beachum at one point, definitely.
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
I swear it was reported that he wouldn't be returning after his season-ending injury.
We debated this a few weeks ago, but couldn’t nail down a definitive answer.
Chris Grovich - January 13, 2012
Looks like Beachum's done
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/11/running_back_brandon_beachum_h.html
PSU_Buch - January 13, 2012
He was announced with the seniors
so……
FB6244 - January 13, 2012
That's the best indication yet
Thanks.
kijana's acl - January 13, 2012
I'm really disappointed that Green is gone
The guy always seemed like a real PSU faithful guy, a real cheerleader. This season is one where a guy who was on the roster for years and is gung ho could get the current and new guys all excited, even if their favorite former coach is gone, whoever that might have been.
PSUCharmas - January 13, 2012
FB's
I think Zordich is gone too. P.J. Byers is an unconventional athlete (quite literally) that could become a factor at FB next season.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
Is there anything to indicate that?
I have no reason to believe that Zordich will not be back in 2012
jrock4 - January 13, 2012
Who says Zordich is gone? This is the absolute first I have heard of this.
And I’m going to hope that is very very much not true.
The Heel - January 13, 2012
No knock on Byers,
but i really hope this is false.
tlrpsu - January 13, 2012
While I don't consider Navy or Virginia to be automatic wins
I do think the talent’s there to be 7-0 when OSU comes to town.
ckmneon - January 13, 2012
UVA is an enigma.
The best I can tell, they simply play to the level of their opponents. This is a team that upset GT, Miami and Florida State (two of those on the road), yet lost to NC State in pretty embarrassing fashion and let Idaho take them to OT (both of those at home).
And then they got obliterated by a mediocre VT team when all they had to do was win to get to the ACC championship game. I literally have no idea what to expect, although I do know that we absolutely can not let them establish their running game. Their RBs are easily the best players on the entire team, and their QB is basically McGloin.
dbl5030 - January 13, 2012
Green
Why the harsh feelings towards him, from a personal note, not athletically? Yeah so the guy had a few mishaps and run ins with Joe and spent a little time in the doghouse, but as I recall he buckled up like a man, dug in, and worked his way out. I personally am a fan of him because of that, not letting it keep him down and still getting some meaningful PT at the end of the year…plus he was always fun to watch on the sidelines…or in a video (locker room after to$u game with his “testify” salute to the sky!)
va2pennstate - January 13, 2012
Yes
Kid made silly mistakes, but he was universally loved by his teammates who all voted for him to come back to the team.
OmarLittle - January 13, 2012
Green
I have run into him quite frequently, and personally am not fond of him. Its not my place to air out his problems, but they are out in the open for all to see. Being likable doesn’t necessarily make someone a valuable asset to the team. He does have a great magnetic personality, which would have made him a great team leader, if not for his off-field antics. Many players make mistakes, found themselves in JoePa’s doghouse, and changed to find great success (AQ). IMO the most important concern an individual should have is for the team, and not themselves. Everybody makes mistakes, and I hope he finds great success. We are all Penn State.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
Interested to see zack zwick
SweepTheLeg - January 13, 2012
That secondary is rather scary.
And not in a good way. One of those guys goes down and we’re screwed. We need Cox and Reeves desperately.
Swiggs - January 13, 2012
Uh yeah
Good news is that (and this is weird to say) UVA, Iowa and Purdue are probably the most efficient passing QB’s we face.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
Who will be Wisconsin's QB
this year, barring another rental?
FB6244 - January 13, 2012
Probably Bart Houston, 4* QB
They’ll have a QB race too
ICEICETHATGUY13 - January 13, 2012
I don't know
Do we have a list of UFA QBs?
jls83 - January 13, 2012
What is his class?
FB6244 - January 13, 2012
True Freshman
ICEICETHATGUY13 - January 13, 2012
Oh
I like the sounds of that.
FB6244 - January 13, 2012
I don't see how people can look at those players and think we'll go 7-5
Well, it does lack depth at some places, but ultimately, the starters look really good. That being said, I’ll take my stab at the depth chart
QB- Paul Jones
RB- Redd
FB- Zordich
WR- Brown
WR- Drake/Belton
WR- Allen Robinson
TE- Gilliam
LT- Smith
LG- Arc
C- Dieffenbach
RG- Shrive
RT- Farrell
DE- Stanley
DT- Jones
DT- Hill
DE- Massaro
Sam- Hodges
Backer- Mauti
Fritz- Fortt
LCB- Amos
Hero- SOA
FS- Willis
RCB- Morris
ICEICETHATGUY13 - January 13, 2012
Kinda comes down to quarterback play and the ability to stay healthy.
I’m cautiously optimistic that McWhorter can get the O-line to play well.
Swiggs - January 13, 2012
I pray
That your QB is correct. He’ll have to be darn good to beat out McGloin. And if he is, that’d be awesome.
jls83 - January 13, 2012
FIFY
He’ll have to be
darn goodmediocre to beat out McGloin.We don’t grade on a curve. McGloin > Bolden, but that’s not saying much.
kijana's acl - January 13, 2012
Doesn't Hodges play the Fritz?
Also, I would think Carson will stay at Backer, and Mauti stay at Sam. I guess in the end we have all kinds of good problems at LB.
I just don’t get the optimism for PJ, other than the “there has to be someone better” type of optimism. Combine the inability to get his GPA to 2.0 with the reports of throwing the ball worse than McGloin and Bolden in practice last month? Doesn’t sound to me like someone we will see under center next year.
I think the best hope has to be that a new staff brings Mcgloin or Bolden to a new level.
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
Man,
next year is such a wild car I need to stop thinking about it and just let it happen, for this one time.
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
What reports did you see that Jones was throwing the ball worse than McGloin and Bolden?
What I heard was that he was torching our 1st string D.
McGloin/Bolden couldnt torch our first string D with a can of gasoline and a pack of sparklers.
The Heel - January 18, 2012
apparently in the practice that the media were at before the bowl game
Jones was something to the effect of 3 for 13…
Cari Greene - January 18, 2012
This is what I have been hearing about Paul Jones:
Tom Bradley: “I’ve been proud of his leadership and extremely proud of him off the field with what he’s done academically and how hard he’s worked at it,” Bradley said. “I can’t say enough good things about him doing that.”
Tom Bradley: " I’m proud of him. I see him in here at night when I’m in here. He’s here all the time doing everything possible."
Tom Bradley: “It’s difficult when you’re a scout team quarterback,” Bradley said of Jones. “We do things by cards and we circle where we want certain balls thrown and give him the progression 1-2-3, so there’s not a lot of reading. He looks awfully good in practice, and he will take it from there.”
JVP: "Paul had very bad study habits," the coach said. "He’s not a dumb kid. I think once he gets improved academically, I think he will have a good future."
JVP: "I think Paul has done very well,"
That sounds pretty good, not to mention how many scouts say this guy is the second coming of Donovan McNabb.
The Heel - January 19, 2012
I agree, I'd like to see him do well
he seems like he wants to do well and wants to be motivated, let’s hope that that shows on the field and in the classroom!
Cari Greene - January 19, 2012
Bear in mind
The prediction I have seen for 7-5 came from a writer who predicted the MNC to be Michigan vs. Oklahoma. That should tell you something lol.
ReddWhitenBlue - January 13, 2012
With the new D coaching group, particularly the new DC and DB coaches
I won’t be surprised in the least bit that they evaluate all of the potential D-backs – most notably the returning kids – and see them change around a few of their past assigned positions.
These coaches obviously bring in ‘fresh eyes’ and most likely fresh concepts.
As always, you want your best athletes on the field; and with the departing core group of veteran sr’s, this area certainly needs to be in focus.
The talent and athleticism is there to pool from (plus the potential recruits whom could push for the 2-deep): D. Thomas, Amos, Morris and Willis are no slouches. Reeves could get in there sooner than later like Amos achieved in ‘11, and with some of the depth of talent at WR – I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone like Kenney or Belton getting a try-out back there.
If this proves true, it also improves the 2-deep. Wallace and SOA have experience, and they’ll have another year under their belts and another year of training to prove themselves too.
With the new coaches/new perspective and with cooperation between the D coaches to come-up with the ‘best’ schemes for not only the players/talent they have, but also for each different offensive scheme they’ll face – I believe these guys can continue forward with the strong PSU D’s.
BlueWhiteLife - January 13, 2012
Does Bolden transfer?
McGloin already said he is coming back but does Bolden transfer? I would be happy to see Paul Jones as the QB but I think he will have to earn it and get his grades up. The one thing I don’t want to see is this coach lay off on the players. He better hold his players to above standards.
jetskijoe - January 13, 2012
Bolden
Has been very active in extra curricular activities such as THON. I doubt he transfers. I know a lot of people do not like him, I think he is a good kid. With proper coaching who knows. I am not sure Jay really had the coaching skills to develop any of the QB’s, let alone Rob.
DocPennState - January 13, 2012
Redshirt him
Coach him up. He might even be decent if he gets back to what he was as a freshman.
kijana's acl - January 13, 2012
This ^^
Swiggs - January 13, 2012
Bolden said affirmatively
that he is not transferring. At least that was his opinion during the bowl post game presser.
PSUinBOSSton - January 13, 2012
RE: Does Bolden transfer?
Who gives a crap.
He is done.
The Heel - January 18, 2012
Can we call the group of receivers
(Kenney, Kunz, Kersey) the KKK?
jrock4 - January 13, 2012
what could go wrong?
PSU_Buch - January 13, 2012
Hey, at least the Sandusky scandal would be burried in the headlines for a few days
Right?
kijana's acl - January 13, 2012
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