Penn State enters its offseason following a 24-17 loss to Georgia in the TaxSlayer Bowl. Coach James Franklin approaches the offseason with a big question at quarterback after Christian Hackenberg’s official declaration for the NFL draft. Fight On State’s Mark Brennan joined Bob Flounders and Dustin Hockensmith to talk about Hackenberg, Trace McSorley and more on this week’s Keystone Kickoff Show.
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg has a big, well-publicized decision to make: declare early for the NFL draft or opt to salvage his stock as a pro prospect with a big senior season. Ross Tucker joined Bob Flounders and Greg Pickel on the Keystone Kickoff Show to weigh the pros and cons of a jump to the NFL.
The play of quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been a running theme for the better part of two Penn State seasons. He’s an NFL talent who seemingly lost his way under James Franklin following a promising freshman season under former coach Bill O’Brien. Hackenberg’s game has been picked apart and stacked against his impressive physical tools ad nauseam since the end of his sophomore season.
Penn State is 3-1 going into its final non-conference game with points of optimism — Hackenberg’s best performance of the young season against San Diego State — and points of concern heading into Army weekend. The Nittany Lions could be without running backs Saquon Barkley and Akeel Lynch this Saturday, perhaps beyond, putting even more strain on Hackenberg and the passing attack. Hackenberg has made headlines since May as a…
Penn State is putting all the pieces together on a roster that boasts its best depth in years and continues to accumulate high-end recruits at a quick rate. The Nittany Lions are building toward Big Ten contention as the program continues its ascent out of three years of NCAA sanctions. Coach James Franklin’s ability to take the next step depends on how he addresses areas of concern, namely the offensive…
Penn State has kicked off its summer training camp this week and hopes to create momentum in a few key areas. The offensive line is the big issue going into the 2015 season after the unit struggled to protect quarterback Christian Hackenberg and create running lanes a year ago. That group is worth watching to see progress in camp, along with linebackers and running backs, to name a few. Fifth-year senior…
Few national college football writers produce the same timely, quality information as FOXSports.com’s Bruce Feldman. Penn State faithful have gotten glimpses of his deep connections in the college football community when Feldman broke news of James Franklin’s hiring and the push to retain defensive coordinator Bob Shoop last winter. Feldman has also intensely studied two key areas for the Penn State program, writing “The QB: The Making of Modern Quarterbacks,”…
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg’s 2016 NFL draft stock has been widely analyzed and debated already, with nearly 11 months before a single pick is made. Hackenberg comes off a disappointing sophomore season plagued by offensive line troubles, sacks, young wide receivers and a stifled rushing attack. His numbers (2,977 yards, 12 TDs, 15 INTs) reflected a wide array of struggles. So, why is it that Hackenberg is being pegged…
Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg has dominated headlines in the aftermath of the 2015 NFL draft. The rising junior ranks among the best prospects in the nation in 2016 and is being recognized as a high first-round talent in a number of “way-too-early” NFL mock drafts. Hackenberg is one of three potential first-round quarterbacks in the Big Ten, joining Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Ohio State’s Cardale Jones in that…
Penn State has quickly built terrific depth at the linebacker position, even as the program seeks a replacement for All-Big Ten pick and defensive captain Mike Hull in 2015. Young players are scattered throughout the depth chart, offering versatility, range and upside that could benefit the Nittany Lions for years to come. Among that group are promising redshirt freshmen Troy Reeder and Koa Farmer and incoming recruits Manny Bowen, Jake…
Penn State’s hand could be forced at the quarterback position as early as the 2016 season. Soon-to-be junior Christian Hackenberg has elite physical tools but comes off a sophomore season that featured bumps in the road. But a bounceback junior season could have Hackenberg thinking NFL draft, leaving Trace McSorley, Tommy Stevens and ’16 commitment Jake Zembiec to compete for the starting job. Ross Tucker, Bob Flounders and Dustin Hockensmith…