2025 Breakout Players

[GregInPitt]

Anthony Poindexter explains how King Mack earned his green light

King Mack earned his green light during fall camp and Anthony Poindexter explains how the freshman did just that.

basicbluesnation.com

4 got the green light in '23, Mack included. Key element to all their games? Speed.

I don't know the composition of the players on KO coverage or punt coverage from a position standpoint, but exceptional coverage players usually not only have speed, but discipline in order to keep in their lanes and tackling ability. That article mentions Mack's tackling ability as better than what the coaches expected and we know he's fast. KO and punt coverage units seem a little different in composition as punt plays still require an OL to protect the punter where as KO coverage units wouldn't need as many linemen but still need some size to take on blockers.

With Franklin mentioning special teams participation as seemingly in the critical path for freshmen that are border line to burn their redshirts the players that really want to be "Green" this season will likely be trying to make a case for themselves in special teams practice as well as in the OOC games where they may get position snaps and get thrown into special teams coverage units to see how they perform. I'll be looking for some of the freshmen in those games to hopefully see them make some tackles on KO's and punt coverages and earn a regular special team's role which would benefit the team by not having to use more seasoned players on ST coverages which tires them out some.

 

[RickinDayton]

I don't know the composition of the players on KO coverage or punt coverage from a position standpoint, but exceptional coverage players usually not only have speed, but discipline in order to keep in their lanes and tackling ability. That article mentions Mack's tackling ability as better than what the coaches expected and we know he's fast. KO and punt coverage units seem a little different in composition as punt plays still require an OL to protect the punter where as KO coverage units wouldn't need as many linemen but still need some size to take on blockers.

With Franklin mentioning special teams participation as seemingly in the critical path for freshmen that are border line to burn their redshirts the players that really want to be "Green" this season will likely be trying to make a case for themselves in special teams practice as well as in the OOC games where they may get position snaps and get thrown into special teams coverage units to see how they perform. I'll be looking for some of the freshmen in those games to hopefully see them make some tackles on KO's and punt coverages and earn a regular special team's role which would benefit the team by not having to use more seasoned players on ST coverages which tires them out some.

One thing is for sure, you'll need to keep a roster next tobyou in the first three games to know who is shuttling in & out of the games.

 

[GregInPitt]

One thing is for sure, you'll need to keep a roster next tobyou in the first three games to know who is shuttling in & out of the games.

And it's a lot easier to do that when you attend the game, especialy sitting on the sides of the field. TV coverage doesn't show substitutions enough to really see who's entering and exiting games.

 

[Lazy Dave]

One thing is for sure, you'll need to keep a roster next tobyou in the first three games to know who is shuttling in & out of the games.

I keep a tab open beside this board. You wouldn't believe how often I've already checked it from the few clips we've been shown.

https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/roster

 

[RickinDayton]

And it's a lot easier to do that when you attend the game, especialy sitting on the sides of the field. TV coverage doesn't show substitutions enough to really see who's entering and exiting games.

You are correct, neither the TV or radio play-by-play detail substitutions. It is hard to keep up, so I try to concentrate on the players running in & out before plays and check my roster.

 

[LudicrousSpeedGO!]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/college-sports/penn-state-s-james-franklin-deion-barnes-excited-about-a-true-freshman-s-early-progress/