Newsstand: Penn State showing interest in former Tennessee linebacker
Happy Friday, Penn State fans. Spring practice is behind us and the transfer portal is once again open for Division I football players. Currently, there hasn’t been much to discuss when it comes to potential incoming players, but if head coach James Franklin and his staff are going to host prospects, those visits will likely begin soon.
Nittany Lion fans can learn more on that topic and others in today’s newsstand.
Penn State Tweets of the Day
Following Abdul Carter’s move to edge rusher, plus Curtis Jacobs moving onto the NFL, Penn State appears to have interest in potentially adding a linebacker to its roster. On Thursday, On3 learned that Elijah Herring, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker formerly at Tennessee, has heard from the Nittany Lions.
“Penn State said we’re trying to get something setup and stay in contact for the next couple days and get something setup,” Herring said.
Herring is expected to visit Colorado this upcoming weekend. He’s also heard from Florida State, Maryland, Pitt and UCF. Herring started 11 of 12 games in 2023 following an injury to Keenan Pili. He went on to lead the Vols in tackles this past season with 80. He also played special teams as a freshman, giving him three years of eligibility remaining to play two.
In other news, On3’s Andy Staples mentioned the Nittany Lions this week as a program that needs to win a national championship sooner than later. That’s especially true following the introduction of a 12-team playoff.
“Penn State, last national title in 1986. Remember they beat Miami in the Fiesta Bowl? Maybe you don’t remember that, maybe you weren’t even born when that happened. Penn State has been in a weird place. From pretty much the entirety of the four-team playoff era. Penn State has been good enough to be close. Not good enough to be in. The 12-team playoff will break that logjam. But they still will have to prove they can beat a team like Ohio State or a team like Michigan.”
“Boy, that 2016 Big Ten title feels like forever ago for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions. If only Penn State didn’t lose to Pitt that year, they would’ve been in the College Football Playoff. A bigger bracket will help, but Franklin has to prove that Penn State wasn’t a fluke to win the Big Ten and beat the best of the best to get to the top.”
Headlines of the Day
Penn State football collective kicks off NIL fundraising campaign: Bauer, BWI
Julian Fleming gets used to Penn State blue, has big plans for final season: McGonigal, PennLive
Fast-rising PA safety Joey O’Brien recaps recent PSU visit: BWI, Snyder
Ten players to watch as the Nittany Lions prep for August: Flounders, PennLive
How Far Could Penn State’s Carter Starocci go at the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials? Wogenrich, S.I.
Quote of the Day
“The facilities are great and the staff does a great job of making you feel welcomed. I went with my dad and I think we were both impressed with the level of talent on the defensive side. The staff does a great job of presenting Penn State as the place to be.”
– La Salle safety Joey O’Brien
