Newsstand: Abdul Carter named one of the most intriguing players in college football this season
We’re almost there Penn State fans, as next Monday marks the first game week of the 2023 season. Between James Franklin’s Tuesday press conferences, open practice on Wednesday and the first Thursday night radio show, there will be no shortage of talking points this time next week.
But there’s also plenty to discuss this week as well. In today’s newsstand, we’ll start with Pat Forde’s list of the most intriguing players who don’t play quarterback in college football this season.
Tweets of the Day
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde included one of Penn State’s rising stars, linebacker Abdul Carter, in his list of the 25 most intriguing non-quarterbacks. Below is what he had to say about PSU’s superstar sophomore.
“If it weren’t for [Harold] Perkins, Carter would have been the unquestioned star freshman linebacker of 2022. He produced 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and broke up four passes despite not starting until the seventh game of the season. The four-star Philadelphia-area prospect took a look at some SEC schools but was always solidly within James Franklin’s reach, committing in the summer of ’21 after making several campus visits. He outperformed his national recruiting ranking as a freshman, but everyone is clued into his talent now as one of several studs on the Nittany Lions’ defense.
Carter was ranked No. 9 on Forde’s list, just behind Perkins. Georgia’s Brock Bowers was No. 1, followed by Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Colorado Ath. Travis Hunter, Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry and Michigan RB Blake Corum.
In other news, BVMSports’ Isaiah Butler caught up with Penn State running back commit Corey Smith to recap his high school career and path to becoming a Nittany Lion.
“Always be you and never compare yourself to anyone else,” Smith said when asked about his commitment and why he chose Penn State. “Do good in school and it can definitely hold you back if you don’t and if you’re a good student, things will go a lot smoother if you take your education seriously.”
Penn State Headlines
Penn State commit Ethan Grunkemeyer sparkles in senior season debut: Fitz, BWI
For Penn State, Safeguarding Olu Fashanu Is a Training Camp Priority: Wogenrich, SI
Penn State end Adisa Isaac is ready to take his game to the next level in 2023: Pickel, BWI
Inaugural Nittany Lion Fan Academy to Be Held at Beaver Stadium: Young, StateCollege.com
Hakeem Beamon offseason development improves Penn State DT outlook: Bauer, BWI
What’s next for college football? Maybe a Value League of 24 or 30 schools?: Jones, PennLive
Quote of the Day
“One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received came from Messiah [Mickens] and his dad. They basically explained that their reasoning for wanting to go to Penn State is because of their time around me and [Michael] Mauti.
“His dad basically said that if he can have his son turn out similar to us, especially after learning how much Penn State had an effect on us, he wants his son to be part of that.”
– Jordan Hill following Messiah Mickens’ commitment to Penn State this weekend
