Penn State gets a coordinator who's 'easy to love' in Tom Allen: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Jan. 8 include Michael Penix Jr., on Tom Allen plus headlines of the day and more.
It’s time to dive into Monday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a connection to tonight’s College Football Playoff. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., was asked what Penn State is getting in his former Indiana head coach, Tom Allen, who was hired as the Lions’ new defensive coordinator back in December.
“He’s a great coach,” Penix Jr., said. “He’s a coach that it’s easy to love him because of the guy he is, the person he is. I feel like he cares about his players. He cares about the person more than the player. I feel like he’s a guy that will definitely do great things at Penn State. He’s going to bring great leadership. He’s going to bring great energy, intensity each and every day.
“He was always the same guy every day and always had that same energy, same spark, trying to help the team be better in any way that he could. I feel like they’re definitely getting a good coach.”
In other news, Lions signee Cooper Cousins was one of On3’s top performers during All-American Bowl practices.
“Cooper Cousins was the most dominant offensive lineman throughout the entire week of All-American practice and he shined during the game on Saturday afternoon,” National Scout Cody Bellaire writes. “Cousins was one of the more physically dominant players throughout practice using his leverage to get underneath defenders’ pads and create lanes in the run game during team periods and the game. The Penn State signee showed excellent burst off the ball and was striking defenders with power and precision. He was the most consistent people mover along the offensive front and if today’s game is a glimpse into his future as a Nittany Lion, he will be a problem for years to come at the next level.”
Headlines of the day
Penn State youngsters to watch in 2024: Did we see the future right tackle in the Peach Bowl?: Flounders, PennLive
3 takeaways from Penn State wrestling’s 36-3 road win at Oregon State: Pickel, BWI
Nittany Lions Add Former No. 1 PA Prospect Through Transfer Portal: Jones, Statecollege.com
How much money did Penn State coach James Franklin make in 2023, and what could he make in 2024?: Pickel, BWI
Most 2024 NFL Pro Bowlers by College: Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma lead the way: Graham, On3
Quote of the day
“You don’t always get to have quality time with these guys. I feel like this was a great experience that I’ll never forget. The first away match and the first time I got to really spend quality time with these guys.”
—PSU 141-pound freshman Tyler Kasak on his first collegiate win as a Nittany Lion on Friday night at Oregon State.
