Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs called 2024 NFL Draft sleeper; Lions have top-five running back room: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for June 16 include a look at the 2024 NFL Draft and where Curtis Jacobs may fit, plus where the Lions’ running back room ranks nationally and much more.
It’s time to dive into Thursday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a very early look at the 2024 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Matt Miller picked out college football players who scouts are excited about even though they may be under-the-radar prospects to most draftniks. Fourth-year Lions linebacker Curtis Jacobs is one of them.
“Turn on the 2022 Penn State tape and you’ll see a handful of defensive starters who could make this list — and plenty who could be top-50 picks in next year’s draft,” Miller writes. “But Jacobs stands out in a big way, and there is some excitement in the scouting world to see his follow-up performance in 2023.
“One AFC general manager who has done a surface-level viewing of the top 2024 prospects said Jacobs might be the most underrated player in the nation. “[Fashanu] gets all the praise there, and he’s great, but Jacobs might be a top-five player in the class when it’s all said and done.”
In other news, CBS Sports recently ranked college football’s top running back rooms. The Nittany Lions made the cut, checking in at No. 3 behind Michigan and Ohio State, respectively.
“Coach James Franklin has re-established a rushing attack that needed a boost, and his two underclassmen are leading the charge,” Barrett Sallee writes.
Headlines of the day
Phil Davis is rejuvenated and ready to take on ‘scary dude’ Corey Anderson at Bellator 297: Linder, PennLive
Penn State commit Ethan Grunkemeyer hits On3 top three at Elite 11 Day 2: Pickel, BWI
How Penn State Handles College Football’s Busiest Recruiting Month: Wogenrich, SI
Penn State loses Class of 2024 OL pledge as Deryc Plazz decommits: Fitz, BWI
Penn State Set for Swath of Assistant Coach Hires Following NCAA Rule Change: Jones, Statecollege.com
Manny Diaz breaks down Dan Connor’s role with the Nittany Lions: Pickel, BWI
Marques Hagans tapping ‘into the heart’ of players after 5 months with Penn State football: Allen, Daily Collegian
Quote of the day
“That dude is exactly what the linebacker position is becoming. He can absolutely fly, and he has production on three downs. … Watching him play in space, I don’t think you’d ever have to take him off the field.”
—An AFC national scout said to ESPN about PSU linebacker Curtis Jacobs.
