Penn State Saturday six-pack: Recruiting thoughts, wrestling reaction, goodbye to Dwight Galt, and more

On3 imageby:Greg Pickel02/05/22

GregPickel

Penn State football coaches can finally take a break this weekend.

The Nittany Lions staff has the weekend off after signing the nation’s No. 7 Class of 2022 according to the On3 Consensus team rankings. It’s true that most of the work was done prior to the early signing day in December. But, Penn State did make a late signing day addition, of course, in Graham, Wash., three-star offensive lineman Vega Ioane.

In this weekend’s Saturday six-pack, we look back at the Class of 2022, react to Penn State wrestling’s BJC bout with Ohio State, look ahead to hoops, and more.

Let’s get to it.

1. Final Penn State 2022 class thought: Offense 

Penn State signed the top class at quarterback and running back, according to On3. We all know that those four signees across two positions will try to unseat veterans for playing time immediately. So, let’s focus on two other positions where that could be the case.

I’m very interested to see how Kaden Saunders performs in spring practice. He won’t be taking Parker Washington’s job, of course. But, it’s not crazy to think that he could find time in the rotation during non-conference games to see if his redshirt could be burned or not.

Then, along the offensive line, will JB Nelson be strong enough, and will his technique pass muster, to possibly earn first-team reps? He looks great, but that’s only half the battle of course. We’ll see.

2. Final Penn State Class of 2022 thought: Defense

There are MANY players to be excited about on new coordinator Manny Diaz’s side of the ball. One who might be under the radar but is really intriguing after reviewing all the film is Cam Miller.

The four-star Jacksonville, Fla., Trinity Christian Academy prospect is outstanding. He probably needs to bulk up a bit to handle the physicality of Big Ten receivers. He currently stands 6-foot, 180, but that will come with time. I wonder, however, if he can make an immediate impact in the return game. Go check out his tape when he’s lined up back deep. It’s fun to watch. We’ll see, but the Lions need to replace Jahan Dotson in the punt return role (even though Parker Washington will likely land that) and also Noah Cain as a kick returner, as well. Miller lettered in track and basketball in high school and played both sides of the ball throughout his prep career. His athleticism and speed may be what Penn State is looking for in that role.

3. PSU-OSU wrestling reaction

Penn State wrestling has won 26 straight dual matches. That’s the best mark in the nation.

What’s even more impressive, however, is how many close bouts the Lions win meet after meet.

The Lions won three bouts that went to sudden victory against the Buckeyes. Drew Hildebrandt also won just 2-0 at 125 in a match he wrestled well in. Back in January, Penn State topped No. 2 Iowa and No. 3 Michigan by winning a bunch of bouts with points in the most important moments, as well.

Sanderson’s bunch never disappoints. But this year, they seem to be on a different level.

Here’s the recap from the 32-7 Lions victory.

4. So long to Dwight Galt

The Penn State football team said goodbye to head strength coach Dwight Galt III after the final practice before the Outback Bowl.

Galt III spent his last day with the Lions, then, on Friday.

Penn State coach James Franklin has spent many years with Galt III before the latter became the head strength coach for the former at Vanderbilt. The pair then came to the Lions together. Galt III is now retiring, and longtime assistant Chuck Losey is taking his place.

Here are the goodbye messages posted by the official Penn State football Twitter account:

5. Can Penn State hoops make it two in a row?

Head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s men’s basketball team beat Iowa in a double-overtime thriller earlier this week. The Lions return to the court today.

PSU travels to No. 11 Wisconsin for a 6 p.m. ET tip on BTN. Penn State will an underdog, but the game marks another chance to take a step in the right direction.

6. Odds and ends

–Former Penn State players Jesse Luketa, Arnold Ebiketie, Tariq Castro-Fields, and Jordan Stout will play for the National Team in today’s Senior Bowl. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

–Did you see Nate Bauer’s story about the Lions teasing a NIL deal with Fanatics that will allow players to profit off sales of their customizable jerseys? That’s a good step for the program in that space.

–The Pro Bowl is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. We know that former Penn State All-American Micah Parsons will be there. It will be televised on ESPN and ABC.

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