Penn State kicks off winter workouts; see scenes, social media reaction from Day 1
Penn State kicked off winter workouts on Tuesday.
The Nittany Lions have a bit of a different setup compared to past years, however.
Construction work is underway at the Lasch Building, where among other things, a new weight room is being put in. That means, instead of lifting there and doing speed, agility, and other drills at Holuba Hall, everything is now at the indoor practice facility.
“We also have moved all of our lifting equipment,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said back in December. “We did this after the last game, we moved all of our equipment out of our weight room into the indoor facility.
“It’s turned out to be a really good situation, where I wasn’t really sure how that was going to be. But that’s all gutted. So, we can get started on the facility project with the weight room.”
The work is part of a $48.3 million plan that was approved last February. It includes “a first-floor weight room expansion and performance enhancement equipment upgrades” at Lasch. So, that’s what is happening.
“We have continued to invest in our athletics facilities the last several years, and the Lasch Building has been a big part of that,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour said in a news release at the time.
“Our alumni and donors have supported our Football Excellence Fund since its inception in recognition of the investment required to support a consistently excellent football program. We will continue to fundraise for this renovation, as well as future projects in our football facilities, and will need the support of our entire Penn State community.”
At any rate, it won’t keep the Lions from getting ready for spring ball by working on improving their strength, speed, and stamina this month.
A look at Day 1
The official Penn State football Twitter account shared a 34-second clip of Tuesday’s action. The drills started just after 6 a.m. before members of the roster go to class.
It was the first winter workout led by new head strength and conditioning coach Chuck Losey and his staff. Players are seen wearing shirts that say ‘Keystone Mentality’ as they carry heavy bags, compete in tire pulls, and more.
Check out the video below.
First Penn State winter workout warriors revealed
Each Penn State assistant coach picks a player at their position who shined during each winter workout day. The selections aren’t meant to convey players moving up or down the depth chart. Instead, they should be viewed as shoutouts that recognize members of the team who are working hard and leading their teammates during the early morning work that helps set the foundation for the rest of the season.
Here’s who was selected on Tuesday:
Quarterback: Sean Clifford
Running back: Keyvone Lee
Receiver: Jaden Dottin
Tight end: Tyler Warren
Offensive line: Juice Scruggs
Defensive line: Nick Tarburton
Linebacker: Jonathan Sutherland
Corner: Kalen King
Safety: Ji’Ayir Brown
Special teams: Punter Barney Amor
