Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/215616
WAITING GAME Above, HartPhotos by Tim Owen man (57) and Mahon (70) quick first step for a player take part in a preseason foothis size, and he has reportwork drill. Above right, Nelson edly added some weight poses for photos at media day. and now weighs between 276 and 280 pounds. InsidRight, Hamilton is awaiting his ers say he has the potential ified minor injury chance to play after sitting out to become a solid pass that hampered with a wrist injury this season. rusher. him through earWinter workouts will be ly September, but important for Cothren. His it's likely that the optimum playing weight might be 290 coaching staff planned to redshirt him pounds, which means he'll have to add even before he got hurt. To become a reg10 to 15 pounds. But among the defensive ular contributor at free safety or cornerfreshmen, he's been the biggest surprise. back, the 5-10, 165-pound Gaines needs KASEY GAINES Gaines suffered an unspecto add 10 or 15 pounds. DAESEAN HAMILTON When the members of Penn State's Class of 2013 signed their letters of intent this past February, one prospect who was widely believed to have a chance of playing as a true freshman was Hamilton. While he didn't have sub-4.5second 40-yard speed, the 61, 198-pound Hamilton reportedly ran better routes and had better hands than any of the other wide receivers Stan Hixon saw on film. But when the class reported to campus in late June, Hamilton's hopes of playing right away were dashed when it was discovered that a lingering injury to his left wrist would require surgery. Even though he underwent the procedure as soon as possible, he immediately became a candidate to redshirt. BWI was told this fall that Hamilton's rehab is coming along well, and it appears he will be able to participate fully in winter workouts and spring practice. His return to action will be especially important if, as expected, Allen Robinson forgoes his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. TANNER HARTMAN When Hartman arrived on campus, he checked in at 6-5, 256 pounds. Offensive line coach Mac McWhorter liked his flexibility and technique, but it was obvious that he needed to add 30 to 35 pounds before he could contend for a spot as an every-down offensive guard. BWI has been told that Hartman has hit the weights very hard, and it is hoped that he will weigh at least 275 pounds by the start of spring practice. With Adam Gress, Ty Howle, Eric Shrive and John Urschel wrapping up their careers this season, Penn State will