Blue White Illustrated

December 2013

Penn State Sports Magazine

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landscape is an ever-changing mosaic, and just as the sun sets and shadows lengthen, an offense moves before the defense's eyes prior to the snap of the ball. Obeng-Agyapong is able to call upon hours of film study – and those mental screenshots – to paint a picture of the offense and freeze an image of the opponent's scheme. "From a pictorial standpoint, there is a similarity – like when you have an image that's not going to be constant," he explained. "When you're trying to draw a sunset, you have to sketch that out real quick as it changes. That translates to the game. When you're watching film, you create the mental image of the play and then it translates onto the field." And when it works, he lets everyone know. His teammates and coaches call him "Beng," which is fitting because he can be the loudest player on the defense. "He's pretty much a wild boy out there," defensive back Adrian Amos said. "He's running around all fiery. He's got the best celebrations. We're always pointing them out when we watch film." During the week, he maintains a chill demeanor. But Saturdays are a different story. Although he's a New Yorker, his favorite NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens, and he might be an even bigger fan of recently retired Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. A perennial All-Pro, Lewis was well known for his post-play choreography, and while Beng swears he hasn't borrowed any of the linebacker's moves – mainly since he'd get nailed with a personal foul if he did anything so obviously premeditated – he has a talent for improvisation, and AIR JORDAN Lucas has made a team-high three interceptions this season, including this one against Michigan. Steve Manuel hard in the film room. He's also been pushing himself in the weight room. At 6-foot-0, 193 pounds, he has the kind of physique that could allow him to play safety someday if needed. His penchant for physical play is evident in his stats, which through 10 games included 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Surprising numbers for a defensive back? Not to teammate Adrian Amos. "He's strong and he has a big frame," Amos said. "He passes the eye test when it comes to cornerbacks." those impromptu celebrations are within the rules. "I try to incorporate the celebrations that I've seen from my previous teammates," he said. "I try to combine them into one and make it the best celebration that I can. It just comes to mind." Almost like it's a work of art. Maybe next year, once Beng graduates, somebody will attempt to emulate one of his post-play celebrations. It would be a fitting tribute. When the time comes to leave Penn State, Obeng-Agyapong said it will be a "bittersweet" moment. "I've been here for four and half years, and football is all I've been doing," he said. "It's become a part of me. But I'm also eager for the next chapter of my life." I To hear Bill O'Brien tell it, he passes a lot of other tests, too. The Nittany Lions' coach likes Lucas's toughness and his versatility. "Jordan Lucas is one of the better football players on our team, O'Brien said. "He's just a " great, competitive kid, plays hurt, is very good in man coverage, really good in zone coverage, understands routes, has great ball skills. I think he could also play safety, [although] right now we play him at corner. He plays on many special teams and does an excellent job. He's only in his second year playing, but he brings a competitive toughness to our football team that I really like. " He also brings a strong desire for improvement. He said he's not satisfied with his performance so far this season, describing his play as "decent." But Lucas is confident that he's headed in the right direction. "Each game I keep getting more and more comfortable," he said. "I just have to keep progressing. I don't want to have a game where I take a step down. Each game, I want to keep going to the next level."

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