Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/215616
NEWS & NOTES FOOTBALL PSU freshmen get down and 'Dirty' Newcomers make impression as members of scout team When Bill O'Brien was asked at a midNovember news conference about the two most prominent members of Penn State's most recent recruiting class – quarterback Christian Hackenberg and tight end Adam Breneman – he talked a little bit about the media savvy they've developed as a result of their time in the spotlight. And then he talked about some others who have not yet gotten much media exposure, players whose work at Penn State so far has been in practice, not in games. "We've got a lot of other kids in that 2013 class who we think are pretty good, " O'Brien said. "Let's talk about two positions. We had a developmental scrimmage last night and ran about 35 plays. If you looked at the offensive line, we have Andrew Nelson, Brendan Mahon and Tanner Hartman, and they came roaring off the ball. Then on the defensive line, they were blocking Garrett Sickels, Park- er Cothren and Curtis Cothran, and they were roaring off the ball. It was a very physical scrimmage. "We have a lot of fun, the guys love it, we love it and we crank the music. So there are a lot of faces from that 2013 recruiting class who I think you guys will get to know over the next three or four years. " Eight members of Penn State's Class of 2013 are being redshirted this season and will retain freshman eligibility next season. In addition to the players O'Brien cited, wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton and defensive back Kasey Gaines are also sitting out this season. Here's a closer look at how those eight players have fared in practice as they await their debuts in 2014. CURTIS COTHRAN The defensive end reportedly arrived at Penn State over the summer standing 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, im- pressing the coaching staff with his size and athletic ability. Cothran is still a bit raw, BWI has been told, but he's an intriguing player who will be closely watched in spring practice, especially if Anthony Zettel moves from defensive end to the three-technique tackle position. PARKER COTHREN Cothren reportedly struggled initially with his adjustment to Happy Valley. He got off to a very slow start at the beginning of preseason practice, but insiders say the light switch went on in late September. Cothren is said to have a surprisingly