Blue White Illustrated

Now it's time to reap the benefits of all that hard work. GARRETT SICKELS DE // R-Fr. // 6-4 // 246 THE SCOOP Fans have high hopes for Sickels, and he has high hopes, too. Versatility has always been a key part of his game. After getting a lot of work on the strong side, he's now mainly work- ing with the weak-side defensive ends and is expected to push Deion Barnes for playing time. You'll probably see him on the kickoff unit at some point, as he tested well in the 40-yard dash this summer, establishing himself as one of the team's more athletic defen- sive ends. Given the physical demands of the Big Ten, he's still probably a year away from being ready to play a com- plete season, but the potential is there for Sickels to make a real impact. Don't be surprised if you see glimpses of that this season. ANTHONY SMITH Saf. // So. // 6-0 // 196 THE SCOOP Smith was an unheralded recruit who fell into Penn State's lap late in the 2013 recruiting cycle, but he could make an impact in the near future, pos- sibly even this coming season. He's earned praise from his peers in the sec- ondary and is much more athletically gifted than you would expect, consider- ing that he wasn't on the radar of re- cruiting websites such as Rivals.com. Malik Golden said Smith is "absolutely going to surprise people before he grad- uates." They may be roommates, but Golden meant every word he said. Penn State may have gotten a steal here. If Smith is needed this season, there's am- ple reason to believe he'll be ready for the challenge. ■ W E B S U R V E Y Mike Hull. He is the Zach Thomas of this generation in my opinion, and if our changed approach to weight training has done its job and Mike stays healthy all year, he can be a first-team All-Big Ten linebacker in my opinion. I see 100-plus tackles, three, maybe four sacks, and throw in a few fumble recoveries and inter- ceptions. This is his year to shine and continue our fine tradition of outstanding linebackers. I believe he will thrive in this bright light and be the core of a pretty good defensive team. nitneelyin Hull has already broken out. He was voted preseason second-team All-Big Ten. I'd say Geno Lewis will be the breakout player. I'm looking for 50- 60 catches and six or seven TDs out of Lewis. CDW3333 I like DaeSean Hamilton. I think teams will focus on stopping Lewis and the tight ends to the point where Hamilton could really step up and have a big year. Second choice: An- thony Zettel. I just think he's a good, hard-nosed football player with play- making potential from the defensive tackle position. I am Ironman Deion Barnes. Some apparent strength in the middle of the defen- sive line, C.J. Olaniyan now good on the other end, a group of starting linebackers that appears solid, and a deeper and improved DB group. I think this will allow him to return to or improve upon his freshman pro- duction. markboltz De'Andre Thompkins in the return game. DaeSean Hamilton in the slot. Trevor Williams will be tested and he will impress. lesley1199 Mr. Zettel is going to destroy in my opinion. Krytter Akeel Lynch will make No. 22 impor- tant for Penn State again. Even though Belton and Zwinak will get their num- bers, Lynch will break off some long runs and earn more and more time as the season progresses. Cheerleader Ed I believe it will be Geno Lewis. Geno is probably the most experienced re- ceiver now that ARob is off to the NFL. He has the opportunity to really step up his involvement in the passing game. No doubt he will be given every chance to show his stuff. I think he will rise to the challenge and end up leading the receiver squad in recep- tions, yardage and touchdowns. He will be Christian's go-to guy as was ARob last year. JR4PSU On defense, Brandon Bell. He showed flashes toward the end of the year. On offense, the WR posi- tion as a whole. Too much talent there for opponents to load up the box, which in turn will help the run- ning game. I'm also hoping for Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickles to make some noise. doublehaul If you want off the radar: Grant Haley – specifically on special teams. hat20 Nyeem Wartman. He seems to have all the physical tools to be good, but between nagging injuries and playing "slow" because of a complicated defensive system last year, he never had the chance to shine. I believe Franklin is going to put players like him in a better situ- ation to succeed. psugo Who do you think will be the Lions' breakout player in 2014?

• Cover