Blue White Illustrated

When James Franklin and the rest of Penn State's coaching staff met with the media Aug. 4 to discuss the upcoming season, much of the conversation cen- tered on the team's best-known players: Christian Hackenberg, Bill Belton, Zach Zwinak, Mike Hull and Adrian Amos, among others. But BWI's Ryan Snyder was focused on the next wave of potential stars. He asked around on media day and devel- oped a list of eight redshirt freshmen and sophomores who have impressed this off-season. Below is a look at some off-the-radar Nittany Lions who are looking to make a move. DEREK DOWREY OG // R-So. // 6-3 // 323 THE SCOOP As a recruit, Dowrey al- ways made it clear that defensive tackle was where he preferred to play. He was dominant in high school, racking up more than 100 tackles his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Those are stratospheric numbers for a defensive tackle. But after giving it a go on Penn State's defensive line, he's been moved to offensive guard. The move was Franklin's decision, but Dowrey admit- ted that he had been thinking along the same lines. He's done an outstanding job at his new position and looks to be the favorite to win the left guard spot. Dowrey said that his familiarity with defensive line tendencies has helped ease the transition to offense. His main focus is on playing at full speed throughout the course of a game. That's not an easy task, but Dowrey is fully committed. It's hard not to root for a guy like this. He's the ultimate team player. If he lives up to the potential the coaches have seen, there will be plenty of other reasons to jump on Dowrey's bandwagon. BRIAN GAIA OG // R-So. // 6-3 // 291 THE SCOOP Gaia is set to make a ma- jor impact on the offensive line this sea- son. In fact, this is his opportunity to so- lidify his role as the team's starting right guard for the next few seasons. His main focus in recent months has been on pass blocking and the steps he needs to take to improve there. He feels comfortable with the playbook, with his run blocking and with pulling for a lead or trap block. But he wants to improve in passing situ- ations. If he's able to do that, there's a very good chance he will be a starting guard for the next three seasons. New offensive line coach Herb Hand has had nothing but positive things to say about Gaia's development. MALIK GOLDEN Saf. // R-So. // 6-1 // 198 THE SCOOP Golden is a prime candi- date to see action at the star position. (See page 42.) He didn't receive too many looks there this spring, but during the first preseason position meeting, de- fensive coordinator Bob Shoop told Golden that he will likely play the star at some point during training camp. Physi- cally, he appears ready to handle the po- sition, but he also may be needed at strong safety at some point this season. Golden looks to be in the best shape he's been in since arriving at Penn State a few years ago. He knows how important this season will be for his career going for- ward, so no matter what happens, look for 100 percent effort from the Hartford, Conn., native throughout preseason camp. He's ready to play. BRENDAN MAHON OG // R-Fr. // 6-4 // 292 THE SCOOP BWI received mixed re- ports about Mahon last season as he Young players boost Nittany Lions' outlook F O O T B A L L NEWS & NOTES

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