Blue White Illustrated

"I knew what we were doing was pro- ductive and positive," Hackenberg said. "So it did bother me, but at the same time I just cared about what [the coaches] thought and what was going on inside the program and what the whole overall mood of the offense was. For me, it was blow it off if it's brought up by anyone other than people that matter." By the time PSU's 7-6 season ended with a bowl win over Boston College, Franklin and his coaching staff were just finishing their 12th month with the pro- gram. It hadn't even been a year. Now, with Franklin's second spring prac- tice at Penn State complete, Hackenberg said their rapport continues to head in a positive direction. "I think that relationship has been awe- some," he said. "They've supported me, and I've tried to support them as best I can. I love everything that they're doing. I love their mindset. I love their approach to the game, and I love working with them. They're guys who make me excited about stepping into that building every day be- cause I know there's a focus and I know there's a sincere and genuine care for us to be the best we can be." Hackenberg said he's seen a more co- hesive effort from the offensive unit this spring. He played more than anyone ex- pected in the Blue- White Game, as his backup, Trace McSorley, missed the game with an undisclosed injury. Attempting 29 passes, he completed 17 for 180 yards with an interception and a 2-yard touch- down pass to Saeed Blacknall. It was an uneventful afternoon for the veteran quarterback, and it shouldn't have any bearing on expectations heading into the regular season. What should have a bear- ing is the confidence that Penn State's offensive players developed throughout the spring. "I think the big thing is being confident and going out there and being able to ex- ecute consistently," Hackenberg said. "We executed very well at times last year, and we didn't as a unit at other times. So [the team is looking for] a consistent perform- ance and confidence within the perform- ance. That is the biggest thing." ■ W R A P QUARTERBACKS Christian Hackenberg completed 13 of his 22 passes in the first half for 109 yards while facing heavy pressure and taking five would-be sacks. Then his first pass of the second half was intercepted by Bryant Harper. He made up for it on the following drive, connecting with Saeed Blacknall twice – once on a 2-yard slant for a touchdown. In his Beaver Stadium debut, true fresh- man Tommy Stevens finished with three completions on 11 attempts for 19 yards, while walk-on Billy Fessler, who saw action for both teams, finished the day with five completions for 56 yards. GRADE B RUNNING BACKS Akeel Lynch scored the only touchdown of the first half and finished with 50 yards on nine carries, but it was Nick Scott who stole the show in the second half, taking a handoff for a 51-yard TD. Scott was almost stopped by Anthony Zettel behind the line of scrimmage and shook off a Trevor Williams tackle attempt as he was crossing the goal line. Playing for the White team, he led all backs with 77 yards on nine carries. GRADE B+ RECEIVERS Geno Lewis and Blacknall led all receivers with six catches apiece. A couple of Lewis's grabs came in traffic, but it was Blacknall who made the catch of the day, hauling in a 41-yard pass from Hackenberg on a fade route along the right sideline. GRADE B+ OFFENSIVE LINE Aside from the seal block by Angelo Mangiro that sprung Lynch for the opening TD, the line's performance was spotty and at times remi- niscent of moments from last season. Between both squads, the OL surrendered six sacks. GRADE C DEFENSIVE LINE This unit – starters, backups and third-stringers included – certainly made it difficult for the offensive line and seemed to only gain momen- tum as the game moved along. Ends Evan Schwan and Curtis Cothran both tallied two sacks apiece, while end Torrence Brown and tackle Tarow Barney added one each. GRADE A LINEBACKERS It was an incredible effort by Von Walker when he broke up a pass near the end zone at the end of the first quarter, and Koa Farmer nearly in- tercepted a quick-hit pass in the fourth. Their battle for the second-string Sam linebacker position behind Brandon Bell is shaping up to be one of the best of the off-season. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said Walker was the most improved player on the defense this spring. GRADE B+ DEFENSIVE BACKS Grant Haley, Malik Golden and Kyle Alston all came up with timely pass deflections, and Harper nabbed the only interception of the afternoon when he stepped in front of a Hackenberg pass early in the third quarter. GRADE A SPECIAL TEAMS Joey Julius and Tyler Davis displayed their strong legs in the pregame kicking competition, both converting from 55 yards. Once the clock started, however, Davis' opening kickoff rolled out of bounds for a penalty. Julius's three kickoffs went out the back of the end zone. Danny Pasquariello edged Robby Liebel in the punting competition, and during the game they aver- aged 43.7 and 36.8 yards per punt, respectively. GRADE B COACHES The kicking competition prior to kickoff and the punting duel at halftime were interesting ideas and provided a look at a couple of important po- sition battles for the upcoming season. GRADE B+ CROWD An announced attendance of 68,000 was about 4,000 shy of last year's figure and about 30,000 shy of Ohio State's national record set earlier in the day. A solid showing, nonetheless, for a spring scrimmage on a sunny after- noon in State College. GRADE B+ G A M E G R A D E S B Y T I M O W E N

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