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doubt about that. But he's just been dif- ferent. He's been so much more compet- itive in the off-season. I really think his commitment level is really high right now. I've just been pleased. "To be honest, he looks like a different guy. I've been really, really pleased with him. He's in consideration for a starting job right now, and I don't know if I would have said that before camp. He's opened some eyes. I'm really proud of him." Franklin discussed several other offen- sive position groups during his on-field news conference. RUNNING BACK The assumption here has been that everything's up for grabs behind redshirt junior Akeel Lynch. But Franklin suggested that everything's up for grabs including the starting spot. "I put all those guys in a bag right now, and that's Akeel as well," he said. "I think that's Akeel, Mark [Allen], Nick [Scott]. I think Saquon [Barkley] is in the con- versation as well. Those guys right now are all fighting to figure out who's going to be number one, who's going to be number two, who's going to be number three. It's a really good competition right now. It's going to be interesting to evaluate." It would still be surprising if Lynch weren't the starter on opening day, but it's looking as though the Lions are going to take maximum advantage of all the talent they have amassed at this position in their past two recruiting classes. Franklin said last year's true freshman running backs – Allen, Scott and Johnathan Thomas – have been more decisive now that they are better ac- quainted with the offensive system. He said he's been particularly impressed with Allen. "He just brings something to our team and he brings something to our practices," Franklin said. "His energy and his enthu- siasm and his confidence – it's infectious. Everybody loves him and feeds off of him." WIDE RECEIVER The Lions are nearly as young at this position group as they are in the backfield, and Franklin has been impressed with several of the new- comers, a group that includes redshirt freshman DeAndre Thompkins and true freshmen Juwan Johnson, Irvin Charles and Brandon Polk. "Everybody talks about Juwan, but [he and Charles] have basically the exact same measurements. Both are big, strong, physical guys, and they're doing really well," Franklin said. "Polk can run. It's ob- vious he can run. He's a little bit behind in some other areas right now, probably similar to Thompkins last year. But I think Juwan and Irvin have both opened a bunch of eyes." – NATE BAUER Pry sees a lot to like at linebacker Following a partially open practice session in mid-August, Penn State co-defen- sive coordinator Brent Pry took questions about a number of topics related to the Nittany Lions' linebackers, the position group he oversees. Below are his thoughts on the progress of several key players heading into the season. ON NYEEM WARTMAN-WHITE "Nyeem is still growing into the position a little bit. He missed some opportunities in the spring, missed some practice. He's a guy who did an outstand- ing job at Willy 'backer in the fall, but it's a new animal in there at Mike. He's still growing in the position, he still needs reps, he still needs experience, still needs practice. I think by the time we get to game one, he'll be in good shape. … I think his strength is his agility and his physicality. There are not many guys at 250 who can play with the knee-bend and the physical- ity that Nyeem does. He's still growing into the position. He needs to continue to understand and command the whole defense. He's got to see the whole formation each and every snap. He's got to get the front set. He's got to control the Sam and the Will. There's just a lot going on at that spot, way more than he had at Will 'backer." ON JASON CABINDA "Even though he's a young guy, he's really mature, a stu- dent of the game. He's a great communicator. He's right there in the hip pocket with Ny, making sure we're in the right thing. … I'd say Jason Cabinda right now [is the hardest hitter of all the linebackers]. He seems like he's about 275 when he hits you. I've had a lot of the o4ensive line come up to me and say he's doing a great job getting downhill. He's hard to handle." ON BEN KLINE "It's been all improvement each and every practice. This camp, he's been full-tilt. In the spring he had to be a little more careful, but he's 100 per- cent in my mind, and that's the way I'm treating him." ON TROY REEDER "Troy Reeder is a hard worker. He's a big kid with a lot of ex- plosiveness. We were talking a5er practice [about how] he will thump you. He's a physical guy. He's great against the run, he's savvy in the throw game. Troy's going to have a big year for us." ON JAKE COOPER "Jake is doing a great job. Very intelligent, physical, had a nice goal-line scrimmage the other night. Real mature guy, and I expect big things from Coop." ON THE FIELD LINEBACKER SPOT "We've got tons of competition out at the 3eld 'backer with Koa [Farmer] and Von Walker, who is having a great camp. You've got a young guy in Manny Bowen. So there's a lot of competition in that unit, and I love it." ON REDSHIRTING DECISIONS "I think it's too early to say. If we feel like [the freshmen] can help us, then we'll certainly consider it. We've got some talented guys who have a lot of maturity and have the physical tools, like Cabinda did last year. It's too early to say. Those guys know right now they're competing for spots and playing time. Nobody is a redshirt yet." – NATE BAUER BRENT PRY

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