Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/575323
faster while put- ting on 25 pounds with the training that we do," Franklin said. "He's one of the unique guys who has put on about 65 pounds and is faster and stronger than he was. So he can be a real matchup [problem for opponents]. There aren't too many de- fensive ends at 278 pounds who are as powerful and explosive and strong as he is and also have the football IQ that he does." Franklin wasn't at Penn State when Nas- sib arrived in University Park in 2011, nor was he the one who put the defensive end on scholarship; Bill O'Brien made that de- cision in 2013. But Franklin realized quickly how lucky the Lions had gotten in landing the little-known prospect, whose father, Gilbert, had played football at Delaware and whose older brother Ryan starred at quarterback for Syracuse and was taken by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2013 draft. As a redshirt junior, Nassib saw action in all 13 games on defense and special teams, finishing with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. With C.J. Olaniyan and Deion Barnes both departing after the 2014 season, there was an opportunity to win a starting job at defensive end this fall, and Nassib seized it. "If you're not trying to get the starting spot, then why are you there?" he said, describing the mentality he has maintained throughout his Penn State career. "Competing in everything you do is one of our core values, and I think everybody should just compete to get on the field. You shouldn't be entitled to take every play. You can't take any play for granted, and I just kind of went about it that way." Some observers may have been surprised to see a former walk-on lay claim to a position at which Penn State has recruited well over the years. But given his history, it would have been more surprising if he hadn't claimed it. "You talk about an amazing story of a guy who persevered, had a great attitude, kept believing in himself, kept working hard. I think it's all those things" that have made him successful, Franklin said. "I think it's size, it's strength, it's speed, it's mentality. … He is really confident. The guy comes to work every single day, and the more success you have day in and day out, [the more] it's going to translate to games on Saturday. I see that with him." Nassib's high-revving motor could pro- pel him all the way to the professional ranks if he decides to hold off on medical school, his stated plan after collecting his biology degree in December. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said during the off-season that Nassib "could be a five- or 10-year veteran in the NFL." If so, he'll have a lot of people to thank, from the coaches who gave him a shot to the teammates who have helped put him in a position to excel. But mostly, he'll have himself. Said Franklin, "He's one of the more driven guys that I know." ■ T H E 2 0 1 5 S E A S O N HIGH- PRESSURE SYSTEM Nas- sib knocks down quarter- back Chris La- viano during the Nittany Li- ons' 28-3 victo- ry over the Scarlet Knights. Photo by Steve Manuel