Blue White Illustrated

regular season was a tough stretch for their defensive line in particular, as Penn State surrendered a combined 415 rush- ing yards in losses to Northwestern and Michigan State, tumbling to eighth place in the Big Ten and 47th in the Football Bowl Subdivision against the run (149.8 yards per game). But injuries played a big part in those late-season setbacks, as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Carl Nassib missed the team's final two games, while fellow defensive end Gar- rett Sickels was out for the regular-sea- son finale against Michigan State. Given an opportunity to recuperate in Decem- ber, the Lions look to have a chance to regain some of their swagger in the bowl game. And if they are able to keep Geor- gia contained on the ground, Tammy Johnson can expect to find a few notifi- cations in her in-box, because Austin will certainly have to play a major role. A 6-foot-4, 323-pounder from Gal- loway, N.J., Johnson is having a remark- able season for the Nittany Lions. Play- ers at his position – the one-technique tackle spot – tend to be unsung-hero types who do the grunt work so that others can make the tackles and reap the glory. But Johnson has been doing dou- ble-duty, occupying blockers so that his teammates can make plays, while also making plays himself. His 70 tackles not only rank third on the team but also third among defensive linemen in the FBS. It's the highest total by a Penn State defensive lineman since Cameron Wake finished with 71 tackles in 2003, and it includes 13 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Impressively athletic for a player of his size, he's responsible for one of the more dramatic moments of the season, a play in the fourth quarter of the San Diego State game during which he scooped up a fumble and returned it 71 yards for a touchdown to torpedo the Aztecs' comeback hopes. "Austin is a guy who is very well-re- spected," coach James Franklin said. "He's graduating [in December]. He's doing it in the classroom. He's been a great teammate. He's been very, very productive on the field. I wouldn't say he's really outspoken, but there are times when he does speak up. "He's also a guy who I see in our of- fices all the time. He's always watching film and hanging out with the coaches. He's got a great relationship with Coach [Sean] Spencer. I have a great relation- ship with his family. I see his mom be- fore almost every single game going to the stadium. He's just a guy who is tak- The second phase of a renovation proj- ect aimed at upgrading Penn State's football headquarters was approved Nov. 20 by the board of trustees. In January, the board approved the $12 million project to expand and renovate the Lasch Building's locker room and equipment room. The project, which also will upgrade the wet areas in the locker room, is being de- signed by Populous of Kansas City. Populous also is the primary architect of the recently launched Intercol- legiate Athletics facilities master plan. "Our players and sta< are very appreciative of the board's consideration of up- grades to the Lasch Building," coach James Franklin said in a prepared state- ment. "I would like to thank everyone who has stepped up to support Penn State and this important project. Our vi- sion is [to build] the best football program in the nation, and these upgrades to the football facility are another criti- cal piece of that foundation." The project will expand and re- con;gure the locker room and wet areas, and include the instal- lation of themed graphics and branding. The equipment room will be expanded and renovated with new work areas and o=ce spaces. Also planned are a new ;tting room with uniform and equip- ment display, as well as a new loading dock and parking lot recon;guration. Up- grades to mechanical systems are includ- ed, as well as integration of video, sound and lighting in various areas, and an im- mersive digital experience. Construction could begin by the end of this month, with portions of the project slated to open by August. The ;rst phase of the upgrade project is nearing completion. The improve- ments include the installation of a nutri- tion bar for student-athletes and reno- vations to the football team auditorium and lobby. Those updates were ;nanced solely through private gi>s. ■ Board OKs Phase II improvements to Lasch Building NEW HOME The improve- ments to the Nittany Lions' football head- quarters will include a re- designed lock- er room. Im- age courtesy of Penn State Athletics > >

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