Blue White Illustrated

May 2016

Penn State Sports Magazine

Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/663838

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 10 of 71

But if the story had any impact on his draft prospects, they were short-lived. Hackenberg had a private workout with the Cowboys on March 30 and was set to work out for the Eagles as well. As of this writing, he was being touted as a likely second- or third-round pick. Joining Hackenberg in Holuba Hall for the Pro Day workouts were Carter, of- fensive lineman Angelo Mangiro, defen- sive linemen Austin Johnson, Carl Nas- sib, Anthony Zettel, Tarow Barney and Jon Gingrich, defensive backs Jordan Lucas, Trevor Williams and Ryan Keiser, and running backs Dom Salomone and Brandon Johnson. Zettel turned in one of the day's most intriguing performances. In addition to competing alongside his fellow defen- sive linemen, he lined up with Carter and repped a set of blocking drills and pass routes as an H-back. Zettel said the scouts were looking for an indication of his versatility, and he was happy to oblige. "They just wanted to see me catch the ball and stuff," he said, noting that he hasn't spoken to specific teams about possible interest in a position change of any sort. "I mean, in the NFL you can play D-line and still play sets of every- thing. They don't really have any indi- vidual thing where you're going to be and where you fit best because there are 32 teams, and each team wants different people in different spots. "I think I bring a little more versatility to the D-line, and I feel comfortable playing other positions, too." Weighing in at 280 pounds – four pounds below his playing weight last season – Zettel said he is comfortable with his body composition but will look to continue gaining muscle in the weeks leading up to the draft. He said he's feel- ing completely healthy again after a sea- son in which he was slowed by nagging injuries, adding that he was happy with his performance on Pro Day. "It feels great," he said. "I wish I felt like this during the season, to be honest with you. It would have been a lot differ- ent. But I feel very comfortable with my body right now and I'm headed in the right direction." Zettel plans to train in State College in the weeks leading up to the draft and will likely meet with teams for individual workouts. He said he felt like he was in his comfort zone working out in the familiar confines of Holuba Hall, as opposed to the more pressurized environment of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. And as for his position? Whether he's taking reps at H-back or on the defensive line, Zettel is confident in his abilities. "I feel comfortable at all spots. I do three-tech pass rushing against the guards. I think I have a little advantage there," he said. "I also like holding the edge at D-end too, so I don't care where I play." ■ S I T E L I N E S • B W I . R I VA L S . C O M R E A D E R S W E I G H I N O N T H E D R A F T There isn't one team in the entire NFL that wouldn't want Hack as the face of their franchise. He is mature, intelligent, well-spoken, gracious. … Hack has definitely benefited from working under Jordan Palmer and looked great work- ing with Jon Gruden. I think he will do fine in the NFL. You can be critical of his performance at PSU (throwing mechanics, pocket awareness, etc.) but to try and assail his character is ridiculous! Hack is all class and has shown that in every interview I have ever seen. KidTwist Funny. Gruden loves him and now some coaches don't? One article isn't the end-all and be-all. What did anyone expect? The kid's been baited a million times on this, even by Gruden. I don't buy it for a minute. So it's okay for Franklin to say our O-line is struggling and having issues, but Hack can't? Bill O'Brien and James Franklin are light years apart, and it did show. The kid is in a no-win situation. Hotshoe Obviously it depends on how he presents himself and phrases/qualifies things, but I'd rather hear some honesty in an interview situation like that. Everyone alive and with a functioning brain knows that Hack was in a bad sit- uation the past couple years, and that he and Franklin didn't see eye to eye. BS answers are for the public/media. If an NFL team is asking me to explain what happened over the past couple of years, then I'm going give them an honest answer. Clearly you need to take some responsibility as well, so again, it all depends on how you present your answer. gemrich I think what this comes down to is that teams will interpret Hack's side of the story based on how they want the outcome to turn out. If they want this kid (or at least are considering the option), they will take his side at face value and evaluate everything else. If they're looking for an excuse not to draft him, they will interpret this accordingly and use it against him. nylar Can't wait until we don't have to hear anymore speculation on the relation- ship between Hack and CJF. I'm so over this. They weren't best buds, I think we all know that. End of story. It's been great the last few weeks to focus on the 2016 team development and not whether Hack will be invited to a bar mitzvah party at Franklin's house. The 2016 team and, more importantly, the 2017 team is where we should be focusing our energy. Enough with this al- ready. Let's talk about important stuff like Trace and Tommy! When was the last time a QB race had two kids with the first letter T in their names? mbar21

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Blue White Illustrated - May 2016