Blue White Illustrated

Understanding the challenges Wart- man-White has had to overcome, Penn State head coach James Franklin said he's been pleased with the linebacker's determination and has been guardedly optimistic about the potential the vet- eran player brings to an unusually thin corps. Beginning with the injury itself, which changed the course of a game that the Nittany Lions would go on to lose, and continuing through the end of the season against Georgia in the TaxSlayer Bowl, Wartman-White exhibited grace and ma- turity, Franklin said. "He's worked really hard with our train- ing staff, with our strength staff and he's excited. Excited about the season and getting started and getting going," Franklin said. "It's going to take some time. He hasn't played really in almost a year. So it will take some time to shake the rust off and work him back in gradually. He's had a great summer and he's excited. He's got a tremendous football IQ. You talk to our players, and he's the guy who everybody talks about [when it comes to] football IQ and instincts." Wartman-White says he's felt good for a while now. He spent the summer work- ing out with his teammates, participating in seven-on-seven drills while prepping for preseason camp. Although he was able to be out there with his teammates, not feeling limited, the fifth-year senior ad- mitted he only has a few more hurdles he needs to clear before he's entirely back. That includes some of the mental ob- stacles that can't be assessed until he's gone through his paces, both in preseason practice and in actual games. Absorbing an awkward hit, he said, is going to be one of the most important ones. Still uncertain whether his Mike line- backer position will be available upon his return – Jason Cabinda played the spot in his absence last season – Wartman-White said he doesn't care where he lines up. Mostly, he wants to prove to himself that he has the ability to bounce back. And he's determined to make the painful process of rehabilitation worthwhile in the end. Said Wartman-White, "All the hard work that you put in, the pain, it's just showing results that you worked extra to [achieve in order to] make sure that you get back on the field for game one." ■ 107 Mountain Springs Lane • (814) 364-1000 • www.sevenmountainswinecellars.com Only 20 minutes from State College • 1 Mile off 322 near Potters Mills/ Decker Valley Road Find Seven Mountains Wine at Main Street Market, Reedsville and Castlerigg Wine Shop, Downtown Carlisle. Check the website for our hours and special events! Relaxing at "Mountains on Main" On the porch at the Seven Mountains Lodge, BOALSBURG Farmers Market Every Tuesday! Now At G B s M RG L A BOA et ! ke ark rs M Ma SBUR mer rm ar Fa y! ay sda es ue y T Tu ry er Eve t w A No G

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