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"But we've got no choice. So I'm proud of the mentality we had at linebacker earlier in the year when we faced some adversity and challenges, and it's the same thing on the o5ensive line right now. So I'm really proud of Coach Limegrover and that entire unit." How e5ective has Bates been at his new position? Consider that he hasn't allowed a single sack since switching to tackle and that Penn State has averaged more than 40 points per game. "We always thought Bates was a really talented guy," Franklin said. "There are some aspects of his body type that [indi- cate] he's probably more 4t for center or guard, but his feet and his athleticism and comfort in space make him really good at tackle. You would love to have a little bit more length, but his feet are just so good. You really see it if you go back and watch plays whenever he pulls. When that guy pulls and runs, he's a re- ally, really good athlete." I believe Bates is the best freshman of- fensive lineman to play at Penn State since Stefen Wisniewski. He's got the right attitude, and it's been evident from the start. Before making his debut, he said he was eager to "kick some butt" this season. He certainly has done that. And Bates hasn't been the only fresh- man to make an impact on Penn State's o5ense in 2016. Seven other 4rst-year players have done that, too. Here's a look: • IRVIN CHARLES The 6-foot-4, 219- pound wideout has played in all 13 games on special teams and recorded 4ve tackles. He had one of the pivotal of- fensive plays of Penn State's season, scoring an 80-yard touchdown against Minnesota to spark a comeback in a game that the Nittany Lions had been trailing 13-3. • STEVEN GONZALEZ A 6-4, 334- pounder, Gonzalez has started two of the Lions' past four games, replacing Bates at le7 guard in the Indiana game a7er Palmer's injury forced a reshu6ing up front. • JUWAN JOHNSON Charles' classmate has played in all 13 games on special teams, record- ing seven tackles. On o5ense, he has two catches for 70 yards. • CONNOR McGOVERN Hav- ing enrolled early and partici- pated in spring practice, the 6-5, 310-pound McGovern went on to play in 12 games at right guard, starting eight of those games. He was named the Freshman Player of the Week by the Big Ten following his per- formance against Purdue, becoming only the third o5ensive lineman to claim that honor. • ANDRE ROBINSON Playing in 11 games, the redshirt freshman running back has gained 137 yards on 28 carries and scored 4ve rushing TDs. He has two catches for 42 yards, including a 40- yard touchdown catch against Michigan State. • MILES SANDERS The true freshman running back has played in 12 games, gaining 184 yards on 25 carries. He has two catches for 24 yards and has re- turned 30 kicko5s for 634 yards (21.1 yards per attempt), with his longest re- turn covering 48 yards. • TOMMY STEVENS Playing in seven games as Trace McSorley's backup, Stevens is Penn State's third-leading ON THE BLOCK Bates made a smooth transi- tion from guard to tackle after injuries forced PSU to reshuffle its offensive line late in the sea- son. Photo by Bill Anderson

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