Happy Independence Day, Penn State fans. The top news, notes, and updates about the Nittany Lions on July 4 include a look at two former Nittany Lions who could be in for big NFL seasons this fall ,plus headlines of the day and more. Let’s dive in, and however you’re celebrating today, do so safely!
Longtime NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, a former pro player and scout, has put together his 2024 All-Breakout team on defense . Ji’Ayir Brown, now a safety with the San Francisco 49ers, and Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., made the cut. The criteria to make the list was simple: “The players listed below have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but I believe they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign,” Brooks writes.
Why did Brown and Porter Jr., make the cut? The former did so because he “lived up to his reputation” as a ball-hawk.
“Brown notched a pair of regular-season interceptions and a postseason pick as a part-time starter who was thrown into the fire following Talanoa Hufanga ‘s season-ending injury,” Brooks writes . “The INTs showcased his range and ball skills, adding a dimension to a defensive backfield that feasts on tipped passes and overthrown balls down the field. With the 49ers expected to return to a scheme that places a premium on turnovers, the second-year pro could become a household name as a takeaway specialist on an elite defense.”
Porter Jr.’s inclusion, then, is thanks to being a “dark horse” for Pro Bowl honors in 2024.
“Porter’s toughness, tenacity and tools make him a difficult matchup for pass catchers who lack the speed and physicality to escape his clutches at the line,” Brooks writes . “Though he remains a work in progress on the island, Porter’s alpha-dog mentality and unshakeable confidence could enable him to shine without a polished game.”
Headlines of the day
Penn State Football: News and Notes From a Nittany Lions Summer : Wogenrich, SI
What is on the Penn State to-do list in July? A big NIL event, Big Ten Media Days, and more : Pickel, BWI
Film review | Penn State quarterback commit Troy Huhn showcases poise in the pocket : Alenstein, Daily Collegian
Max Granville’s father: ‘Penn State really has the type of culture that that we feel comfortable with’ : Snyder, BWI
Penn State football fan survey: How will Nittany Lions measure success in 2024? : Snyder, The Athletic
What will Penn State athletics’ facilities look like? Renderings are in : Bauer, BWI
Quote of the day
“I think, most importantly for Max, him knowing that he’s a smaller, twitchier guy, I think that’s where Penn State’s success gives him more confidence than most defensive ends in general. You can look at stats and testing numbers and all of that stuff you see at the combine, which is important, but for us, looking at the film was big. The film doesn’t lie. You hear that they led the nation in TFLs and led the nation in sacks. Which is great to know. But, actually sitting there with Deion Barnes and watching how many plays they make in the run game or the pass game, it’s extremely compelling. Seeing really is believing. This wasn’t just a couple of clips here or there. We spent an hour going over film with them.
“We’ve been to other schools where they couldn’t really show the film of their current guys consistently doing it. So, for myself and Max, I think that was more impressive than the actual draft results and where they landed. When you actually see how they play, the disruption they bring, it’s so much more than just stats.”
–Billy Granville, father of new PSU commit Max Granville, to BWI on how the Lions’ recent successes at defensive end helped PSU win his recruitment.
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