Topics

More

Blue-White Rosters Announced, Blue Team Loaded With Projected Starters

With a day to go until the 2016 Blue-White game, Penn State unveiled both teams’ rosters to provide fans a glimpse of the match-up they’ll see on Saturday. This year, James Franklin opted to load the Blue team with projected regular season starters on both sides of the ball, providing some interesting player match-ups as critical positional battles wage on. The full rosters for each team can be viewed here (Blue) and here (White), but we highlighted a few important notes from each squad.

The biggest and most publicized offseason battle surrounds the quarterback position as Franklin searches for Christian Hackenberg’s replacement. The White team features redshirt freshman Tommy Stevens and true freshman Jake Zembiec, with Stevens likely to receive the majority of reps. Though redshirt sophomore gunslinger Trace McSorely remains the favorite for the job in the eyes of some, many believe Stevens is hot on his tail. He’ll be put to the test on Saturday against the likes of Blue team defenders Jason Cabinda, Christian Campbell, Marcus Allen, and Torrence Brown, all of whom will help coaches see what Stevens is made of in a live-game simulation.

Stevens will have plenty of talent to throw to, but the trio of Juwan Johnson, Irvin Charles, and DeAndre Thompkins should provide assistance. All three could benefit from a big spring performance, especially Thompkins, who failed to generate much noise as a receiver in 2015. Running back Andre Robinson will make his case to be the team’s No. 2 option behind Saquon Barkley as the lead runner for the White squad, so expect plenty of reps to go his way. True freshman lineman Connor McGovern will make his collegiate debut on Saturday, and most believe he’s ready to start from day one — a rarity among Division-I offensive linemen. His performance could determine the coaching staff’s perception of his readiness to contribute.

The Blue team features plenty of notable names, including Trace McSorely, Saquon Barkley, DaeSean Hamilton, Andrew Nelson, Paris Palmer, along with a handful of defensive stalwarts. It’ll be interesting to see how Franklin deploys his offensive tackles, given his willingness to plug both players at both positions. While Barkley likely won’t see much action on the field, expect McSorely to take advantage of each rep as he tries to gain a leg up on Stevens.

Defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who’s made waves with his offseason progression, will try to throw his hat into the mix to prove to the coaching staff that he deserves a starting spot alongside Garrett Sickels and Torrence Brown on the defensive line.

While there will be no kicking/punting competition, Daniel Pasquariello and Joey Julius will represent the White team, while Tyler Davis and Chris Gulla constitute the Blue team’s specialist group. Ricky Rahne, Charles Huff, Tommy Galt, Joe Brady IV, Tim Banks, Andrew Jackson, and Ryan Smith will coach the White squad, while Joe Moorhead, Matt Limegrover, Josh Gattis, Brent Pry, Terry Smith, and Sean Spencer round out the Blue team’s coaching staff.

Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m., and while it might only be Blue-White, football is football.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

David Abruzzese

David is a senior from Rochester, NY, nestled right in beautiful Western New York. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and as an avid sports fan, he passionately supports the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is the first Penn Stater from his family, and couldn’t be prouder to represent Penn State University. In his free time, he likes to alpine ski, and play golf. You can follow him on Twitter @abruz11, and can contact him via email at [email protected].

Staff Predictions: No. 4 Penn State vs. Minnesota

The last time Penn State visited Minnesota was in 2019 when the No. 17 Golden Gophers upset the No. 4 Nittany Lions 31-26.

[Photo Story] Lighting Up Downtown State College

Happy Holidays, folks!

‘I’m Fired Up’: Mike Rhoades Sounds Off On Penn State Hoops’ Class Of 2025 Signees

This was the highest-ranked class in Penn State history.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by David

So Long, And Goodnight: David Abruzzese’s Senior Column

It’s been a hell of a ride, folks. Senior staffer David Abruzzese rides off into the sunset with his senior column.

Saquon Barkley Mum On NFL Future; Relishes Fiesta Bowl Opportunity

DOTD: Nittany Lion Catches Pass At Fiesta Bowl