Despite losing a few key commits from July's sanctions, Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien is very pleased with the 2013 recruiting class, calling yesterday's National Signing Day, "a great day for Penn State."
It hasn't been a good time to be a Penn State trustee recently. Now, a petition on the website Change.org is calling for the university's ultimate governing body to bring back the statue of Joe Paterno that stood outside Beaver Stadium from 2001 until it was abruptly removed in July 2012.
Some traveled over four hours. Others came from across the street. But everyone came for one reason -- to honor the life of Joe Paterno on the one year anniversary of his death.
Former Penn State linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Nate Stupar will represent the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens. This marks the 42nd time that a Penn State alum will appear on Super Bowl Sunday, and 35 former players have rings. While he did not attend Penn State, Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, coached in Happy Valley for seven years on Joe Paterno's staff as quarterbacks coach for the Nittany Lions. For Bowman, breaking up a 4th down pass that halted the Atlanta Falcons drive with a minute to go was the pinnacle of a three year progression that has seen him go from a promising 3rd round draft selection to a Pro Bowl linebacker that finished second in the regular season with 149 tackles.
A program record 20 Nittany Lions earned Dean's List recognition during the fall semester, breaking a previous high of 19 set in 2008. The 20 individuals are part of a larger group of 47 players who recorded a GPA of 3.0 or higher according to a press release.