Hey, guys. Kevin posted his responses for the B/W roundtable (so graciously hosted, of course, by Zombie Nation), so I figure I’ll tag myself in, jump over the top ropes, and go for the metaphorical frog splash on these questions.

1. Ok, so the Blue White Game and spring practice is done. Whether you just read the reports, or actually watched the game… (a) What’s one glaring team/unit/player issue you’re still concerned with? (b) What are you most pleased with?

a) I’m still concerned with the defensive secondary. I’m not going crazy, like some people, over the fact that there were no interceptions at the B/W game, and frankly, I’m not concerned with the solid passing stats that both teams put up. We played with relaxed coverages and no blitzes which severely hampered the ability to do those things. Still, the best thing you can say is that the position is still up in the air, and A.J. Wallace’s hamstring injury doesn’t help. On the flip side, Gerald Hodges did look awesome, so there’s that. This is a position I’m not calling a glaring weakness just yet but I do want to see something from the position before I proclaim it solid.

b) I’m really glad to see the wide receivers jelling like they did last Saturday. Not only did Graham Zug, Brett Brackett, and Derek Moye look real good, but Brackett and Zug won spring practice awards, which tells me they’ve been working their tails off to create a seamless transition from the terrific trio of now-NFLers. It won’t be our strongest position come the fall, but it certainly won’t be a major deficiency. When you consider the ability of Quarless and Shuler to add some catches, there shouldn’t be too precipitous of a drop-off from last year.

2. Navorro Bowman was held out of the game for probation violation. He did admit his mistake to Joe Paterno, and took responsibility. But he still shouldn’t have done it. What punishment do you think will be appropriate, and why?

I don’t think any major punishment is really warranted. Look, he’s a college kid, and he smoked weed twice. That’s a normal Thursday for my roommate. Considering what he’s gone through, losing his dad and his high school coach, who was a father figure to him, I don’t want to see anything bad happen to Navorro. As far as the lack of community service, that seems to be an honest misunderstanding about what counted and what didn’t. Considering that the season doesn’t start for over 4 months, and Anthony Scirrotto didn’t miss a game for his fight, any suspension would be an overreaction. Let him clean the stadium after a game or two, and call it even.

3. Penn State’s offensive staff said after the game that things were kept pretty simple. Do you think this year’s returning offense will be able to handle an offensive scheme with the same complexity as the 2008 version? Why or why not?

Look, any time you lose three receivers as talented and committed as Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood, you’re losing not just 130 catches and 20 TDs, you’re losing the wrinkles that made the offense so explosive. Further, with the loss of most of the offensive line, it’ll be tougher to run some of the counters and reverses that were focal points of the Penn State offense. Chaz Powell might be able to fill the role of Derrick Williams-lite, but I don’t see anyone filling in the role in a dynamic downfield passing game that gave Deon Butler something like 20 yards per catch. Furthermore, without a capable backup at QB, Daryll Clark will be asked to run less than he was last year. I’d expect more short passes, inside handoffs, and screen passes.

4. Five Penn Staters were drafted, while 10 more signed free-agent contracts. Was there any pick/signing that surprised you the most, either positively or negatively? What did this 2009 NFL Draft say about the Penn State football program?

I was shocked to see A.Q. Shipley last to the 7th round and Gerald Cadogan go undrafted, and just about that surprised to see Rich Ohrnberger go in the 4th. To be honest, I thought Cadogan was the best lineman on the team last year. But as for the big picture: I’m not surprised to see the PSU graduates pretty much all finding homes. We know about those with immense physical talents like Aaron Maybin and Williams, and even for those who don’t, like Norwood and Scirrotto, we know how hard working and dedicated they are. In an age where teams are afraid to pick up guys with character issues (look no further than the saga of Chris Baker), Penn State players won’t have to be passed up.

Shooting from the hip…

1. Average PSU offensive PPG/defensive PPG in 2009?

Considering the joke teams that make up the out of conference schedule: 36-16

2. USC’s Mark Sanchez (5th overall – Jets): Too high?

As a Jets fan, I sure hope not.

3. How many Lions drafted in 2010?

I’m going to say 7, but there are a lot of draft eligible juniors on this team.

4. List you’re top three Big Ten teams, as of today.

Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois

Releated Posts:

1. My First Blue White Roundtable
2. Blue/White Roundtable: Akron Edition
3. Blue/White Roundtable: Zips Edition
4. Blue/White Roundtable: Zippity Doo-Dah Edition
5. Blue/White Game Notes