In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at NittanyWhiteOut. We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season. You may have noticed that we’ve slacked off a little lately, but expect a few double doses of Counting Down the Lions until we’re all caught up.

Checking in at #18 is a little known player who will suddenly be thrust into a starting job on the offensive line in 2009: Johnnie Troutman.

Number: 74
Position: Offensive Guard
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6’3
Weight: 309
Hometown:  Brown Mills, N.J.
How’d He Get Here: A phenomenal high school player from the fertile grounds of New Jersey, Troutman made his biggest impact as a defensive player in high school, starring at defensive end.  Thrice named to the all-conference team, and later awarded first team All-State and All-Region honors, Troutman drew plenty of interest from the usual powers.  Ranked a 3-star prospect along the defensive line by both Scout and Rivals, Troutman held offers from Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Virginia.  However, in the end Penn State won out, and he enrolled at the university a semester early, in January of 2007.
2008 Results: Stuck behind experience all along the offensive line, Troutman managed to see game action in 6 games for the Lions last year, marked by relatively extensive playing time against the out-of-conference opponents.  However, Troutman also saw action in the Wisconsin and Michigan State games last year.
What to Expect in 2009: Officially, it would seem that the right guard position has not yet been solidified, as both Troutman and Matt Stankiewitch are staking a claim to start in 2009 for the Lions.  It comes as even a harder hit to Troutman’s 2009 outlook that Joe Paterno said that he “didn’t have a very good summer,” during his press conference at the school media day.  However, Troutman has more experience than Stankiewitch (his 80 career snaps is the most among the 3 guards vying for playing time), and has still been seeing more reps with the first team offensive line throughout the summer.  I’d bet that come September 5th, he’s right in between Stefen Wisnieski and DeOn’tae Pannell starting at guard for the Lions.
Random Facts: Remember that marijuana scare back in May, when pot was found in the Nittany Apartment which housed 4 football players, who were all later cleared of any wrongdoing?  That was Johnnie Troutman’s place.
The Final Word: Whenever Johnnie Troutman’s name comes up, it usually is connected to “strongest player on the team.”  Trust me, in doing my research for this page, that was the one constant among all articles on Troutman-his brute power and pure strength.  It would seem that quality would come in especially handy as an offensive guard, paving the way in the running game and handling 300+ pound defensive tackles and would-be pass rushers.  Seeing as he’s got the advantage in physicality and in experience over the other guards, it would seem logical to pencil Troutman in as the starter.  If he can avoid the wrath of Joe Paterno, that is.

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5. Counting Down the Lions: #13