Tag: Adisa Isaac

Start time for 2023 Blue-White Game announced

Penn State has announced the start time for this year’s Blue-White spring game.

We already knew what day the Penn State Blue-White Game was going to be played. Now we know the scheduled start time.

On Tuesday, Penn State announced the official start time for this year’s spring game, the highlight of the weekend in State College. Penn State’s annual Blue-White Game will begin at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 15.

It is unconfirmed at this point in time if the game will be available for viewing on the Big Ten Network or any other network, but that information will be made available at a later time.

Penn State will head into the 2023 Blue-White Game with a rising sense of optimism surrounding the team after an 11-2 season with a victory in the Rose Bowl to cap things off. Penn State finished at no. 7 in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25, and the Nittany Lions are a trendy top 10 pick already in the various way-too-early top 25 projections for next season.

Penn State will return some key pieces on defense with the returns of [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag] and [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] to go with the rising stardom of players like [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag] and [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag]. The offense will continue to build confidence in the running game with [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag] leading the way behind an offensive line that will return [autotag]Olu Fashanu[/autotag] and introduce some new stars in the Class of 2023 with [autotag]J’ven Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Alex Birchmeier[/autotag]. And, of course, this spring will see [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] step into the leading role at quarterback as the successor to Sean Clifford, who leaves Penn State after rewriting the school’s record book for the past six years.

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247Sports’ way-too-early top 25 for 2023 predicts big year for Penn State

The hype is already mounting for Penn State football in 2023 with the 247Sports way-too-early top 25.

The final chapter in the 2022 college football season will be written Monday night with Georgia and TCU squaring off in this season’s College Football Playoff national championship. And that means it’s time to dive headfirst into the way-too-early top 25 rankings from various media outlets as we quickly look ahead to the 2023 season. And after winning 11 games with a victory in the Rose Bowl, the bar has officially been raised for Penn State next fall.

247Sports released its version of the way-too-early top 25 for the 2023 season, and it predicts Penn State will be right in the mix for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Penn State comes in just on the outside looking in on the playoff field, however, with a way-too-early ranking of no. 5.

“On paper, this looks like it could be [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag]’s most talented team in Happy Valley and is the first of three Big Ten squads inside our way-too-early top 5,” 247Sports suggests.

Yes, despite the lofty placement in the rankings organized by the staff at 247Sports, Penn State still comes in just behind the same two teams that stood in front of it in 2022, Ohio State and Michigan. The Buckeyes are no. 4 and the Wolverines are no. 3 in the 247Sports way-too-early top 25. The only other teams at the top of the poll are Alabama (no. 2) and Georgia (no. 1).

There is a lot to like about what Penn State could potentially do next season. With a good mix of rising star players on both sides of the football like running backs [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] and [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag] and linebacker [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag], Penn State already has playmakers in place on both sides of the line of scrimmage. And it will be bringing back some key players opting for another season including offensive lineman [autotag]Olu Fashanu[/autotag] and defensive lineman [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag].

And then there is the successor to Sean Clifford at quarterback, [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag]. Allar is being widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks ever to be recruited by Penn State, and scouts and analysts are equally excited to see Allar be the guy for the Penn State offense moving forward.

Penn State’s schedule is also a bit favorable as they will have to play at Ohio State but will get Michigan at home. The 2023 season begins with a home game against West Virginia on Sept. 2.

It will all be here before you know it, and it could be a fun season.

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Penn State DE Adisa Isaac announces return in 2023

Penn State starting DE Adisa Isaac announces his return in 2023.

Penn State’s defensive line will return a key player in 2023. On Sunday evening, Adisa Isaac announced on his Twitter account he will be coming back for another season with the Nittany Lions.

“In the past four years, it has truly been a pleasure to play football for Penn State University and learn from some of the most influential coaches and staff in the football industry, along with gaining a brotherhood that will forever be in my life,” Isaac said in his released statement.

“I have created many memories that will last a lifetime. With that being said, after careful time and thought with my family, I will be returning to Penn State in 2023,” Isaac announced.

Isaac earned All-Big Ten third team honors from the coaches and was an honorable mention from Big Ten media this past season. He also shared the team’s outstanding defensive lineman award with Chop Robinson.

Isaac started each game at defensive end for Penn State in the 2022 season and recorded 23 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and three sacks.

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PHOTOS: Penn State All-Big Ten defensive team players

A photographic look at Penn State’s All-Big Ten players during the 2022 season.

Penn State and [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag]’s defense was well represented on the end-of-season All-Big Ten roster as voted on by the coaches and media. A total of six Penn State defenders found their way onto the teams through either media, coaches, or the voting of both.

The biggest name for Penn State and making an appearance on the first team roster for both media and coaches was [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] who was one of three defensive backs selected. The other two defensive backs to make both media and coaches teams were [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag] and [autotag]Ji’Ayir Brown[/autotag].

Three other names to get voted to just one of the rosters were [autotag]P.J. Mustipher[/autotag], [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag], and [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag]. Mustipher and Isaac were voted onto the media rosters. All in all, this is an impressive list and shows the veteran presence the defense had while also spotlighting the future with Isaac and Carter being highlighted.

Look back on their season now.

Penn State players make appearance on All-Big team roster

Find out which Penn State players received All-Big Ten honors from coaches and media

In a move that many expected, it has almost become a ritual at this point, Penn State seems to have its fingerprints all over the end-of-season All-Big Ten roster as voted on by the coaches and media.

The biggest name for Penn State and making an appearance on the first team roster for both media and coaches was [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] who was one of three defensive backs selected. Porter Jr. played in 10 games this year and recorded 27 tackles but forced no turnovers by any means. What he did do however was constantly lock down the opposing team’s number one receivers to the point they weren’t targeted and when they were he broke up 11 passes on the year.

Two more defensive backs made appearances on the Big Ten roster as both media and coaches voted for [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag] and [autotag]Ji’Ayir Brown[/autotag].

King’s stat sheet is more heavy due to Porter Jr. being targeted less, he did intercept two passes this year while breaking up 14 passes overall. For Brown, he was a do-it-all player for the Penn State defense this year racking up forcing six total turnovers, gathering 5.5 sacks, and then breaking up three passes. Both men played big parts in the defense remaining the standard at Penn State.

Two other names to get voted to just one of the rosters were [autotag]P.J. Mustipher[/autotag], [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag], and [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag]. Mustipher and Isaac were voted onto the media rosters with Mustipher coming back from a significant knee injury and playing this year when that wasn’t always a guarantee.

Freshman Abdul Carter was voted onto the media roster after an impressive freshman campaign that saw him gather up a combined 16.5 sacks and tackles for a loss while also forcing two fumbles in the process.

Not a bad first year for [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] as the coordinator of the Penn State defense.

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Win over Indiana boosts NFL draft stock for Penn State prospects

Here is an updated look at the draft stock of some key Penn State prospects.

Penn State is coming off an impressive win over Indiana. It has been a nice past few weeks to be a Penn State NFL draft prospect.

We have seen multiple Nittany Lions featured in first-round mock drafts. Out of every Penn State 2023 draft prospect, Joey Porter Jr. has been featured in multiple first-round mock drafts.

On top of that, we have seen players like offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu boost their draft stock.

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson was selected 16th overall in the 2022 draft by the Washington Commanders. Now, the Nittany Lions have added Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley, who has kept his draft stock fairly steady.

Porter Jr. is also continuing to solidify himself as a first-round prospect.

Not only that, but we also have players like Parker Washington who are quietly rising their draft stock.

Let’s take a look at an update on where the current draft stock of some key Penn State prospects.

Latest first-round mock draft has Joey Porter Jr. headed to AFC East team

Mock Draft: Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. could be a first-round draft pick for this AFC East team

Penn State got blown out by Michigan this past weekend 41-17. The Wolverines had a slim lead at the half but came out in the second half with a statement win over the Nittany Lions.

Penn State has some crucial games ahead of them, including Minnesota and Ohio State.

Taking a look at some of the notable draft prospects for the Nittany Lions, we have seen some surprise names featured in first-round mock drafts. Defensive end [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag] is one of them. The most recent one is offensive tackle [autotag]Olumuyiwa Fashanu[/autotag].

However, it’s mock draft Monday and The Draft Network released their weekly Sunday night mock draft. In there, a familiar name is featured. Joey Porter Jr.

The Draft Network has [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] headed to the New England Patriots with the 16th overall pick. Let’s break this one down.

The Patriots have quite a bit of needs and cornerback is one of them. They haven’t had a solidified corner since Stephon Gilmore.

They also have a lot of youth in their cornerback room. They have Jalen Mills under contract until 2025, but he does have a potential out in 2023.

On top of that, Jonathan Jones is also a free agent after this season. So, you can see that the Patriots are struggling in their cornerback room.

As mentioned, the Patriots have plenty of holes to fill. They could certainly address their offensive line, secondary, wide receiver. They are a team that can really go anywhere with their first-round pick and it wouldn’t not make sense. They are a rebuilding team that has lost a lot of talent throughout the years.

Going with cornerback would make a ton of sense for the Patriots. If Mills opts in for next season, you would have a duo with plenty of potential. They would also need to add more depth in their cornerback room for next season, especially if Jones leaves for free agency.

The Patriots are currently ranked 13th in overall defense in the league, and they have also won two straight with rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe. They have also given up an average of 218.8 passing yards per game.

However, they still have plenty of holes to fill and they also need another focal point on their defense.

They did spend money two offseasons ago, with Matthew Judon being one of their notable signings. However, other players like Devin McCourty are only getting older, and Porter Jr. would not only sure up their cornerback room, but he also has all the tangibles to be a star at the next level.

As mentioned, the Patriots haven’t had a solidified cornerback since Gilmore. However, Porter Jr. might just be the answer to those struggles of finding one as well as an identity for the future of their secondary room.

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Instant Reaction: Penn State dominates Auburn in 41-12 blowout

Instant reaction: Penn State puts on dominating display at Auburn, 41-12

It took a little bit of time to establish its dominance over Auburn, but Penn State took full control of the Tigers and the crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the second half. Penn State outscored the Tigers 24-7 after halftime en route to an eye-opening 41-12 victory on the road down south on Saturday.

Freshmen running backs [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] (124 yards, two touchdowns) and [autotag]Kaytron Allen[/autotag] (52 yards, two touchdowns) led the charge on offense, but the defense was the big story of the game for the Nittany Lions. [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] dialed up a defensive gameplan that gave up some chunk plays in the first half but limited Auburn to two red zone drives resulting in just two field goals after the Tigers were knocking on the goal line.

Penn State’s defense also forced four turnovers with a pair of interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries in the game. [autotag]Ji’Ayir Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Zakee Wheatley[/autotag] each came up with interceptions in the game to stall what could have been promising Auburn scoring drives.

[autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag] was a standout performer as well as he showed relentless pursuit against Auburn quarterback TJ Finley, who did not finish the game as the Tigers quarterback. Linebackers [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] and [autotag]Curtis Jacobs[/autotag] each had some big moments as well as the defense was on fire in the second half. [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag] made some big pass breakups as well.

This was a full team victory all over the roster, and this could be a springboard to bigger things down the line for the Nittany Lions.

Next up for Penn State is one more non-conference matchup before jumping back into Big Ten play. Penn State will host Central Michigan next Saturday for a noon kickoff in Beaver Stadium.

Auburn will hope for a rebound next weekend with their SEC opener at home against Missouri.

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Best photos from Penn State’s blowout win at Auburn

Check out these photos from Penn State’s blowout win at Auburn!

It was supposed to be a close contest, but Penn State blew the doors open on Auburn down in Jordan-Hare Stadium in their Week 3 matchup on Saturday. Penn State put the game well out of reach in the second half against the Tigers with an incredible showing from freshmen running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and a feisty performance from the defense.

You could not have scripted a better trip into SEC territory for Penn State, even if Auburn is a team in need of some rebuilding. Leaving Auburn with a win is still something to be proud of, especially in the fashion in which it went down.

Here are some of the best photos from Penn State’s blowout win over the Tigers.

Surprise! A new Penn State name earns first-round mock draft status

Find out which Penn State defensive star is getting some first-round consideration in a brand new mock draft.

It’s week one of college football and we are continuing to see 2023 NFL mock drafts. We have seen a few of [autotag]Parker Washington[/autotag], but the majority of them have featured [autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] in the first round.

This week, we have a new Nittany Lion in the first round headed to the Seattle Seahawks with the 24th overall pick. That pick is coming from the Denver Broncos in the Russell Wilson trade. Who might that player be?

That player is Penn State edge rusher Adisa Isaac in a new mock draft from Sports Illustrated.

The 24th pick to Seattle should be familiar to many. That’s because last week we highlighted Joey Porter Jr. to Seattle with the 24th overall pick.

First, let’s break down Isaac as a player. The upside is certainly there, but there is a lot of potential that Penn State may have not unlocked yet. But that could very well be the season where he takes that drastic leap. In terms of the team, this is a total Seattle pick.

Isaac does make sense to Seattle, but one could argue that there are better players at that position out there that Seattle could target like Georgia’s Nolan Smith or Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV.

Does Isaac have the talent to pop off this season? Absolutely. Nittany Lions without both Arnold Ebiketie and Jesse Luketa, as both departed for the NFL. As mentioned earlier, Seattle needs a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. So a pass rusher would make a lot of sense for them.

As a player, Isaac is both athletic and physical. Something that stood out to Ebiketie’s game was that he had impressive bend off the edge. That is something that Isaac does well with too.

In terms of Seattle’s edge rusher room, they’re not very deep. They did trade for veteran edge rusher Shelby Harris, which will certainly help them. But outside of that, there are quite a bit of question marks. They took LJ Collier in the first round in 2019. He hasn’t really shown enough to be that reliable pass rusher. There were rumors last year that he could’ve even been a trade piece.

So, pass rush would be a perfect position for Seattle to go after. Really anything on their defense. Isaac is an interesting pick.

With both Luketa and Ebiketie gone, this is a perfect opportunity for Isaac to really make that jump in production in 2022.

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