Penn State
We usually start on the offensive side of the ball but with the prospects
available from the Nittany Lion defense we’ll start here. Obviously you begin
with big Jimmy Kennedy, the dominant defensive lineman that could be a
top three choice next April. Kennedy looked like a man amongst boys even as a
freshman and stood out on the defensive line he was so big. Even more surprising
was the way he moved his sometimes 350-pound body around the field with ease,
making plays in every direction displaying quickness, speed and
explosion as well as terrific athleticism. Kennedy overpowers opponents making
mince meat of either single or double teams and consistently blows up plays in
the opponent’s backfield. Steadily progressing in the early part of his
college career, Kennedy took a step back in 2002 seemed to be playing
back on his heels. He made the right decision returning for his senior campaign
and is poised to make a big move up charts. Kennedy stayed home this summer but
rather than relax and put his feet up hit the weights and is in terrific
shape. "Jimmy looks half his size," someone just recently told us
after spending time with Kennedy, referring to the results of his workout regime
the past few months. How will it all play out for Penn State’s best defensive
prospect since the duo of Brown and
Arrington? A top three selection if he picks up the tempo of the game, with a
distinct possibility of being the initial pick of the entire draft. Next would
be Michael Haynes, a ferocious and athletic pass rusher that lines up
just outside of Kennedy. Haynes, another that took a step backwards during the ’02
campaign, shows great speed and intensity off the corner, deceptive strength and
the ability to make plays out to the flanks. He is not just a good pass rusher
but also a lineman that adequately defends the run. According to sources Haynes
bulked last season and took a while to get accustomed to the extra weight, part-n-parcel to his lack of consistency. He is also a little
shorter than one wants in a true defensive end but a good senior season could throw him
into the drafts first day. Many felt tackle Anthony Adams was the best
linemen on the PSU defense last season as he is an explosive and relentless
inside thumper but short which results in opponents handling him in one-on-one
blocking. He will get looks during the drafts second day. Cornerback Bryan
Scott has nice size and adequate cover skills but lacks overall quickness,
speed and may be better suited for safety. Like Adams he is second day material.
Two reasons for the recent decline in the play of this program
recently is a paltry running game as well as the lack of a dominant offensive line; areas Penn
State traditionally relied upon to defeat opponents. It does not look like much
will change anytime soon. In the trenches center Joe Iorio is quick,
heady and plays with a nasty streak but possesses only minimal blocking range by no means
would be considered dominant in 
the
middle of the line. Left tackle Gus Felder displays decent athleticism
but must refine his overall game and may be a better fit at guard. Taking the
hand-offs is Larry Johnson, a big and powerful interior runner that works
hard but lacks any quickness, speed through the hole or in the open field and
runs tall for a bigger back which does not translate well at the next level.
They have a pair of solid receivers to keep an eye on; Bryant Johnson is a big
bodied target that easily out-muscles opponents for the reception but lacks
speed and is prone to the occasional or untimely drop of the pass. He needs to
improve his consistency next year and run a half-decent 40-time prior to the draft
if he’s to break into the middle rounds. Junior Tony Johnson possesses
the speed and continually makes plays down the field into the defensive
secondary. He has a good amount of upside potential and if he realizes it,
Johnson will be an early selection in 2004. Lastly RJ Luke moves into the
starting tight end position and will be given late round consideration should factor
into either as a pass catcher or blocker.
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