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Current, former Penn State players among the 50 most impact newcomers so far in college football: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•10/18/24•

GregPickel

KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Photo by Auburn Athletics)
KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

Penn State football, past and present, is represented on ESPN’s list of the top 50 most impactful newcomers at the midway mark of the season. That headlines today’s newsstand, which also includes a look at stories about the Nittany Lions from around the Internet, a quote of the day, and more.

Penn State tweets of the day

ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Max Olson put their heads together to come up with a 1-50 list of the first-year players who are making noise already over the first half of the college football season. Penn State cornerback AJ Harris made the cut at No. 18.

“ESPN’s No. 37 prospect in 2023, Harris hit the portal after one season at Georgia and landed with a school that recruited him out of high school,” the duo writes. “At Penn State this fall, Harris has found a home as the Nittany Lions’ sixth-leading tackler (19 total tackles) with a pair of picks and a pass deflection to his name. Ahead of the Nittany Lions’ Week 7 win over USC, Harris’ defensive completion percentage of 23.1% led the Big Ten and landed him fifth among cornerbacks nationally this fall.”

Harris quickly worked himself into a starting role after progressing well during winter workouts, spring practice, and summer camp. And, speaking of the latter two, one former Nittany Lion who left the Big Ten for the SEC between those two points on the calendar also makes the list. It’s Auburn receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who checks in at No. 24.

“Lambert-Smith was one of the more proven and coveted players to hit the portal in the spring, and he’s well on his way to a career-best year with the Tigers,” the ESPN team writes. “The 6-foot-1, 182-pound senior ranks fourth in the SEC in receiving yards, turning 24 receptions into 510 yards and six scores. Lambert-Smith had five catches of 50-plus yards during his four years at Penn State and already has four this season in Hugh Freeze’s offense.”

Headlines of the day

This Penn State defender has become an ‘alpha male’ for DC Tom Allen in 2024: Ralph, PennLive

Penn State wrestling television schedule and start times: Pickel, BWI

Penn State Has Been Prone to Slow Starts and Strong Finishes. Is That Reliable?: Engle, Statecollege.com

What’s the early Penn State-Wisconsin point spread? Look-ahead lines are out for the Lions’ next game: Pickel, BWI

Tom Allen emphasizing faster starts, linebacker depth at midway point of season: Linderman, Daily Collegian

Potential five-star confirms plans to attend upcoming Penn State White Out game: Snyder, BWI

Q&A: Tom Allen on defensive goals, Abdul Carter, more: Sauber, CDT

PSU lands two on BTN midseason awards list: Bauer, BWI

Quote of the day

“It was a super exciting win. So much fun watching that offense. Lots of ups and downs. But they did whatever it takes and came out with a great win. Drew [Allar] had a solid game. Besides those little mistakes, he led the team to the win and that’s the most important thing. He is such a role model for me and I can really see myself being just like him.

“I thought it was awesome seeing so many Penn State fans there at the game.”

–PSU 2026 QB commit Troy Huhn on seeing the Lions beat USC last weekend.

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