Penn State practice takeaways; Big Ten sets sights on new commissioner: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for April 12 include scenes from the Lions’ latest practice, plus who will reportedly be the next Big Ten commissioner and more.
It’s time to dive into Wednesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with the future of the Big Ten. ESPN reported first what numerous media outlets later confirmed: Tony Petitti is expected to be the next commissioner of the Big Ten. He’s worked for Major League Baseball and CBS Sports, among other stops. Petitti replaces Kevin Warren, who is leaving the college athletic conference to become the president of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
Petitti’s start date was not immediately clear. But, his initial focuses will of course include name, image, and likeness in addition to how the Big Ten will integrate USC and UCLA into its ranks in 2024, and also whether or not the east and west divisions will remain in football and other sports.
In other news, Penn State held its 12th practice of the spring on Tuesday night. The program is in a good place just days before the Blue-White game.
Top 10
- 1
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 2
Dan Lanning
Oregon coach getting NFL buzz
- 3Trending
UK upsets Duke
Mark Pope leads Kentucky to first Champions Classic win since 2019
- 4Hot
5-star flip
Ole Miss flips Alabama WR commit Caleb Cunningham
- 5
Second CFP Top 25
Newest CFP rankings are out
“I think we’re about right where I thought we would be,” Franklin said. Moments earlier, he pointed out that the practice he had just finished presiding over was a good one featuring plenty of competition and energy. We have a big question with the specialists. Feel good about the long snapper. Feel good about the punting competition, feel good about the kicking competition, so that’s been good.
“I think there are still some question marks in terms of [defensive] tackle that we have to get resolved there. And, then, I still think there’s a question mark at wide out? Who’s going to be the third wide out? That’s still an open competition. A number of guys are still competing for the job. Then, there is some talent still coming in.”
Headlines of the day
Which Penn State prospect is rising up ESPN’s 2023 NFL draft boards?: McGonigal, PennLive
Penn State coach James Franklin on Blue-White game format, progress made this spring, and question marks: Pickel, BWI
Chad Powers Is Nominated for a Webby Award: Wogenrich, SI
Penn State defense takes shape in final open spring practice: Bauer, BWI
Float like a lineman, sting like a bee | Inside Penn State football’s offseason MMA workouts: Ripchik, Daily Collegian
Notes and observations from Penn State’s open practice on offense: Fitz, BWI
Quote of the day
“AJ is a bit more physical. He’s a great tackler in space. Whenever I need him to get it done, AJ gets it done. I think his tackling is very impressive for a cornerback. With Jon Jon, I’d give him maybe a slight advantage with his hips. But even then, they’re both excellent there. There’s not much I can really say they need to improve on. They’re both incredible tacklers. They both have great ball skills, but if I had to give them an edge anywhere, I’d say AJ is a bit more physical, while Jon Jon has a bit more of that long-range speed”
—Mandarin High assistant coach Cavante Campbell on new PSU commit AJ Belgrave-Shorter and his teammate and fellow Lions pledge Jon Mitchell.
