It seems that every year a new Penn State player climbs out of the cluttered competition of the depth chart and makes a name for himself. It might be a walk-on with unrealized potential or a scholarship player finally getting his shot a significant playing time. However it happens, fans are often left wondering why players they’ve never heard of end up making so many contributions game in and game out.
This season is no different for Penn State. In fact, the unsung heroes of Penn State’s newly-released depth chart will be needed to help the Nittany Lions fight through another year under NCAA sanctions. With scholarships dwindling and depth in question, players you don’t already know could be the difference between another winning season or a slow slide into an uncertain future.
Here are five players you might not know now, but who could become household names by the end of the season.
Pat Zerbe (FB): The fifth year senior is finally getting his chance at fullback after the departure of Michael Zordich. While filling the shoes of Zordich is no small task, Zerbe’s 6-foot-1, 231 pound frame ought to make him plenty useful in Penn State’s running attack. The West Lawn, Pa., native has been hard at work for his chance in shine, and 2013 is his opportunity to take advantage of four years of preparation.
Matt Zanellato (WR): Despite the success of Allen Robinson and Brandon Moseby-Felder last season, Penn State’s third receiver option was a bit of rotating door (Not including any of Penn State’s 15 tight ends). A strong 4-catch, 53 yard performance at the Blue White game was Zanellato’s best performance so far at Penn State and the 6-foot-3, 202 pound junior looks ready to take over a bigger role this year. Zanellato’s biggest asset is probably his experience in multiple receiving roles. While Robinson and Moseby-Felder are focused on their jobs, Zanellato has bounced around in practice to all of the receiving spots learning them all along the way. As a result Zanellato has not only proven himself physically capable, but a quick study and a versatile option in the passing game. Don’t be surprised if O’Brien gives his newest offensive weapon plenty of playing time.
Angelo Mangiro (OL): It isn’t very often that an offensive lineman gets to be a dark horse player, but being listed in three different positions on the depth chart make Mangiro “Mr Compatible.” He’s in a battle for the starting center and right guard positions. Mangiro is also listed as the No. 2 left guard behind Miles Dieffenbach. At 6-foot-3, 303 pounds Mangiro has the size to work well anywhere along the line. Ty Howle will likely start at center and John Urschel will probably take the starting spot at right guard. Even so, Mangiro will have the opportunity to rotate in as needed almost anywhere on the line. While this position might not be as flashy, Mangiro could be vital to the offensive lines’ success.
Alex Kenney (KR): The State College native has been slated for a breakout year more than once at receiver. Now, returning kicks with Bill Belton could mean it’s finally Kenney’s time to shine. An explosive and shifty receiver in high school, Kenney’s knack for long kick returns was just one of many skills he honed with the Little Lions. Kenney will likely play a role in the receiving game as well, but giving him a chance to return kicks could make him a weapon on special teams.
Brad Bars (DE): Penn State’s defense is always reloading with new talent and Bars could be the latest to make an impact at defensive end. While listed at the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind C.J. Olaniyan, Bars will likely contribute more than he has in his first three years of eligibility. Bars made some waves after blocking a punt against Illinois last season and had a strong Blue White game to end spring camp. As long as defensive line coach Larry Johnson is still at Penn State, it’s never a good idea to count anyone out when it comes to finding Penn State’s next defensive star.
