All Penn State fans have their own favorite team and favorite players and coaches, but if you’re a fan of Penn State hockey, football or basketball here are five Nittany Lions you can be thankful for.
Penn State hockey forward Taylor Holstrom:
With 17 points, Holstrom was the nation’s leader in points earlier in the season. Even now, only 2 points from retaking that lead, Holstrom has been a key part of Penn State hockey’s 7-3-2 start to the year. That puts the Nittany Lions only a win away from tying last season’s win total. Victories over Michigan on the road and No. 4 UMass-Lowell have already created season defining highlights for the year. Holstrom has been at the center of it all. So for that, Penn State fans can be thankful.
Penn State basketball guard DJ Newbill:
Newbill has put on performances for the ages early in the season with a 35 point performance against Charlotte followed up by 26, 22, and 29 point performances over the next three games. The Nittany Lions are 5-1 on the year with plenty of big games left to go. Even so, it’s safe to say Newbill is the heart and soul of a team that could make moves in the conference if he gets a little help from the rest of the roster on a consistent basis.
Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop:
Simply put, if Penn State’s defense isn’t one of the best in the nation, an often hard to watch 6-5 season could be a lot worse. Forget his ability to call plays before they happen, Shoop has brought stability to a position that has seen four different coaches hold it in as many years. Being named a nominee for assistant of the year on the national stage isn’t a bad way to start off your time at Penn State.
Quarterback Christian Hackenberg:
He hasn’t been perfect and he isn’t always to blame, but Hackenberg’s efforts directly created two last minute victories in two of the biggest games of the season. If Penn State’s season was going to be rough no matter what, fans can still be thankful their talented gunslinger is hanging tough in what could be a 40+ sack season for Hackenberg.
Linebacker Mike Hull:
Every defense needs a heart and Mike Hull is that heart. Playing as well as any linebacker to carry the linebacker U banner, Hull is an ultra strong, super athletic weapon for a Nittany Lion defense loaded with talent. Hull might not be back next year since this is his senior season, but nobody will accuse him of having left anything in the tank by the time he’s done. He may have inexplicably missed out on postseason award nominations, but there isn’t any doubt that any team in America would take a few Mike Hulls.
*This author only picked from players and teams he covers. Feel free to be thankful for someone else.
