If you think getting used to college life is hard, wait until you find out that workouts are at 5 o’clock in the morning and the weights are only going to get heavier.
That’s the reality for Penn State’s early enrollees who just got on campus at the beginning of this year. Get your homework done off the field, get your weightlifting taken care of in the gym.
According to Penn State strength and conditioning coach Dwight Galt, he’s happy with the gains each of his newest pupils have made. It’s a process to be sure, but getting off to a strong start makes the transition easier for everyone.
Galt gave a little insight as to how the process has gone so far for each of the newest Nittany Lions.
OL: Paris Palmer
With Miles Dieffenbach and Donovan Smith out of the picture, Palmer’s transition to the college game will be crucial when it comes to keeping quarterback Christian Hackenberg on his feet all season. Making the switch from junior college to Division I takes some time, but Galt is letting Palmer settle in.
“We’re trying to keep his weight in the 285-290 range right now,” Galt said. “Once he gets acclimated to this style training; he’s never really worked out like this before. But you tell that guy to jump, and he’s how high.”
OL: Sterling Jenkins
Much like Palmer, Jenkins will likely play a role in the future of the offensive line. Unlike Palmer, Jenkins comes from a background in Pittsburgh with a much more established weight program. In turn it has led to some impressive gains early in his career at Penn State.
“Unbelievable kid,” Galt said. “He’s put on, like, 16 pounds already, good weight; he’s gotten so much stronger. He has run well, he’s jumped well, and he’s shown great heart in the winter workouts.”
In all likelihood Jenkins won’t see the field this year, but a whole season to work and improve without the demands and stress of having to perform could do wonders for the 6-foot-8 (and now well-over 300 pound) freshman.
QB: Tommy Stevens
Stevens is 6-foot-4, 187 pounds. Christian Hackenberg is 6-foot-4, 234 pounds.
So it’s safe to say Galt is working with two very different bodies. Even so, it helps when you dad is your coach and you’re playing at a high level before you ever get to college.
“Well prepared guy coming in,” Galt said. “His dad had really done a nice job, and his high school program was excellent. He’s a kid that’s really popped. He’s gained 13 pounds in eight weeks already, too.”
