Penn State Football: Position Changes on Latest Spring Roster

With the start of spring practice only days away Penn State released the latest roster under second year head coach Bill O’Brien. No major additions of subtractions are listed, but O’Brien’s first freshman class now has their numbers, and at least two Nittany Lions have officially changed positions.

Here are just a few things of note on the updated roster.

Welcome to the club: Freshman numbers have been handed out to those on campus already. Heights and weights are updated as well and listed in parentheses. Junior college transfer quarterback Tyler Ferguson is also listed.

• WR 19 Richy Anderson (5-11, 171)
• DB  12 Jordan Smith (5-11, 178)
• DB 24 Anthony Smith (6-0, 185)
• TE 81 Adam Breneman (6-4,230)
• QB 17 D.J. Crook- 17 (6-1, 205)
• QB 3 Austin Whipple (6-1,190)
• QB 5 Tyler Ferguson (6-3,199)

What are you doing here?: Penn State made two offseason position changes. As previously reported, tight end Garry Gilliam moves to offensive tackle. Wide receiver Malik Golden moved to defensive back. Golden was recruited as a defensive back out of high school. Gilliam is listed at 6-6, 290 pounds up from 262. Golden will wear No. 6, Gilliam No. 77. Nate Cadogan also made the switch from offensive tackle to defensive tackle.

Better, Faster, Stronger: Newly listed weight changes for a few players on the roster. A second season with strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald should see changes in most players’ bodies. Here are just a few of note.

• WR Allen Robinson up to 204 from 201
• TE Jesse James down to 258 from 264
• RB Akeel Lynch is up to 214 from 209
• OT Donovan Smith is up to 327 from 316
• RB Zach Zwinak is up to 234 from 232
• OT Garry Gilliam is up to 290 from 262
• OT Adam Gress is up to 321 from 311