The Blue-White Game is in the books.
The Blue defeated the White, 17-3, on Saturday before 55,000 fans at Beaver Stadium. The game was rather bland and somewhat boring, but hey, it’s a scrimmage. What do you expect?
In today’s edition of Morelli OnLion, we’ll take a closer look at the battle at quarterback. We’ll also feature another member of the Class of 2010.
Let’s start with the QB position.
Newsome’s The Man
For the first time in a very long time, there’s truly a quarterback competition in Happy Valley. Oh sure, the armchair quarterbacks out there will tell you that there was a battle prior to the 2008 season, but don’t be fooled. The job was always Daryll Clark’s to lose, which he never did, of course.
Fast forward to 2010. At the Blue-White Game on April 24, three quarterbacks — Kevin Newsome, Paul Jones and walk-on Matt McGloin — threw their hats into the ring for the 2010 Penn State quarterback derby.
All three certainly looked serviceable. Sure, there were some ups and downs, but that’s to be expected in a spring game. After all, it’s really nothing more than a glorified practice. There just happens to be 55,000 of you watching.
After watching the “game” and breaking down the three QBs, coach Joe Paterno’s decision appears to be an easy one.
Kevin Newsome is your 2010 opening day starting quarterback.
While Newsome may have not wowed you — he didn’t throw any touchdowns in the spring game — he also didn’t make any mistakes. He played for both the Blue and the White and finished the day completing 5-of-12 passes for 50 yards. While he didn’t run or throw for a coveted score in the Blue’s 17-3 victory, he didn’t fumble the football or throw an interception, something McGloin did twice.
What was impressive about Newsome was his presence in the pocket. Although he had happy feet a couple of times, he hung in there and checked off receivers, something that shows us how much he’s grown since his freshman year.
He was sacked three times, but remember that in the spring game a QB is declared down as soon as they’re touched. In the fall, those sacks will turn into positive yards.
With an offensive line still jelling, having a big strong kid like Newsome who can scramble will definitely pay dividends down the road.
Newsome knows that he’s got a long way to go before September.
“I would rate my performance as we’ve got a lot of work to do,” the sophomore signal-caller told a horde of media following the game. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re just going to keep working.”
Look, Newsome is a work in progress and he realizes that. But he’s got the edge over Jones and McGloin because he’s got a year under his belt and actual game experience. Sure, it was during mop-up time, but that still counts. Do you really want someone who’s never completed a pass in a game or a true freshman under center when the Nittany Lions travel to face national champion Alabama on Sept. 11?
According to rivals.com, Newsome was a four-star recruit and the fourth-best QB in the nation when he was recruited. There’s a reason for that: He’s very good.
With a season under his belt and now his second spring game, Paterno likes what he’s seeing from the true sophomore.
“I think his presence has improved so much. He’s really much more aware of some things. I think he’s got a little more poise in the huddle and he’s more accurate with the football,” Paterno said. “He can run. He’s a big, strong kid. He’d be a heckuva of a tailback. He’s just kind of got a better feel for what’s going on. He’s a little more serious about things.”
Newsome is your starter.
Class of 2010: Shyquawn Pullium
Erie Cathedral Prep cornerback Shyquawn Pullium made it clear from the start that he wanted to be a Nittany Lion.
It was just a matter of getting an offer.
So when Pullium landed an offer from recruiting coordinator Mike McQueary, he didn’t hesitate, becoming the Nittany Lions’ 19th commitment on Jan. 27.
“It’s a great school academically, and the people there are great,” he said in a text message after making his decision. “I think it’s just the best place for me.”
Though he may have some academic hurdles to clear, Pullium certainly has the ability to play in the Big Ten.
Pullium was the District 10 player of the year as the Ramblers took home the district title. They advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals, where they fell to West Allegheny.
He threw for 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns in addition to running for 1,507 yards and 22 scores. In his career, he accounted for 61 offensive touchdowns.
Chris Morelli is an award-winning writer/editor who lives in Centre County and covers Penn State athletics. He is also a regular on “Sports Central,” which airs on ESPN Radio in Altoona and State College. E-mail him at morellionlion@gmail.com.
