So now that Penn State has named a starting quarterback, what can the fans expect? Trace McSorley was named the 2016-2017 Penn State starting quarterback this week. With this announcement, there are more questions than answers. What fans do know is that he’s a redshirt sophomore from Ashburn, Virginia. What fans don’t know is how he will adapt to being the “go-to” guy and his ability to perform in games and not just practice or simulated games such as the Annual Blue & White Spring Game, or last year’s limited appearances.
Trace McSorley Named Penn State Starting Quarterback
Patience is going to be key; not only for McSorley in his new role, but for fans as well. It cannot be expected for a seamless transition to occur. With any change of guard, there is a learning curve for everyone involved. Timing between McSorley and receivers, such as Daesean Hamilton and Chris Godwin, is going to require an adjustment period. Even with players accustomed to working together there is always an adjustment period and the recreation of chemistry at the start of a new season. Athletes get stronger and faster, impacting that chemistry. Learning curves are natural and expected.
With less than a week until the season kicks off in Beaver Stadium against Kent State, both players and fans will have the opportunity to show how willing they truly are to be patient. However, not only is patience going to be needed, but leadership in conjunction with that patience. Veteran players and elected captains are going to have to set the tone for their fellow teammates. This will come in the form of encouragement and support.
Those in “titled” leadership positions will not be the sole bearers of such responsibility as they most likely will be on the field for the majority of the game. Those looking to initiate making an impact on the team will have this year to show leadership capabilities. There are a few “open spaces” with last year’s transfers. The season opener will test those chosen to be in leadership roles for the 2016-2017 season.
New Facilities
That chemistry, however, probably won’t take very long to establish. The Penn State Nittany Lions were introduced to their new state of the art locker room during the first week of August. To say the photographs and videos of the reveal are breathtaking, is an understatement. Through the efforts of athletic director Sandy Barbour, university president Eric Barron and several donors, the Penn State Football Team now has a locker room that could sell Penn State’s football program to any prospective student-athlete. Each athlete has his own double-door enclosed locker personalized with their name and picture beside it. Within those lockers are places specifically for the players’ helmets, shoes, pads and jerseys. The ambience created by the lighting is comparable to that of a high budget movie set. It is probably safe to say that players will voluntarily spend a great amount of time in that locker room.
Main Photo:
JACKSONVILLE, FL – JANUARY 02: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action during the TaxSlayer Bowl game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on January 2, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
