Penn State Nittany Lions Saved by David Joyner
David Joyner is a name that many people may not know. But he might be the greatest silent hero in Penn State history.
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After being on the verge of falling off the edge of the college football world two years ago, the Penn State Nittany Lions are now in prime position to return to glory. This is all because of Joyner, who was on the board that dismissed Joe Paterno, became the school’s acting athletic director, took every appropriate step to rehabilitate the athletic department after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, and finally, made the two perfect coaching hires that have become the only reason the Nittany Lions have any future.
Because Joyner foresaw the probations, he knew the Nittany Lions would have trouble recruiting and focused on a brilliant football mind to first lead the program. Enter Bill O’Brien, who shocked the world by keeping Penn State very competitive despite everything that happened. Now, with the program in better shape, Joyner looked for the type of head coach a powerhouse program can handle. Enter James Franklin, who can handle the CEO duties of a college coach and now has Penn State recruiting better than it has in years.
Joyner’s two perfect hires and ability to withstand the massive public fallout from the scandal are the only reason that Penn State will return to form very soon.
And his repayment is getting booed by the Joe Paterno minions who cared nothing about the football program, only about saving the disgraced head coach’s legacy.
Apr 12, 2014; State College, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on during a warmup prior to the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
It is because of Joyner that we can do a preview of the Penn State Nittany Lions that questions if they can reach the AP Top 25 this year. Otherwise, we’d be questioning if they can get to 3 wins and when they’ll return to winning.
Now, on to the team.
Franklin already has assembled a great recruiting class for next year, and there is a lot of young talent already on the team that bodes well for the future. However, the Nittany Lions’ thing recruiting classes from the probation are starting to show as there are not a lot of options to replace the talent that left from last year.
If Penn State wants to finish with another strong season, the new coaching staff will have to adapt to the talent that is already here and answer some serious questions about the group. Continue to Next Slide for Offense