Penn State Nittany Lions 2015 Spring Game Preview: Five things to watch for

Dec 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) walks off the field following the game against the Boston College Eagles in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Hackenberg was named the games Most Valuable Player. Penn State defeated Boston College 31-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

3. Is Hackenberg going to look like a Heisman Candidate?

Over the past three years, the Christian Hackenberg hype train has built up. The hype train garnered a lot of legitimacy in his 371 yard, four touchdown performance against the Boston College Eagles in the Pinstripe Bowl win to cap off last season.

Hackenberg has a lot of momentum coming into this season. His two top targets, DaeSean Haimlton and Geno Lewis come back, and he just needs some polishing. If you look at his stats, they aren’t impressive in the least, but if you watch him its very rare for a Sophomore to contain the pocket presence and arm strength that Hackenberg does. This offense doesn’t really miss a beat with the exception of losing Donovan Smith and Jesse James.

Hackenberg should be limited to his reps as he is the clear-cut starter, but those reps are going to speak volumes of his hype leading into the fall. If he looks awesome, the Hackenberg hype train will be at its peak after tomorrow.

Next: Revamped secondary