McSorley, Scott, Cabinda Named 2017 Captains as Spring Ball is Underway
Penn State Football fans, rejoice! Spring practices are now underway at Penn State and your Nittany Lions are hard at work getting ready for the 2017 season.
With some early predictions saying the Blue and White is a promising candidate to repeat the Big Ten Champion title, the Lions are putting every drop of sweat into making that prediction true.
Head Coach James Franklin is already praising the team and the benefit of morning workouts.
“I thought we've had good morning workouts,” said Franklin. “It's about pushing guys outside of their comfort zone and trying to speed up the maturation process. Instead of waiting for a guy to grow up, you're kind of forcing it to happen.”
In the midst of Spring Ball, the team voted on this year’s captains. The title of captain is held by three players who demonstrate leadership, poise, and strength both on and off the field.
This year’s captains are: quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.), safety Nick Scott (Fairfax, Va.), and linebacker Jason Cabinda (Flemington, N.J.).
Coach Franklin commented on the captains, saying: “These three young men have been leaders in our program, on and off the field. They live our four core values and act with the program’s best interest in mind.”
McSorley completed 3,614 yards last year, one of the most ever by a Penn State quarterback. McSorley is responsible for 29 touchdowns and is known for being scrappy and unafraid to both take a hit and run the ball.
Safety Nick Scott has been a steadfast force on special teams and is known for his quickness and sense of direction on the field. Scott, who was originally recruited as a running back, has dutifully made the transition to safety - anything to help the team, he says.
Linebacker Jason Cabinda takes after Nittany Lion legend and 2016 captain Brandon Bell in his leadership and grace on the field. Known for playing tough and not letting an injury shake him, Cabinda is already back in full force after some injuries sidelined him early on in the 2016 season. Cabinda made 13 total tackles during the Lions’ historic 24-21 win against then No. 2 Ohio State. Cabinda also contributed 11 total tackles in the amazing 2017 Rose Bowl (L, 52-49).
The much-anticipated Blue and White game will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 3 p.m. this year. It is often the first chance of the new year for Penn State fans to tailgate and enjoy some Blue and White football.
Coach Franklin noted that the Blue and White game attendance is more important than it may seem. Aside from being a chance to reconnect with friends and family, Franklin notes that the game is representative of the unique Penn State community.
“It also shows our players that we're all in this thing together,” said Franklin. “Them practicing and working hard and sacrificing and sweating on the field, and the fans coming out and supporting us and sacrificing their time, I think it makes a statement.”
Nittany Nation looks forward to helping with making that statement, Coach! We can’t wait to see our new captains in action on April 22.
With some early predictions saying the Blue and White is a promising candidate to repeat the Big Ten Champion title, the Lions are putting every drop of sweat into making that prediction true.
Head Coach James Franklin is already praising the team and the benefit of morning workouts.
“I thought we've had good morning workouts,” said Franklin. “It's about pushing guys outside of their comfort zone and trying to speed up the maturation process. Instead of waiting for a guy to grow up, you're kind of forcing it to happen.”
In the midst of Spring Ball, the team voted on this year’s captains. The title of captain is held by three players who demonstrate leadership, poise, and strength both on and off the field.
This year’s captains are: quarterback Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.), safety Nick Scott (Fairfax, Va.), and linebacker Jason Cabinda (Flemington, N.J.).
Coach Franklin commented on the captains, saying: “These three young men have been leaders in our program, on and off the field. They live our four core values and act with the program’s best interest in mind.”
McSorley completed 3,614 yards last year, one of the most ever by a Penn State quarterback. McSorley is responsible for 29 touchdowns and is known for being scrappy and unafraid to both take a hit and run the ball.
Safety Nick Scott has been a steadfast force on special teams and is known for his quickness and sense of direction on the field. Scott, who was originally recruited as a running back, has dutifully made the transition to safety - anything to help the team, he says.
Linebacker Jason Cabinda takes after Nittany Lion legend and 2016 captain Brandon Bell in his leadership and grace on the field. Known for playing tough and not letting an injury shake him, Cabinda is already back in full force after some injuries sidelined him early on in the 2016 season. Cabinda made 13 total tackles during the Lions’ historic 24-21 win against then No. 2 Ohio State. Cabinda also contributed 11 total tackles in the amazing 2017 Rose Bowl (L, 52-49).
The much-anticipated Blue and White game will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 3 p.m. this year. It is often the first chance of the new year for Penn State fans to tailgate and enjoy some Blue and White football.
Coach Franklin noted that the Blue and White game attendance is more important than it may seem. Aside from being a chance to reconnect with friends and family, Franklin notes that the game is representative of the unique Penn State community.
“It also shows our players that we're all in this thing together,” said Franklin. “Them practicing and working hard and sacrificing and sweating on the field, and the fans coming out and supporting us and sacrificing their time, I think it makes a statement.”
Nittany Nation looks forward to helping with making that statement, Coach! We can’t wait to see our new captains in action on April 22.
