The 10 Most Important Players In 2009: #2 & #1

Following Pete's very in-depth defensive recruiting stock-report (which followed the same on the offensive side) it is time to finish our Top 10 Most Important Players in 2009 list.

2. Deon'tae Pannell, OT (So.)--While our selection of Daryll Clark as the most important player for the 2009 season will not surprise anyone, Pannell's selection at #2 might raise some eyebrows. Much has been discussed about Penn State's loss of of three NFL-caliber offensive linemen in almost every pre-season publication or season preview, but few (if any) ever talk about Pannell. The Nits running game will come, but pass protection for Clark will be equally as important--and that is where Pannell comes into the equation. Coming into his first year starting at left tackle, protecting Clark's blind-side will be Pannell's most important job. Since Freshman Kevin Newsome is the only other other scholarship quarterback on the roster and likely will not be ready to lead Penn State to a Big Ten Championship if Clark gets injured (god forbid, knocking-on-wood as we speak), Pannell must be more than adequate at keeping Clark's jersey clean. Clark's mobility will help, but you can't run away from what you can't see coming and Pannell is the only one who can prevent a devistating blind-side hit from occuring.

1. Daryll Clark, QB (Sr.)--It should not surprise anyone that Clark--a senior captain, in his second year starting, and one of only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster--is the Nittany Lion's most important player in 2009. He can throw (2,592 yds, 19 td), he can run (282 yds, 10 td), and he--along with co-captain Sean Lees--is the best leader Penn State has had since the Robinson-Posluszny-Zemaitis era. For Penn State to repeat as Big Ten Champions, something the Nits have never done, and contend for a National Championship, Clark must have another 1st Team All-Big Ten year, lead the offense, groom a new corps of wide receivers, and continue to be the leader that Anthony Morelli never was. If you want more evidence, look no further than last year's Iowa game. In Penn State's only regular season loss last year, Clark had his worst performance as a starter--9/23 passing, 86 yards, and one game-ending interception in the freezing cold and coming off of a concussion in the Ohio State game. In short, as goes Clark, so do the Nittany Lions. But never fear, something tells me this is going to be a special year for Clark & Co.

Previously Discussed Players:
3. Sean Lee, MLB (Sr.)
4. A.J. Wallace, CB (Sr.)
5. Evan Royster, RB (Jr.)
6. Derek Moye, WR (So.)
7. Stephen Wisniewski, C (Jr.)
8. Gerald Hodges, SS (Fr.)
9. Jack Crawford, DE (So.)
10. Kevin Newsome, QB (Fr.)

Honorable Mention: Navarro Bowman, Jared Odrick, Chaz Powell, Mike Mauti, Drew Astorino, and all freshman wide receivers and defensive backs.