Juniors Who Must Step Up

As Greg continues to look at who he believes are the most important players to the season, I will continue looking at under the radar players who are needed for a run at the title. Today, I am looking at three juniors.

1. Brett Brackett (WR) - It seems every off season we hear how much he has developed into a solid wide receiver and how much he will be a red zone threat. Until now those words of praise have yet to hold true, but have never been needed until now. Without the trio of Williams, Butler, and Norwood, Clark will need a reliable target and that means Brackett. No one is asking him to go out and catch 100 passes or have 15 touchdowns. What he needs to do is get open, use his big body and pick up the 3rd and 7. If he can do that it will not only take the pressure off Clark, but Evan Royster as well.

2. Lou Eliades (OG) - Big Lou came in a few years back as a very highly touted recruit. Well, now entering his 4th season in the program it is put up or pack it up time. With the amount of young talent on the offensive line that Penn State has brought in, if Lou doesn't get it done this year, I don't think he ever will. There is no question that the line is in a partial rebuild phase. The way I see it you have Wiz and Landolt on the solid and steady side and you have Pannell and Stankiewitch on the other. They are young, talented, but green. They will make plays, but surely struggle at times. I just wonder which way Lou will tip the scales.

3. Bani Gbadyu (LB) - I might be in the minority here, but I truly believe we will need him at some point this year and he must be ready to step up. I don't remember a player who I feel has so much talent, that has not been on the field more. I have no idea why and I am surely not questioning the coaches. I just hope that whatever it is, Bani has gotten passed. I say this because in the brief times we have seen him on the field, he has made plays. He is extremely athletic and seems to have good instincts and now we just need production. It may not be needed all year, but sometimes there is a play. As good as Tamba Hali was, what will he always be remembered for? I see him a lot like Lou, if not now, when?