Most true freshmen don’t make much noise on game days, no matter where they land. Penn State is no different. But Matt Campbell made it clear Thursday that there are a few first-year players who could break that pattern.
The coach pointed to three true freshmen who have a chance to matter right away: wide receiver Amarion Jackson, cornerback Josiah Zayas and defensive end Jackson Ford.
Jackson has already taken an unusual path for a newcomer. He arrived at Penn State as a defensive back, then moved to receiver during spring camp.
Campbell was already talking him up at Penn State’s local media day earlier this month, saying, “Amarion Jackson is not a freshman,” Campbell said. “He is (technically), but he looks like a guy that’s going into his junior year.
He looks like a guy that’s got such maturity for a young guy.”
Ford is another freshman who has generated real buzz. His story carries extra weight because he was the only pledge who never de-committed after the firing of James Franklin last October, while every other pledge did. That alone has made him a favorite in the eyes of Penn State fans, but Campbell also sees plenty to like on the field.
“I think what you said, his physical tools and physical ability, it’s been really impressive, and again, I think the maturity. He comes from a really great high school football program (Malvern Prep), has a great high school football coach, (Dave Gueriera).
I got to get there in the short time that I was able to go out on the road. So I left there super impressed with what his high school program was about, and I think he brought that maturity here.”
Zayas is the third name in the mix, and his size stands out right away at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. Campbell also noted that his speed could make him a factor on special teams, where he may carve out an important role.
There’s also a new wrinkle for freshmen this year. In the past, Campbell had to be cautious about how often he used players so he wouldn’t burn a redshirt. With the new “5-in-5 legislation, he won’t have to worry about that anymore.
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