2016 Penn State Football Roster: A Team in Transition
The 2016 Penn State Nittany Lions football team was a roster in flux, marked by a mixture of veteran leaders, talented freshmen, and talented transfers. Head coach James Franklin's second season at the helm was a year of transition, as the team navigated a new conference and a changing landscape in college football. Despite a 4-5 start, the Nittany Lions finished the season on a high note, winning three of their final four games to close out the year with a respectable 7-6 record. Here's a closer look at the 2016 Penn State football roster, featuring key players, position battles, and notable performances.
Quarterbacks
The quarterback position was a focal point of the 2016 Penn State roster, with three players vying for the top spot. Trace McSorley, a redshirt freshman, ultimately emerged as the starter, throwing for 2,607 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 431 yards and 7 touchdowns. McSorley's dual-threat ability and poise in the pocket made him a fan favorite, and he played a key role in the Nittany Lions' resurgence down the stretch.
"I knew we had a talented quarterback room, but I didn't know how good we were until we got to training camp," McSorley said in an interview with Penn State Athletics. "We had some competition, and it made us all better."
McSorley was joined in the quarterback rotation by Christian Hackenberg, a senior who had been the starter for the previous two seasons. Despite struggles in the early going, Hackenberg's experience and arm talent made him a valuable asset off the bench. The Lions also had Ryan Gibson, a redshirt freshman who saw limited action.
Running Backs
The running back position was a strength for the 2016 Penn State roster, with a trio of talented backs leading the charge. Saquon Barkley, a freshman, burst onto the scene with a 1,496-yard, 18-touchdown season, earning him Second-Team All-American honors. Barkley's combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him a game-changer for the Nittany Lions, and he was a key factor in their late-season surge.
"Saquon is a once-in-a-generation talent," McSorley said. "He's a guy who can change the game with one play, and we're lucky to have him."
Barkley was joined in the backfield by P.J. Gaines, a junior who contributed 585 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. The Lions also had Chris Godwin, a sophomore who saw limited action.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver position was a deep and talented group for the 2016 Penn State roster. Chris Godwin, a sophomore, emerged as the team's top receiver, hauling in 71 catches for 1,101 yards and 7 touchdowns. Godwin's size, speed, and hands made him a go-to target for McSorley, and he played a key role in the Nittany Lions' aerial attack.
"I was confident in myself, but I didn't know how good I was until I got to training camp," Godwin said in an interview with Penn State Athletics. "The coaches believed in me, and I just tried to go out there and make plays."
Godwin was joined in the receiving corps by DaeSean Hamilton, a junior who contributed 59 catches for 644 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Lions also had Javon Carter, a sophomore who saw limited action.
Defensive Line
The defensive line was a strength for the 2016 Penn State roster, with a talented trio of defensive ends leading the charge. Carl Nassib, a senior, recorded 21.5 sacks, the third-highest total in FBS history, en route to winning the Bednarik Award. Nassib's combination of speed, power, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and he was a key factor in the Nittany Lions' defense.
"Carl is a once-in-a-lifetime talent," Franklin said. "He's a guy who can dominate a game, and we're lucky to have him."
Nassib was joined in the defensive line by Garrett Sickels, a junior who contributed 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. The Lions also had Kevin Givens, a redshirt freshman who saw limited action.
Linebackers
The linebacker position was a deep and talented group for the 2016 Penn State roster. Jason Cabinda, a sophomore, emerged as the team's top linebacker, recording 92 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Cabinda's combination of speed, agility, and tackling ability made him a key factor in the Nittany Lions' defense.
"Jason is a physical freak," Franklin said. "He's a guy who can make plays in the running game and the passing game, and we're lucky to have him."
Cabinda was joined in the linebacker corps by Nijel Harris, a senior who contributed 75 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. The Lions also had Grant Blankenship, a redshirt freshman who saw limited action.
Secondary
The secondary was a strong unit for the 2016 Penn State roster, with a talented trio of defensive backs leading the charge. John Reid, a sophomore, emerged as the team's top cornerback, recording 47 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups. Reid's combination of speed, agility, and ball skills made him a shutdown corner for the Nittany Lions.
"John is a talented kid who can play the ball and take it to the house," Franklin said. "He's a guy who can make a big play at any time."
Reid was joined in the secondary by Grant Haley, a junior who contributed 51 tackles and 3 interceptions. The Lions also had Marcus Allen, a redshirt freshman who saw limited action.
Key Position Battles
Several position battles played out during the 2016 Penn State season, with key players emerging as starters or contributors. Here are a few of the most notable battles:
* **Quarterback:** Trace McSorley ultimately emerged as the starter, but Christian Hackenberg and Ryan Gibson saw significant action off the bench.
* **Running Back:** Saquon Barkley burst onto the scene as a freshman, but P.J. Gaines and Chris Godwin also contributed in the backfield.
* **Wide Receiver:** Chris Godwin emerged as the team's top receiver, but DaeSean Hamilton and Javon Carter also saw significant action.
* **Defensive Line:** Carl Nassib dominated the defensive line, but Garrett Sickels and Kevin Givens also contributed in the trenches.
* **Linebacker:** Jason Cabinda emerged as the team's top linebacker, but Nijel Harris and Grant Blankenship also saw significant action.
* **Secondary:** John Reid emerged as the team's top cornerback, but Grant Haley and Marcus Allen also contributed in the secondary.
Notable Performances
Several players turned in notable performances during the 2016 Penn State season. Here are a few of the most impressive displays:
* **Saquon Barkley:** Barkley's 1,496-yard, 18-touchdown season earned him Second-Team All-American honors and cemented his status as one of the top freshmen in the country.
* **Carl Nassib:** Nassib's 21.5 sacks, the third-highest total in FBS history, earned him the Bednarik Award and solidified his status as one of the top defensive players in the country.
* **Chris Godwin:** Godwin's 71 catches, 1,101 yards, and 7 touchdowns made him one of the top receivers in the Big Ten and earned him First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
* **Jason Cabinda:** Cabinda's 92 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks made him one of the top linebackers in the country and earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
The 2016 Penn State football roster was a team in transition, marked by a mixture of veteran leaders, talented freshmen, and talented transfers. Despite a 4-5 start, the Nittany Lions finished the season on a high note, winning three of their final four games to close out the year with a respectable 7-6 record. With key players like Trace McSorley, Saquon Barkley, Carl Nassib, and Chris Godwin leading the charge, Penn State is poised for continued success in the coming years.
