Penn State Lift for Life: 5 takeaways from the 20th annual event

STATE COLLEGE — The 20th annual edition of Lift for Life is in the books. Penn State football veterans and newcomers alike were on hand to work out, hold a kids clinic, and interact with the community inside of Holuba Hall on Thursday.

Here are out takeaways.

1. This was a different Lift for Life, but still a successful one

Many Penn State fans remember the days when Lift for Life pitted the offense versus the defense in a bench press challenge, tug-o-war battle, and other lifting events. This was not one of them. A bench press station was set up and utilized, but no score was kept. Beyond that, players fielded punts from a JUGGs machine and tossed a heavy weighted ball. On the other side of the field, true freshmen ran a kids clinic, where smiles were on everyone’s face.

In fact, smiles and laughs were the theme across the indoor practice facility. The event has transformed into an opportunity to see the team, but they’re not competing anymore. There is nothing wrong with that. It was a needed break from the grueling grind of summer workouts with the strength staff. But, it is most certainly a change from past years.

2. Dante Cephas was a popular guy

Blue-White Illustrated subscribers, some of which were on hand Thursday (it was nice to meet many of you) have long been excited about the arrival of former Kent State receiver Dante Cephas. At Lift for Life, they and everyone else got their first look at the redshirt senior from Pittsburgh. The 6-foot, 180-pound pass catcher spent plenty of time chopping it up with his teammates as if he had been on campus forever, not just a month. And, he was a popular guy when it came to fans seeking autographs.

Cephas has every opportunity to earn a significant role in the Penn State offense this fall. He will have to earn it. But, the good news is that, at least on this day, there was no evidence that the jump from the MAC to the Big Ten would be a problem.

3. The transfers are fitting in seamlessly

While it’s probably not a fair thought, it’s always hard not to wonder if transfers who are coming in with a clear desire to take an existing Penn State player’s spot will fit in seamlessly. We’re here to tell you that it’s clear that there is no issue there.

Running back Trey Potts has the look of an elder statesman who many Nittany Lions stopped to chat with.

Defensive tackle Alonzo Ford is a big guy who will need to reshape his body some, but he’ll have no problem pushing and being pushed by other defensive linemen by the look of the way they all hung out.

Cornerback Audavion Collins will most certainly need to eat some sandwiches, as James Franklin put it, and bulk up, but he was chatting it up with the defensive backs.

And, we already covered Cephas.

It remains to be seen what the group will do on the field. But, they’re all off to a good start.

4. Thoughts on the Penn State freshmen

All of the Penn State Class of 2023 signees were on hand. We’ll have more on this group in the days ahead, but here are some quick hitters:

–Receiver Carmelo Taylor must add weight. He was one of the skinniest players on hand. But, he wil run well, without question, from watching him do some practice drills.

–Defensive end Mason Robinson and offensive tackle Chimdy Onoh were pleasantly bulked up for just arriving on campus. Both have work to do but have great frames to start with.

–Safety King Mack may be generously listed at 5-foot-10, but he has the physique of someone who could contribute right away.

–Tight end Andrew Rappleyea might be bigger than his listed 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. He’s a big guy who moves well. It won’t be a surprise if he finds a role this fall despite missing spring practice.

5. Odds and ends from Penn State Lift for Life

–Linebacker Abdul Carter and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton are simply physical specimens. There is not much else to say. Both look as strong and lean as what seems humanly possible.

–Penn State coach James Franklin was on hand signing autographs and taking photos.

–Some lettermen in the house included Brandon Short, Zack Mills, and Tony Johnson.

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