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Penn State Names Spring Football Award-Winners

Some familiar names, a standout freshman and a few walk-ons highlight Penn State's top players of spring practice.
Mark Wogenrich|
Penn State Names Spring Football Award-Winners
Penn State Names Spring Football Award-Winners

Penn State announced its annual award-winners from spring football practice, a list that included some familiar names, a promising freshman and a walk-on. Here's the list.

Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award: Quarterback Sean Clifford, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, safety Jonathan Sutherland.

Presented to players who consistently manage their team responsibilities in an exemplary manner. That includes on- and off-field activities. Clifford and Sutherland were 2020 captains; Scruggs returned to the field in 2020 after being involved in a serious car accident in 2019.

Red Worrell Award: Offensive lineman Blake Zalar

Presented to the offensive player who demonstrates exemplary conduct, interest, attitude and improvement. Zalar is a redshirt freshman walk-on from Shamokin High who, in 2019, was named the developmental squad player of the week six times.

Jim O'Hora Award: Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and defensive tackle PJ Mustipher

Presented to the defensive player who demonstrates loyalty and a positive attitude. Castro-Fields, a senior, returned to the program after missing most of the 2020 season with an injury. Mustipher, an honorable-mention All-Big Ten tackle, is heading into his second season as a starter.

Coaches Special Team Award: Safety Ji'Ayir Brown

Presented to the player who demonstrates loyalty, interest, attitude and improvement on special teams. In addition to being a top special-teams player, Brown is contending to start at safety alongside fellow Lackawanna College graduate Jaquan Brisker.

Touchdown Kings: Running back Tank Smith and tight end Tyler Warren

Presented to the offensive players who score the most TDs during spring drills.

Takeaway King: Cornerback Kalen King

Presented to the defensive player who forced the most spring turnovers. Freshman Kalen King continued his emergent spring with this award.

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Mark Wogenrich
MARK WOGENRICH

Mark Wogenrich is the editor and publisher of Penn State on SI, the site for Nittany Lions sports on the Sports Illustrated network. He has covered Penn State sports for more than two decades across three coaching staffs, three Rose Bowls and one College Football Playoff appearance.

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