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.
