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As October turned into November, Yetur Gross-Matos was making it pretty clear. The defensive end was in line to become Penn State’s top player for 2019.

So far this preseason, the pundits agree.

Already named to the Bednarik Award watchlist for the country’s top defensive player, Gross-Matos was one of 10 players named to the Big Ten preseason honors list on Thursday for the start of the league’s media days in Chicago.

A panel of 10 media members from the conference chose five players from each division as the Big Ten’s top talent.

Joining Gross-Matos from the East Division were fellow pass-rushers Chase Young (Ohio State) and Kenny Willekes (Michigan State), as well as running back J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State) and linebacker Joe Bachie (Michigan State).

Selected from the West were defensive end A.J. Epenesa (Iowa), quarterback Adrian Martinez (Nebraska), linebacker Paddy Fisher (Northwestern), wideout Rondale Moore (Purdue) and running back Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin).

A day earlier, Gross-Matos finished fifth in the Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year voting, a separate poll of media members conducted by Cleveland.com.

After playing as a true freshman in 2017, Gross-Matos took a big step forward in the second half of his sophomore season last year, finishing among the nation’s leaders in tackles for loss with 20. He also added eight sacks and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and got a third-team nod from the coaches

At 6-foot-5, Gross-Matos’ impressive wingspan proved to be a big problem for opponents, especially those trying to make him the read on an option play. His reach and motor made it seem like he was covering both the quarterback and running back at the same time when they sprinted out to his direction.

In 2019, he is projected to lead one of the country’s top-regarded defenses, one that returns seven returning starters with an eighth, linebacker Micah Parsons, who received plenty of first-team reps while leading the Nittany Lions in tackles.

Hamler honored

KJ Hamler also picked up some more recognition on Thursday as Penn State’s top wideout from a year ago was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list for the country’s best receiver.

Hamler had previously appeared on the watchlist for the Maxwell Award, a national offensive player of the year honor.

Millen improving

Former Penn State and NFL standout Matt Millen made his return to the broadcaster’s booth in April for the Blue-White Game, some four months after undergoing heart transplant surgery.

Millen turned up in Chicago on Thursday and spoke to reporters. Both he and the Big Ten Network said he is set to return to his role as a color commentator this fall.

Franklin’s turn at the mic

Half of the Big Ten’s coaches got their turn in the spotlight on Thursday, with Penn State’s James Franklin set to speak Friday at media days in Chicago,

Franklin is scheduled to be at the podium at 9:30 a.m. Friday, with the Big Ten Network carrying the live broadcast.

Joining him in the Windy City is the senior trio of linebacker Cam Brown, punter Blake Gillikin and cornerback John Reid.

Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos drew plenty of attention during his sophomore season, finishing with 20 tackles for loss.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_AP18293854217531_ne2018102021352715.jpg.optimal.jpgPenn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos drew plenty of attention during his sophomore season, finishing with 20 tackles for loss. Doug McSchooler | AP file photo

By Derek Levarse

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