Out Of The Doghouse

Following an incredible athletic career at Southern Regional High School Glenn Carson has had his share of ups and downs at Penn State but it looks like things are certainly heading in the right direction for the former Ram All-State linebacker and state wrestling champ. Carson got into the doghouse of legendary football coach Joe Paterno during the summer before his freshman year and returned to his home in Manahawkin before enrolling in January of 2010. As a freshman last season he played in every game, mostly on special teams but he also saw action at linebacker.

But it’s what’s happened from the end of last season to now that has drawn the praise of Penn State coaches. Carson stood out during winter workouts and capped a great spring practice period by making the most tackles in the Blue-White game
and by all accounts has continued those positives through the summer. The Nittany Lions begin practice today with Carson listed as the #2 inside linebacker right behind Michael Mauti and the 6’3, 240 pounder is expected to be a major contributor to the defense. Majoring in advertising and public relations, Carson has done very well in the classroom and is a potential Academic All-Big Ten candidate. Penn State opens its season at home on September 3rd against Indiana State.

If the polls are correct it could be tough seasons for the football teams at Rutgers and Monmouth University. The Scarlet Knights, who begin practice tomorrow, have been picked to finish last in the Big East according to a media poll released this week. Rutgers was 4-8 last season and finished in the conference basement and most don’t expect much better this fall. Monmouth is coming off a disappointing 3-8 season and when the Northeast Conference released its preseason coaches’ poll Wednesday the Hawks were ranked 6th among the nine teams. Monmouth opens practice Sunday in preparation for their season opener on September 3rd at home against Lehigh. All Hawks games can be heard on WOBM AM again this season.

Toms River’s Todd Frazier hit his second major league home run in four days last night but it was not enough as the Cincinnati Reds lost in Houston 5-4. Frazier started at third base and was 1-2 with the solo blast before being replaced by a pinch-hitter in the 9th. The former Toms River South standout is batting .280 and figures to stick with the Reds for a while now that Scott Rolen will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks following shoulder surgery.