Von Walker Named to PSU Leadership Council

UNIVERSITY PARK – Head coach James Franklin today announced the members of his 2016 Leadership Council, which consists of 24 members of the Penn State football team, today. The Council, which is comprised of 12 seniors, six juniors, four sophomores and two freshmen, serves as the voice for the team.

The council includes senior Von Walker, the latest honor for the Central Mountain High School graduate. Walker last season was named a Nittany Lion co-captain and has lettered for three years in a variety of positions, most notably as a special teams player and most recently as a backup linebacker.

“I am very excited about our Leadership Council this year,” Franklin said. “They are a group of guys that are what we look for in Penn State football student-athletes and represent our four core values on a daily basis. The Leadership Council gives the team a strong voice with their teammates and our coaching staff.”

This year’s Leadership Council members, in addition to Walker, include: seniors Brandon Bell, Derek Dowrey, Brian Gaia, Gregg Garrity, Malik Golden, Wendy Laurent, Paris Palmer, Evan Schwan, Jordan Smith, Nyeem Wartman-White and Tyler Yazujian; juniors Jason Cabinda, Chris Godwin, Grant Haley, DaeSean Hamilton, Andrew Nelson and Garrett Sickels; sophomores Saquon Barkley, Trace McSorley, John Reid and Nick Scott; and freshmen Ryan Bates and Tommy Stevens.

A PSU sports department release said the group is not only charged with leading the team, but the expectation is to also uphold the program’s four core values: positive attitude, great work ethic, competitive in everything and must be willing to sacrifice. The Leadership Council meets at least twice a month in Franklin’s office.

The Nittany Lions are in the midst of spring practice, which will culminate in the Blue-White game on Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Admission and game day parking are free.