Rich Scarcella
@nittanyrich.bsky.social
Covering Penn State football for the Reading Eagle since 1989 and and now for 11 other publications in PA and NJ.
Berks County Chapter of PA Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2023.
Send story ideas, suggestions or comments to [email protected].
Berks County Chapter of PA Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2023.
Send story ideas, suggestions or comments to [email protected].
#PennState vs. Villanova preview with game pick
"I think our guys feel like we have done enough to win, but haven’t played up to what our expectations and standards are."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/12/s...
"I think our guys feel like we have done enough to win, but haven’t played up to what our expectations and standards are."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/12/s...
Second-ranked Penn State looks to clean up flaws against Villanova
Nittany Lions hope for better execution in their non-conference finale
www.readingeagle.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#PennState vs. Villanova preview with game pick
"I think our guys feel like we have done enough to win, but haven’t played up to what our expectations and standards are."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/12/s...
"I think our guys feel like we have done enough to win, but haven’t played up to what our expectations and standards are."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/12/s...
My column on #PennState DE Zuriah Fisher, his difficult journey and his return to action last week.
"It was honestly the greatest feeling in the world."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/09/p...
"It was honestly the greatest feeling in the world."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/09/p...
Penn State’s Zuriah Fisher endures draining journey in return to Lions’ lineup [opinion]
Nittany Lions defensive end overcomes serious injuries, tragedy
www.readingeagle.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:25 PM
My column on #PennState DE Zuriah Fisher, his difficult journey and his return to action last week.
"It was honestly the greatest feeling in the world."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/09/p...
"It was honestly the greatest feeling in the world."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/09/p...
#PennState vs. FIU advance with my game prediction.
"As far as football IQ, there’s been no question since Day 1. He’s come in and learned the offense. He’s done an amazing job.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/05/p...
"As far as football IQ, there’s been no question since Day 1. He’s come in and learned the offense. He’s done an amazing job.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/05/p...
Penn State’s Devonte Ross might get his turn in passing game against FIU
The Nittany Lions hope to involve transfer receiver from Troy more in the offense
www.readingeagle.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:49 PM
#PennState vs. FIU advance with my game prediction.
"As far as football IQ, there’s been no question since Day 1. He’s come in and learned the offense. He’s done an amazing job.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/05/p...
"As far as football IQ, there’s been no question since Day 1. He’s come in and learned the offense. He’s done an amazing job.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/05/p...
My #PennState column from today's @readingeagle.com and other MediaNews Group publications.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/04/t...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/04/t...
Thoughts on Penn State’s non-conference slate, moving to Adidas [opinion]
The Nittany Lions’ lack of a power-conference opponent will not hurt them
www.readingeagle.com
September 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
My #PennState column from today's @readingeagle.com and other MediaNews Group publications.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/04/t...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/09/04/t...
My column on the much-anticipated #PennState season with my prediction.
"It is not the idea of proving other people wrong. It is the idea of proving ourselves right."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/w...
"It is not the idea of proving other people wrong. It is the idea of proving ourselves right."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/w...
With season expectations high, Penn State focuses on its process [opinion]
Nittany Lions carry a different mindset going into much-anticipated year
www.readingeagle.com
August 27, 2025 at 9:09 PM
My column on the much-anticipated #PennState season with my prediction.
"It is not the idea of proving other people wrong. It is the idea of proving ourselves right."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/w...
"It is not the idea of proving other people wrong. It is the idea of proving ourselves right."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/w...
#PennState QB Drew Allar on being part of American Eagle Outfitters campaign announced this morning.
"I’m very grateful to Travis Kelce and that whole crew for inviting me out there to be a part of that.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/p...
"I’m very grateful to Travis Kelce and that whole crew for inviting me out there to be a part of that.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/p...
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar accepts proposal from Travis Kelce
Nittany Lions team captain is part of an advertising campaign for a new clothing line
www.readingeagle.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM
#PennState QB Drew Allar on being part of American Eagle Outfitters campaign announced this morning.
"I’m very grateful to Travis Kelce and that whole crew for inviting me out there to be a part of that.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/p...
"I’m very grateful to Travis Kelce and that whole crew for inviting me out there to be a part of that.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/27/p...
The rocks in the middle of the 2025 #PennState football team's foundation.
"When you get to see that consistently and get to play against that, iron sharpens iron. When you go against the best, you get better.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/26/n...
"When you get to see that consistently and get to play against that, iron sharpens iron. When you go against the best, you get better.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/26/n...
Nick Dawkins, Zane Durant anchor Penn State’s strength in the trenches
Nittany Lions team captains make each other better each day in practice
www.readingeagle.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The rocks in the middle of the 2025 #PennState football team's foundation.
"When you get to see that consistently and get to play against that, iron sharpens iron. When you go against the best, you get better.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/26/n...
"When you get to see that consistently and get to play against that, iron sharpens iron. When you go against the best, you get better.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/26/n...
#PennState Notebook on who won jobs at safety and wide receiver, green dots and green lights.
James Franklin has decided on who the QB2 is, but won't reveal his decision yet.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
James Franklin has decided on who the QB2 is, but won't reveal his decision yet.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
Penn State notebook: Antoine Belgrave-Shorter wins safety job during camp
Redshirt freshman from Florida impresses by his takeaways
www.readingeagle.com
August 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#PennState Notebook on who won jobs at safety and wide receiver, green dots and green lights.
James Franklin has decided on who the QB2 is, but won't reveal his decision yet.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
James Franklin has decided on who the QB2 is, but won't reveal his decision yet.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
James Franklin on the deep and talented #PennState offensive line.
It’s a group we take a lot of pride in. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. We expect them to play at a really high level.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
It’s a group we take a lot of pride in. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. We expect them to play at a really high level.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
Penn State’s James Franklin says offensive line might be among nation’s best
Nittany Lions coach considers seven linemen to be starters
www.readingeagle.com
August 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM
James Franklin on the deep and talented #PennState offensive line.
It’s a group we take a lot of pride in. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. We expect them to play at a really high level.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
It’s a group we take a lot of pride in. We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. We expect them to play at a really high level.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/25/p...
Kevin Allar, Andy Kotelnicki and Danny O'Brien share their thoughts on why #PennState QB Drew Allar is in a good place these days.
"While it was enticing for him to leave, there were so many positives for him to come back."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/23/q...
"While it was enticing for him to leave, there were so many positives for him to come back."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/23/q...
Quarterback Drew Allar is comfortable, trimmer and set for his final year at Penn State
Nittany Lions senior has unfinished business, his father says
www.readingeagle.com
August 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Kevin Allar, Andy Kotelnicki and Danny O'Brien share their thoughts on why #PennState QB Drew Allar is in a good place these days.
"While it was enticing for him to leave, there were so many positives for him to come back."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/23/q...
"While it was enticing for him to leave, there were so many positives for him to come back."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/23/q...
On A.J. Harris and the #PennState cornerbacks and why they're a team strength.
"He’s a playmaker. He has size, speed and athleticism. He checks a lot of boxes. He’s as good as we’ve had.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/p...
"He’s a playmaker. He has size, speed and athleticism. He checks a lot of boxes. He’s as good as we’ve had.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/p...
Potential 1st-round pick A.J. Harris leads talented Penn State cornerbacks
Elliot Washington II, Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson help make position strong
www.readingeagle.com
August 10, 2025 at 12:03 PM
On A.J. Harris and the #PennState cornerbacks and why they're a team strength.
"He’s a playmaker. He has size, speed and athleticism. He checks a lot of boxes. He’s as good as we’ve had.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/p...
"He’s a playmaker. He has size, speed and athleticism. He checks a lot of boxes. He’s as good as we’ve had.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/p...
Column on #PennState associate head coach/cornerbacks Terry Smith and why he's so valuable to James Franklin.
"I knew I was going to play for a coach who’s going to believe in me, who’s going to trust me and who’s going to make it feel like home.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/t...
"I knew I was going to play for a coach who’s going to believe in me, who’s going to trust me and who’s going to make it feel like home.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/t...
Terry Smith has made Penn State a destination for top cornerbacks [opinion]
Longtime assistant coach says his room is the best it’s been in 12 years
www.readingeagle.com
August 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Column on #PennState associate head coach/cornerbacks Terry Smith and why he's so valuable to James Franklin.
"I knew I was going to play for a coach who’s going to believe in me, who’s going to trust me and who’s going to make it feel like home.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/t...
"I knew I was going to play for a coach who’s going to believe in me, who’s going to trust me and who’s going to make it feel like home.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/09/t...
Notes from #PennState Media Day on 2 linebackers off to strong starts, the backup QB situation and the expected improvement in the return game.
"He kind of jumped out the first two days of practice.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
"He kind of jumped out the first two days of practice.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
Penn State notes: Rojas, Campbell make early impressions at linebacker
STATE COLLEGE – Two linebackers who did not participate in Penn State’s spring football practice already have drawn praise from new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at the start of fall camp. Tony…
www.readingeagle.com
August 3, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Notes from #PennState Media Day on 2 linebackers off to strong starts, the backup QB situation and the expected improvement in the return game.
"He kind of jumped out the first two days of practice.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
"He kind of jumped out the first two days of practice.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
Column from #PennState Media Day on 3 important additions.
"They’ve been fantastic teammates. You can have dynamic issues with guys who immediately start acting selfish and who do selfish things. These guys haven’t at all."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
"They’ve been fantastic teammates. You can have dynamic issues with guys who immediately start acting selfish and who do selfish things. These guys haven’t at all."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
Penn State’s 3 new wide receivers sound like perfect fits [opinion]
Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross are described as fantastic and awesome
www.readingeagle.com
August 3, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Column from #PennState Media Day on 3 important additions.
"They’ve been fantastic teammates. You can have dynamic issues with guys who immediately start acting selfish and who do selfish things. These guys haven’t at all."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
"They’ve been fantastic teammates. You can have dynamic issues with guys who immediately start acting selfish and who do selfish things. These guys haven’t at all."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/08/02/p...
On #PennState defensive coordinator and why James Franklin hired him.
"If Jim was a lawyer, an insurance salesman or something else, he would have been really good at any of those with his intelligence and work ethic.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/07/25/p...
"If Jim was a lawyer, an insurance salesman or something else, he would have been really good at any of those with his intelligence and work ethic.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/07/25/p...
Penn State coordinator Jim Knowles succeeds with toughness, intelligence
Philadelphia native hopes to help the Nittany Lions win a championship
www.readingeagle.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:02 PM
On #PennState defensive coordinator and why James Franklin hired him.
"If Jim was a lawyer, an insurance salesman or something else, he would have been really good at any of those with his intelligence and work ethic.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/07/25/p...
"If Jim was a lawyer, an insurance salesman or something else, he would have been really good at any of those with his intelligence and work ethic.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/07/25/p...
#PennState White Out is set, along with times and TV for the first three games.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/29/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/29/p...
Penn State’s White Out Game set for prime time against Big Ten champ Oregon
Times and TV coverage also are announced for the Lions’ first three games
www.readingeagle.com
May 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
#PennState White Out is set, along with times and TV for the first three games.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/29/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/29/p...
My one-on-one interview with #PennState coach James Franklin.
"If you’re recruiting a kid and they’re leading with money, as much as you like the kid he’s probably not the right kid for you."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/17/o...
"If you’re recruiting a kid and they’re leading with money, as much as you like the kid he’s probably not the right kid for you."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/17/o...
One-on-one with James Franklin as Penn State prepares for title run
Veteran coach discusses NIL, transfer portal, Jim Knowles, family and other topics
www.readingeagle.com
May 18, 2025 at 11:52 AM
My one-on-one interview with #PennState coach James Franklin.
"If you’re recruiting a kid and they’re leading with money, as much as you like the kid he’s probably not the right kid for you."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/17/o...
"If you’re recruiting a kid and they’re leading with money, as much as you like the kid he’s probably not the right kid for you."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/05/17/o...
#PennState story on the ongoing journey of former Exeter star Joey Schlaffer.
"Having more reps was very good for me. I’m thankful for that experience.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/27/e...
"Having more reps was very good for me. I’m thankful for that experience.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/27/e...
Exeter grad Joey Schlaffer impresses during Penn State spring practice
Tight end takes advantage of increased workload to show what he can do
www.readingeagle.com
April 27, 2025 at 3:49 PM
#PennState story on the ongoing journey of former Exeter star Joey Schlaffer.
"Having more reps was very good for me. I’m thankful for that experience.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/27/e...
"Having more reps was very good for me. I’m thankful for that experience.”
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/27/e...
#PennState column on decisions that James Franklin doesn't want to make.
"I don’t want to lose any of them. I’d like for these guys to stay a part of the program until they graduate."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
"I don’t want to lose any of them. I’d like for these guys to stay a part of the program until they graduate."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
Penn State’s James Franklin has plan for cuts he hopes not to use
Nittany Lions coach prepares for final call on roster limits
www.readingeagle.com
April 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
#PennState column on decisions that James Franklin doesn't want to make.
"I don’t want to lose any of them. I’d like for these guys to stay a part of the program until they graduate."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
"I don’t want to lose any of them. I’d like for these guys to stay a part of the program until they graduate."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
#PennState notes on an addition from the portal, wide receivers, linebackers and spring awards.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
Penn State notes: Syracuse receiver announces he’ll play for Nittany Lions
Trebor Pena becomes another wide receiver Penn State has landed from the portal
www.readingeagle.com
April 27, 2025 at 1:40 PM
#PennState notes on an addition from the portal, wide receivers, linebackers and spring awards.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/26/p...
Reposted by Rich Scarcella
#PennState notes on J'ven Williams, backup quarterbacks and defensive tackles.
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
Penn State notes: J’ven Williams receives another positive evaluation
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein says former Wyomissing standout is more consistent
www.readingeagle.com
April 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
#PennState notes on J'ven Williams, backup quarterbacks and defensive tackles.
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
#PennState notes on J'ven Williams, backup quarterbacks and defensive tackles.
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
Penn State notes: J’ven Williams receives another positive evaluation
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein says former Wyomissing standout is more consistent
www.readingeagle.com
April 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
#PennState notes on J'ven Williams, backup quarterbacks and defensive tackles.
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
"He’s a better player than he was last year. He’s more consistent."
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/10/p...
#PennState RB talks about why he returned and about the Heisman Trophy and the school records within his reach.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/09/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/09/p...
Penn State’s Nick Singleton sets lofty goals for senior season
Former Gov. Mifflin star has lofty goals for his senior year with the Nittany Lions
www.readingeagle.com
April 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
#PennState RB talks about why he returned and about the Heisman Trophy and the school records within his reach.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/09/p...
www.readingeagle.com/2025/04/09/p...
#PennState Pro Day coverage
Defensive backs KJ Winston and Jalen Kimber run impressive 40-yard dashes.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Defensive backs KJ Winston and Jalen Kimber run impressive 40-yard dashes.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Penn State defensive backs hope they improve their stock at Pro Day
Safety KJ Winston and cornerback Jalen Kimber are happy about their 40-yard dash times
www.readingeagle.com
March 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
#PennState Pro Day coverage
Defensive backs KJ Winston and Jalen Kimber run impressive 40-yard dashes.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Defensive backs KJ Winston and Jalen Kimber run impressive 40-yard dashes.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
#PennState Pro Day coverage
Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren make business decisions.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren make business decisions.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren skip workouts at Pro Day
Former Nittany Lions stars are widely projected to be drafted among the first 10 picks
www.readingeagle.com
March 29, 2025 at 1:24 PM
#PennState Pro Day coverage
Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren make business decisions.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...
Abdul Carter and Tyler Warren make business decisions.
www.readingeagle.com/2025/03/28/p...