One of the joys of scribing is getting to know so many great kids involved with sports. We would get to know one another in high school, and then we would stay in touch. Sometimes, I will do a college or professional follow-up. Yes. It is always fun. There is an impressive list. This keeps me in the loop, and I marvel at their successes both on and off. I will occasionally send them a few well-dones. Many of these student-athletes get back to me right away with a thank you, Coach. This week, let’s focus on a few of my gridiron boys.
Trey Potts is having a great year with the Nittany Lions. The Williamsport Area native is a versatile backup for Penn State. Potts has made his mark in his final collegiate season. He serves as a mentor to the talented sophomore backs. Treyson does his thing when his number is called. The Minnesota transfer has appeared in all 12 games. He has 23 carries for 151 yards and 2 TDS. Treyson caught four passes for 57 yards and another TD. My man also threw for a touchdown against Illinois. Treyson’s parents are fantastic folks. I will do my best to say hello. Potts and I will chat some. What a great kid. I am hoping he gets a few more touches in the Peach Bowl.
Big Kurt Danneker was a high school teammate with Potts. Kurt already graduated from Ohio U, and he is currently working on his Masters. Danneker has been a staple on the Bobcat offensive line the last few seasons. The 6’4 332-pounder has a great smile and one impressive beard. He is an animal. A two-year starter. An athletic big man who helps move those chains. The Bobcats are 9-3 and will play Georgia Southern in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Kurt and I exchange texts. Especially when he posts an incredible photo. This guy is a stud. I love his mountain-man appearance. OK. I had to explain who Jeremiah Johnson was. Danneker’s rents Dave and Sue are also outstanding people.
Loyalsock’s Connor Watkins is having an incredible year. The Villanova Wildcat quarterback is putting up some impressive numbers. Connor leads the 10-2 Cats. He has thrown for 2,607 yards and 20 TDS. The dual-threat Watkins also has 10 TDS on the ground. He is leading the FCS in many categories. Tecmo Super Bowl stats. Connor and the team are in South Dakota for a quarterfinal matchup with SDSU. The Rabbits are heavy favorites, but Villanova’s potent offense always gives them a chance. Watkins is another fantastic student. Great kid, and I enjoy our talks. This week, I told him my aunt and uncle will be in the stands. They are both South Dakota alums, but they said no to wearing a NOVA winter hat. His mom, Dayne, teaches with my spouse.
My guy Ian Plankenhorn just earned some love. Plank became the first Lycoming College Warrior to ever earn three D3football.com All-Region honors. Ian was named to the 2023 third team as a kicker. The Montoursville native was also a third-team selection in 2022 and a second-teamer in 2021. The Warrior senior was also named first-team All-Landmark Conference. Ian was solid the entire year. He finished the season 10-12, including a 45-yarder in his final game. Plankenhorn has 28 career field goals, putting him third on Lycoming’s list. Laces out. Ian and I became friends when I wrote a story about him during his senior year. Now we are even closer as he also plays on my golf team. What an impressive young man. We talk weekly, and he is so good to my son. I look forward to spending some time with him and his fantastic family this spring. Great stuff, Ian. Congratulations on a stellar career. Laces out.
Yes. Establishing these relationships is what it is all about. I have been extremely fortunate to watch these four and many others grow. It all starts with an interview — a story from this page. We stayed in touch, and now we are boys. Well done guys. Cheers.
