In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at quebecpenspinning. We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season. You may have noticed that we’ve slacked off a little lately, but expect a few daily doses of Counting Down the Lions until we’re all caught up.

Checking in at #28 is someone the youngest member of what can only be described as the First Family of Penn State football: Joe Suhey.

Number: 37
Position: Running Back/Fullback
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6′1
Weight: 236
Hometown: Deerfield, Ill.
How’d He Get Here: Back in high school, Suhey wasn’t considered a major prospect.  Rivals and Scout list no offers outside of Penn State for what was then a 6’0, 185 pound wide receiver and safety prospect.  Neither site bothered to rank Suhey, and frankly, there was no recruiting process when it came to it.  In what is the single least surprising commitment of all time, Joe Suhey joined the Nittany Lions, committing early in the recruiting process.
2008 Results: After a redshirt season in 2007 that saw Suhey make the transition to running back, Suhey saw action in all thirteen games, touching the ball infrequently, as he was able to avoid the Paterno doghouse despite a citation for underage drinking.  He rushed 9 times for 26 yards, and made 2 catches for 36 yards.  Leaned upon heavily in the Blue/White Game, Suhey carried the ball 6 times for 16 yards and a touchdown, and caught two passes for 25 yards.
What to Expect in 2009: Penn State is especially deep at running back, with Evan Royster and Stephfon Green returning as known quantities, the promising Brandon Beachum hoping to make an impact as the big back, and even senior Brent Carter looking to avoid the injury bug and see some playing time.  However, Suhey will be first on the depth chart at fullback, and be leaned on even more heavily as walk-on Larry Federoff has left the program.  Though he’s not Matt Hahn, or BranDon Snow, or Dan Lawlor, each of whom was used most as a blocking back, Suhey will be expected to serve as the lead blocker in short yardage situations, though Penn State could also use H-backs like Andrew Sczcerba or even Brett Brackett in the same position.  Where Suhey excells is in catching the ball out of the backfield–as a high school receiver he has plenty of experience catching passes–and with his size could also prove a servicable short yardage back.
Random Facts: As you probably know, the name Suhey means about as much to Penn State football as Paterno.  Just about everyone in that family has played for the Nittany Lions, starting with his father, Matt, who’s currently 9th on the all-time PSU rushing yardage list, and had a productive NFL career.  His great grandfather, Bob Higgins, was a 2-time All-American and coached the team from 1930-1948.  His grandfather was an All-American guard, and three uncles also played football for the Lions.  Must make for some interesting family reunions.
The Final Word: Suhey never would’ve come to Penn State if it wasn’t for his family connections, but now that he’s here, he’s done his job in living up to his last name.  He’s not a traditional Penn State I-formation fullback, but the Spread HD isn’t exactly a tradition Penn State I-formation offense.  This offense will give him, even as a smallish fullback, a chance to shine, especially if he’s getting to the second level and sealing off the edge rather than trying to create holes up the middle.  Last year, he saw plenty of action as a garbage-time halfback rather than fullback, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.  Even when they had Dan Lawlor, a straight-up mauler in the backfield, Penn State didn’t use the fullback much.  This year, with a new offensive line, they’ll probably use it even less, preferring to get the playmakers the ball in space.  Still, you will see Penn State line up in the I-formation from time to time, and when they do it’ll be Suhey right there with Royster or Green.