Many Ohio State fans would label running back Saquon Barkley, whom Urban Meyer tabbed as "a future first-rounder" earlier this week, as the most explosive player on Penn State's roster.
With 725 yards and nine touchdowns on the year, it would be a good guess. Unfortunately, it would also be wrong.
The title for "most explosive Penn State footballer" belongs to a man that wears No. 99 and weighs 258 pounds. He handles kickoff duties and is capable of putting an enemy returner six-feet under the turf.
Look at how the majestic Joey Julius operates, with the leg of Sam Ficken, the tenacity of LaVar Arrington, the agility of the Larry Johnson Jr., and the hit-stick of Paul Posluszny.
Add it together, and it's easy to see why Penn State fans herald Julius as the greatest player to ever lace 'em up for the Blue and White.
"So, what's the big deal?" An Ohio State fan unfamiliar with Penn State's iconic kicker might say. "All I see is the first (former) soccer player that enjoys contact in the history of the sport. He doesn't even kick field goals, and it's going to take more than leveling a Kent State returner to earn my fealty."
That's fair. Despite the nirvana of mediocrity engulfing Penn State, it's still a level above MAC football.
But Julius doesn't back from Big Ten players either. He demolished the best player on Michigan's defense, senior cornerback Jourdan Lewis.
Did you catch Jabrill Peppers side-stepping a rampaging Julius and allowing him hit Lewis unimpeded? Some would say it's a sign of lack of brotherhood between Michigan defenders, but in Peppers' defense, Julius operates at those speeds with the force of a runway 18-wheeler.
I got hit by a nose tackle that can kick.
— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) September 25, 2016
But Julius doesn't just do the football thing, either. Fame and a stipend can swell a man's head. The Biggest Toe wouldn't be the first to fall victim to such trappings.
Instead, Julius recently opened up about his binge-eating disorder:
Anyone is brave for talking about their body image struggles, but especially so when it's a man involved in a hypermasculine sport like football.
WELL, ACTUALLY...
An American tragedy in one act. (PHOTO: Matthew OHaren–USA TODAY Sports)
This is the internet, where nothing is allowed to be 100% good forever. As Julius' fame swelled, opponents keyed on the corpulent battering ram.
Minnesota redshirt freshman inside linebacker Jaylen Waters became the first player to take a shot at Julius' throne during an eventual 29-26 Penn State win. Not satisfied with an earlier tussle with Julius, Waters laid into him late in the third quarter.
Referees immediately ejected Waters for vandalizing a national historical marker:
A week later, Maryland redshirt freshman inside linebacker Isaiah Davis became the second Big Ten player to test his mettle against Julius.
Davis tried him during the opening second-half kick of Penn State's eventual 38-14 win. He too earned an early shower for his egregious disrespect of an American patriot.
Some critics, announcer included, labeled this flopping.
It's actually a strategic genius move by Julius, as proven by the flag he drew that instantly disqualified an opposing player.
Former Penn State running back Larry Johnson, perhaps the second best player in Penn State history, spoke for America in the aftermath of the fracas:
Every player targeting the #pennstatekicker all of you are cowards, and jealous because of his fame of doing more you ever did. #UMDvsPSU
— Larry Johnson (@2LarryJohnson7) October 8, 2016
So what's a Buckeye to Do?
Roar Lions Roar previewed ways to stop Julius earlier this year. The best suggestion? Building a moat.
While it's doubtful Ohio State special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs would try such a daring gambit, redshirt sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard told reporters earlier this week the Buckeyes are aware of the legend they'll face Saturday night.
“Oh man, yeah I’ve seen videos of that guy taking people out and people going after him," Hubbard said. "I’m curious to see what Coach Coombs cooks up, so I don’t know. Maybe put [Craig] Fada on him.”
Look for Fada vs. Julius to be a decisive matchup under the lights in Happy Valley.
