The Lions Den

College Sports Co.

Get an exclusive all-access pass into the world of Penn State football on The Lions Den with host Aeneas Hawkins. Aeneas, a former Nittany Lion himself, sits down with current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross to give fans an unfiltered look into the life of a Penn State football player. Tune in for unique post-game analysis and untold stories straight from the source. Presented by The College Sports Company.

22 Episodes

The Lion's Den: Ep 23 | Riley Thompson Talks Importance Of Special Teams At Penn State & Learning American Football
9/16/2024
29:23
Penn State punter Riley Thompson joins teammate Dvon J-Thomas and The Lion's Den host Aeneas Hawkins in today's exclusive interview. Thompson discusses the transition to American football and how learning more about situational football has helped him succeed. The guys talk through the importance of special teams at Penn State and how they help win football games. Get all your Penn State apparel needs with The Family Clothesline: https://www.pennstateclothes.com FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 02:50-Adjustment To America & PSU 05:00-Special Teams 06:16-Specialists Practice 08:18-Punter Mentality 09:51-Australian Football Differences 14:40-2024 Penn State 16:04-Family 18:29-NFL 19:30-American Football IQ 21:53-Punt Shield 24:09-Visiting Austrailia 26:46-Advice To Young Players
The Lion's Den: Ep 22 | Smith Vilbert On Penn State Defensive Line Culture & His Long Awaited Success
9/5/2024
42:15
Penn State defensive lineman Smith Vilbert joins teammate Dvon J-Thomas and The Lion's Den host Aeneas Hawkins in today's exclusive interview. Vilbert opens up on his journey fighting through adversity to come back with a huge play in Penn State's week one statement win. The guys discuss the 2024 PSU defense starting fast and look forward to building upon that coming back home. Get all your Penn State apparel needs with The Family Clothesline: https://www.pennstateclothes.com FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 02:05-Fighting Through Adversity 04:23-PSU DLine Culture 09:27-Vilbert's Journey 12:50-Basketball Player 17:46-Long Awaited Success 19:45-2024 PSU Defense 24:25-Week One Statement 29:38-New Look Offense 33:57-Coach Deion Barnes 36:03-Back At Home 38:21-What's Your Why 39:28-Top 3 Players To Play Against
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The Lions Den: Ep. 20 | Nick Dawkins On Adjusting To Kotelnicki’s Offense, Spring Ball Standouts & Becoming A Starter
3/27/2024
32:47
Nick Dawkins joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's episode of The Lions Den. Nick Dawkins gives viewers an inside look into how the team is adjusting to Andy Kotelnicki's new offense, the top spring ball standouts thus far, and how his mindset has evolved since breaking into Penn State's starting offensive line. Nick also talks about how the defense has adjusted to Tom Allen's new scheme and the recent Eagles' signings of Saquon Barkley and PJ Mustipher. Visit https://www.mautihealth.com to schedule a FREE consultation with Patrick Mauti today! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 01:54-Catching Up 02:30-Spring Ball Insights 09:18-Penn State’s Player Development 13:24-Dawk’s Life Update 21:25-Hawk’s Life Update 26:21-Tiki Barber Beef & Saquon Barkley News 29:03-PJ Mustipher 31:13-Closing Thoughts
The Lions Den: Ep. 19 | Christian Hackenberg On Highs & Lows Of Penn State Career, Navigating NCAA Sanctions & Drew Allar
3/18/2024
47:23
Former Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's new episode of The Lions Den. Christian Hackenberg talks about the highs and lows of his Penn State career, from navigating the NCAA sanctions to saving Penn State Football from the ashes and the change of guard from Bill O'Brien to James Franklin. Hack also opens up about his rookie season in the NFL, provides some predictions for QB Drew Allar, and shares his expectations for this year's offense. Visit https://www.mautihealth.com to schedule a FREE consultation with Patrick Mauti today! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 01:27-Catching Up 02:53-Spring Ball for QB’s 06:43-Offensive Expectations 13:21-Spring Game 16:39-James Franklin 18:48-Big Ten Competition 23:57-Hack’s PSU Career 33:51-Advice to Younger Self 37:53-Hack’s Rookie Season in the NFL 41:40-Theo Johnson’s NFL Potential 43:46-Adissa Issac
The Lions Den: Ep. 18 | Penn State Players Reveal Their Funniest “Oh Sh*t” Moments At PSU & Untold Recruiting Stories
2/27/2024
1:02:49
Former Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall joins Nick Dawkins, Jerry Cross and Aeneas Hawkins on today's new episode of The Lions Den. Landon Tengwall talks about all the factors that went into his decision to retire from Penn State football and how he's adjusting to life off the gridiron. Together, the guys reveal their funniest "oh sh*t" moments at PSU, make their cases for their NCAA Football ratings and share some untold recruiting stories. Visit https://www.mautihealth.com to schedule a FREE consultation with Patrick Mauti today! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 02:28-Catching 04:29-Life After Football 14:12-Evolution of Hawk’s Nickname 17:58-Welcome to CFB Moments 24:37-PJ Mustipher 25:55-Getting Critiqued by Parents 33:39-Recruiting Stories 39:42-NCAA Football Game 48:23-Ji’Ayir Brown & Lackawanna College 51:02-Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift 52:43-Usher’s Half-Time Show 56:57-Can Mahomes Catch Brady? 59:59-Is Andy Reid the GOAT?
The Lions Den: Ep. 17 | Why Penn State Won’t Win A National Championship Without NIL
1/30/2024
53:42
Nick Dawkins and Aeneas Hawkins talk about the current state of NIL at Penn State in today's new episode of The Lions Den. The guys explain why NIL alignment and support are crucial for a national championship in Happy Valley. Dawk gives an offseason update on the team and shares his thoughts on the newest transfers, Julian Fleming and Nolan Rucci. Hawk reflects back on his playing days and shares a wild story of getting recruited by Nick Saban in high school. Visit https://www.mautihealth.com to schedule a FREE consultation with Patrick Mauti today! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 01:17-Hawk & Dawk’s Friendship 03:30-Offseason Update 09:38-Becoming a Leader 13:19-Hawk & Dawk Stories 17:52-Nolan Rucci & Julian Fleming 21:38-Nick Saban’s Retirement & Jim Harbaugh 24:50-Recruiting Stories 33:20-NIL at Penn State 43:46-Winter Workouts Update 50:36-Closing Thoughts
The Lions Den: Ep. 16 | Penn State Players On Tom Allen’s Culture, New Transfers & Winter Workout Stories
1/16/2024
45:58
Penn State DT's Dvon Ellies and Hakeem Beamon join Aeneas Hawkins and Jerry Cross on today's new episode of The Lions Den. The guys talk about adjusting to Tom Allen's culture now that he's the defensive coordinator, new transfers joining the team, and their best stories from winter workouts. The guys also reflect on the Peach Bowl loss and share their offseason goals heading into the 2024 season. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 02:03-Catching Up 03:33-Returning for Year 6 06:51-Raising the Standard in 2024 09:15-Tom Allen 11:40-Winter Workout Stories 21:03-Shaun Spencer 22:10-Convos w/ Tom Allen 23:40-Jeff Earls 25:24-Young Guns & Deion Barnes 28:52-Offseason Goals for 2024 32:30-Developing at Penn State 33:54-Message to Fans 37:04-Fights 38:16-Penn State’s Offense 40:57-New Transfers
The Lions Den: Ep. 15 | Olu Fashanu Opens Up About Penn State Career, James Franklin & NFL Draft
1/2/2024
52:06
Penn State OL Olu Fashanu joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's new episode of The Lions Den. Olu Fashanu reflects back on his Penn State career and shares some of his best stories from playing at PSU. Olu also talks about his close relationship with James Franklin, the mindset it took to develop into an NFL-caliber lineman, and more. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den! Get 15% off The Lions Den Merch with code LIONSDEN15 at https://shop.teammercury.io/discount/LIONSDEN15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 01:50-Bowl Game Festivities 06:45-Olu vs Aeneas 10:15-Olu’s PSU Journey 12:38-Caleb Williams 15:30-Olu’s Mindset 16:48-Advice to Young Players 17:41-Returning for 2023 19:55-Identity Outside of Football 26:18-Lessons Learned at Penn State 30:44-The PSU Recruiting Pitch 33:37-NFL Role Models 36:08-Favorite Lions Den Episode 37:30-James Franklin 38:32-Coach Earls 40:32-Drew Allar 41:57-High School Careers 46:30-Leaving Penn State & Best Memories 48:58-Olu’s X-Factor
The Lions Den: Ep. 14 | Mitchell Tinsley On Life In The NFL, Sean Clifford vs Drew Allar & Penn State Journey
12/22/2023
38:21
Washington Commanders and former Penn State WR Mitchell Tinsley joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's new episode of The Lions Den. Mitchell Tinsley talks about adjusting to life in the NFL, Sean Clifford vs. Drew Allar, and the highs and lows of his Penn State journey. Mitchell also explains his unique path to the NFL as a Juco product and reveals the mindset it took for him to make the jump from Juco to D1 to playing in the NFL. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den, and be sure to grab your Peach Bowl merch in the link below! BOWL GAME MERCH: • T-Shirt: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-comfort-blend-tee?_pos=5&_sid=b63e2c9bb&_ss=r • Hoodie: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-football-midweight-hoodie?ref=ODI4MTYyNzc4NzU0OA • Long-Sleeve: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-long-sleeve-tee?ref=ODI4MTYyNzc4NzU0OA FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 01:38-Catching Up 03:47-Best Bowl Games to Play in? 04:56-Juco Journey 11:12-Advice to Juco Players 13:39-Finding Success at Western Kentucky 16:15-Mitchell’s Mindset Shift 19:47-Biggest Talent Jump 23:14-Competition at Penn State 24:27-Kalen King 26:04-2022 Rose Bowl 27:29-Drew Allar 28:35-Playing for a New OC 30:24-Rose Bowl Performance 31:41-Adjusting to the NFL 33:30-Motivation & Goal Setting 35:43-Welcome to the NFL Moment
The Lions Den: Ep. 13 | This Week In Penn State Football: Manny Diaz's Exit, Transfer Targets & Peach Bowl Predictions
12/12/2023
34:58
Brandon Bell joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's new episode of The Lions Den. Aeneas and Brandon break down Manny Diaz's exit, potential transfer portal targets for Penn State, and the Nittany Lions' upcoming Peach Bowl matchup against Ole Miss. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den and be sure to grab your Peach Bowl merch in the link below! BOWL GAME MERCH: • T-Shirt: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-comfort-blend-tee?_pos=5&_sid=b63e2c9bb&_ss=r • Hoodie: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-football-midweight-hoodie?ref=ODI4MTYyNzc4NzU0OA • Long-Sleeve: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-long-sleeve-tee?ref=ODI4MTYyNzc4NzU0OA FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE: ► APPLE | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-den/id1705031515 ► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE: ► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU ► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu ► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/ ► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1 The Lions Den is co-hosted by former Nittany Lion Aeneas Hawkins and current players Nick Dawkins and Jerry Cross. The show is presented by The Mercury Podcast Network. For sponsorships or business inquiries reach out to: [email protected] CHAPTERS 00:00-Intro 02:04-Brandon’s Career after Football 03:41-Manny Diaz’s Departure 08:34-Replacing Manny Diaz 13:39-Transfer Portal Talk 16:52-Peach Bowl Predictions 19:42-Deion Barnes 24:57-Abdul Carter 27:13-College Football Playoff Picture

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The Lions Den

College Sports Co.

22 Episodes

The Lion's Den: Ep 23 | Riley Thompson Talks Importance Of Special Teams At Penn State & Learning American Football

The Lion's Den: Ep 22 | Smith Vilbert On Penn State Defensive Line Culture & His Long Awaited Success

The Lions Den: Ep. 20 | Nick Dawkins On Adjusting To Kotelnicki’s Offense, Spring Ball Standouts & Becoming A Starter

The Lions Den: Ep. 19 | Christian Hackenberg On Highs & Lows Of Penn State Career, Navigating NCAA Sanctions & Drew Allar

The Lions Den: Ep. 18 | Penn State Players Reveal Their Funniest “Oh Sh*t” Moments At PSU & Untold Recruiting Stories

The Lions Den: Ep. 17 | Why Penn State Won’t Win A National Championship Without NIL

The Lions Den: Ep. 16 | Penn State Players On Tom Allen’s Culture, New Transfers & Winter Workout Stories

The Lions Den: Ep. 15 | Olu Fashanu Opens Up About Penn State Career, James Franklin & NFL Draft

The Lions Den: Ep. 14 | Mitchell Tinsley On Life In The NFL, Sean Clifford vs Drew Allar & Penn State Journey

The Lions Den: Ep. 13 | This Week In Penn State Football: Manny Diaz's Exit, Transfer Targets & Peach Bowl Predictions