UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the last three weeks, Penn State punter Chris Gulla said he practiced as if he was the starter.
James Franklin said he saw Gulla from the coach’s office, punting on the practice field by himself early Friday morning. Gulla said he changed his mental preparation, determined not to let last season’s struggles hinder an opportunity should it arise this season.
“I took my performance last year very personally,” said Gulla, whose inconsistency resulted in him getting replaced by fellow walk-on Daniel Pasquariello midway through last season. “It’s something I still think about every single day.