The Lions Den

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.

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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

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:

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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

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:

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► 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

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

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?

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

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

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

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:

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• Hoodie: https://shop.teammercury.io/products/we-are-feeling-peachy-football-midweight-hoodie?ref=ODI4MTYyNzc4NzU0OA

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FOLLOW THE LIONS DEN HERE:

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► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb

FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:

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► 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

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:

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► SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/51Se0ZtwAI0arw1QjQLMY6?si=e5a01d3c11894feb

FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:

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► 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