The Lions Den

Penn State football player Jaylen Reed joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Jaylen gives an inside look at Manny Diaz's coaching style and what makes him one of the best defensive coordinators in the nation. The boys also debate which Penn State coach would win in a fist fight, including James Franklin. Later in the episode, the boys talk about NIL at PSU and reveal who the biggest spenders are on the team. 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

01:37-Jaylen’s Michigan State Performance

03:59 -Growing Up in Detroit

06:39-Sauce Gardner & Detroit Spotlight

09:24-Coach Poindexter

11:01-Veteran Mentors at Penn State

13:04-NFL Role Models

15:39-Jaylen’s Key to Success

18:26-Fashion Taste & Spending Money

19:20-Penn State’s Defense & Manny Diaz

27:40-Workouts at PSU

32:33-Best Fighter on the Coaching Staff?

38:38-Michigan State Game

Penn State Football Player, Dvon Ellies, joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's episode of The Lions Den. Dvon Ellies talks about Jame's Franklin's coaching tactics, Manny Diaz's football genius, and the 2023 Nittany Lions defense. Aeneas and Dvon also share the true story behind their in-practice fight. 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

02:50-Fist fight

09:08-Getting into football

11:44-Big hits

14:14-Childhood

18:04-Freshman year

22:24-Building good habits

26:30-PJ Mustipher

29:30-Dvon’s drip

35:25-PSU defense

40:35-Manny Diaz

42:41-Deion Barnes

45:03-John Scott Jr.

Former Penn State Football Player, Robert Windsor, joins Aeneas Hawkins on today's episode of The Lions Den. Robert Windsor talks about his unique journey to Penn State, his ups and downs as a player, and his time in both the NFL and XFL. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

Get 15% off site wide 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

01:52-Rob + Aeneas's relationship

04:46-Journey to PSU 

07:52-Rookie season

12:37-Dawn patrols

15:05-NFL career

20:07-Injuries/life away from football

28:04-NFL vs XFL

32:55-James Franklin/2023 squad 

Penn State Football Player, Riley Thompson, joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Riley Thompson talks about growing up in Australia, some of the biggest shocks of living in America, the PSU atmosphere and more. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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

01:25-Coming to America

07:46-Australian wildlife

12:08-The Outback

14:42-Getting into football

17:27- AFL & Rugby

21:00-Maryland game

22:44-FAU to PSU

25:05-Australian kicking style

27:54-Conditioning

38:38-Rugby physicality

41:47-Australian stereotypes

Penn State Football Players, Theo Johnson & Kaden Saunders, join Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Theo Johnson & Kaden Saunders talk about their journey to Penn State, playing for Coach James Franklin, what fans can expect from the Ohio State game, and more. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

Huge shoutout to Champs Downtown for the helping us host this live show! Thank you to everyone who made it to the event!

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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]

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

01:20 - Kaden Saunders’ Journey

05:36 - Theo Johnson’s Journey

08:02 - Adjusting to the Big 10 

09:50 - Ohio State Preview

11:04 - Penn State’s Culture

14:03 - Offensive Explosiveness 

15:28 - Fan Questions

17:40 - Social Media Negativity & The 1-0 Mentality

25:50 - Fan Questions

38:13 - PSU’ Playbook & T Formation

41:07 - Drew Allar vs. Nick Dawkins

42:58 - Fan Questions

47:39 - Nick Singleton & Kaytron Allen

49:28 - Coaching Staff

Penn State LB Tyler Elsdon joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Tyler Elsdon discusses Penn State's LB room, overcoming adversity in his college football journey, and even reveals some wild stories from Penn State's winter workouts. Tyler also talks about his military background, mentality on the field, and his welcome to college football moment. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

LIVE SHOW w/ PSU legends & current players at Champs Downtown on October 16th from 4:30-8pm! Buy your VIP ticket here: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/experiences/products/champs-downtown-x-state-media-live-show-vip-experience

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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]

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - Tyler’s Military Background 

04:19 - Growing Up

08:57 - Coal Region Football

10:32 - Welcome to CFB Moment & Social Media Haters

18:34 - Life Outside of Football 

24:00 - LBU 

27:41 - Overcoming Adversity 

32:06 - Tyler’s Killer Mentality

33:47 - Lessons Learned from College Football

47:40 - Veteran Mentors

Zane Durant joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Zane thinks back to his freshman year at Penn State and reflects on how far he's come since then. Zane gives fans an inside look into his relationships with coaching staff, fellow teammates, and the state of Pennsylvania as a whole after growing up in Florida. The boys also share a typical football player diet and budget. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

LIVE SHOW w/ PSU legends & current players at Champs Downtown on October 16th from 4:30 - 8pm! Buy your VIP ticket here: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/experiences/products/champs-downtown-x-state-media-live-show-vip-experience

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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

01:30 - Northwestern Recap & Zane’s Recruiting Journey

05:38 - Zane’s Freshman Year

07:58 - Adjusting to Penn State

13:29 - Coaching Staff

16:00 - Learning from Vets

17:20 - Offseason Improvements, D-Line Diet & Monthly Budget

24:36 - Finding Success & D-Line Breakdown

30:31 - Life Outside of Football

32:00 - Bye Week Plan & Watching Film

37:33 - Chuck Losey

38:20 - Finding Purpose & Overcoming Adversity

44:49 - Zane’s X-Factor & Bringing Value 

51:38 - PJ Mustipher

53:08 - Welcome to CFB Moment

Tyler Warren joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Tyler recaps his 2 TD performance against Iowa in Penn State's White Out Game and reflects on his journey at Penn State thus far. Tyler gives fans an inside look at his unconventional recruiting process, freshman initiation, relationship with TE Theo Johnson, and how he's developed into a leader on and off the field. The boys also share the best piece of advice from their college football journey, and what makes Penn State's culture so unique. Tune in for another great episode of The Lions Den!

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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

02:15-White Out Game

07:52-Meaning Behind The Lions Den

12:30-WHITE OUT WARREN

13:26-Transitioning from QB to TE & Punting

16:58-Ty’s Nicknames & Hair 

19:38-Superstitions & Best Hoopers at PSU

25:34-Ty’s X-Factor

29:12-Ty’s Recruiting Process

30:33-Humble Beast Tattoos & Cuban Links 

32:10-Initiation at Penn State

36:41-Theo Johnson Duo & Becoming a Leader 

39:47-TE Room & Developing at Penn State

47:59-Ty’s Motivation

50:37-Best Piece of Advice

55:33-Sacrificing for Success

58:00-Goals for 2023

Curtis Jacobs joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Curtis Jacobs opens up about his time at Penn State, recruiting journey, what he learned playing alongside Micah Parsons, and more. The boys also recap Penn State's win over Illinois and offer an inside look at the Nittany Lions' week 4 matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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

00:52-Recapping Illinois

02:56-Summer Workouts & Micah Parsons

09:10-Curtis’ Journey to Penn State

18:01-Abdul Carter & Trash Talking 

23:54-LBU 

30:23-Top 5 Football States

32:43-Mindset Going Against Iowa

36:00-Covid Season

39:01-Reflecting on Time at Penn State

41:30-D-Line & Best Road Environments

45:52-Dvon Ellies & Fist Fights

51:21-Playing for Manny Diaz & Chuck Losey

Theo Johnson joins Aeneas Hawkins, Nick Dawkins, and Jerry Cross on today's episode of The Lions Den. Theo Johnson talks about his journey to Penn State, his battles with adversity, relationship with Ty Howle & Tyler Warren, why Penn State has such a special TE room, and more.

MERCH: https://shop.teammercury.io/collections/the-lions-den

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

00:57-Recapping the Delaware Game

05:01-Welcome to College Football Moment

06:48-Covid Season

13:59-Theo’s Journey at Penn State

29:20-Penn State’s TE Room

38:50-Tyler Warren Duo

42:14-Impact of Ty Howle

45:27-Silencing Outside Noise

48:18-Mike Yurcich