Interesting response, Eric. A 7 or an 8 is fair. The addition of a big name like Knowles to replace Tom Allen, at a price of more than $3 million per season, speaks to Penn State’s commitment. Regarding Penn State’s Anthony Poindexter and Dan Connor, I don’t see them as being similar to Knowles, at least not yet.

Knowles will make Penn State's defense one of the best in the country, but his addition might help the offense too.

Jim Knowles, Penn State's new defensive coordinator, brought his Penn State football history and some Philly ethos to his first meeting with the Nittany Lions. Knowles, whom Penn State hired away from Ohio State, introduced himself to the team this week, telling players and fellow coaches, "This is where I want to be."