Singled out by Coach Bill O'Brien in March for the strides he made in the weight room during winter conditioning, Adam Gress enters the season aiming to translate that progress into significant playing time. During spring practice, the former West Mifflin Area High School standout took a huge step towards that goal, using his skills and strength to elevate his game to a spot on the No. 1 offensive line. Gress earned repetitions at left and right tackle and was a consistently productive fixture, finishing spring drills atop the depth chart at right tackle. Possessing the physical attributes, desire and instincts necessary for success on the offensive line, Gress will enter training camp looking to continue his improvement and play a huge role in helping develop a consistently productive O-Line. A redshirt junior, Gress is on schedule to graduate in December, in 3 1/2 years. He is among 16 returning Nittany Lions from Western Pennsylvania.
2011 Junior Season
Gress saw playing time against Indiana State, Temple and Eastern Michigan, with his most substantial action coming against the Eagles. Gress and the offensive line protected Matt McGloin to help him complete 14-of-17 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Michigan to share Big Ten Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors.
2010 Sophomore Season
In his first campaign on the field, Gress saw action in six games during the second half of the season. He saw most of his snaps against Minnesota, Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana and also played at Ohio State and against Florida in the Outback Bowl.
2009 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
A three-year letterman and four-year starter at West Mifflin Area HS, Gress played for Coach Tim Brennan. A two-year captain, Gress was named all-state and all-conference. He also was captain of the ice hockey team at West Mifflin Area.
Personal
Full name is Adam Michael Gress. He is the son of Armand and Lisa Gress. He has one brother, Armand. An uncle attended Penn State from 1983-87. Gress is considering a career as a radio producer. Born December 28, 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
