Former State College, Penn State LB Nate Stupar talks bragging rights, Barkley, and more

Nate Stupar — a State College native and Penn State letterman — is well into his fifth NFL season. After helping the New Orleans Saints capture their third-straight win on Sunday, the former Nittany Lion linebacker joined us for this week’s edition of “Five Questions.”

Stupar discussed college-based bragging rights among teammates, reuniting with Gerald Hodges, Saquon Barkley’s NFL comparison and more.

Q: Looking at Sunday’s game, you actually fielded an onside kick in the third quarter, helping stop a Detroit Lions comeback in the Saints’ 52-38 win. What was going through your head there, and was that your first time fielding an onside kick?

A: I just remember the kicker was lining up very unusual, and I’m like, ‘Hmm, I think he’s going to try an onside kick here.’ Before you know it, he was running at the ball at a weird angle and kicked an onside kick. I shuffled forward and went up to go catch it, and I wish I would’ve caught it cleaner. But I was able to recover it. ... And I believe it was (first career onside recovery). I’m glad it was a success.

Q: I saw you retweet a picture of Saints running back Alvin Kamara jumping over a guy. It looked like he pulled a Saquon Barkley. How good is Kamara, and what NFL running back would you compare Barkley to?

A: I think he jumped a little higher than Saquon. AK is a magician, man. Sometimes he hits these small creases and runs plays where you’re just like, ‘Really?’ I mean, then he’s making amazing catches, making people miss, and also being as small as he is, he’s physical too. It’s awesome to see that. He’s not just a physical scatback. He’s a powerful back, plowing through guys. ... And Saquon at running back, shoot man, Saquon’s going to be an elite running back. It’s hard to name one running back that he’s like. You can probably say he’s a little bit like AK, but I think AK is a little faster.

Q: The Saints just recently signed Gerald Hodges. How cool is it to reunite with your former Penn State teammate, and have you helped him at all in his transition to New Orleans?

A: I’ve always had a good standing relationship with Hodges, and it’s good having him down here — another Penn State boy. I’ll help him out here and there, but he picks things up quickly and he’s a hard-studier, writing notes down 24/7 trying to get the defense down. He’s eager to learn and excited to be back.

Q: Now I noticed there aren’t any former Michigan players on the Saints roster. But you do have a lot of Ohio State guys. I know around the league guys have fun bets among teammates when college rivals are facing off. You foresee any bragging rights bets next week when Penn State plays Ohio State?

A: Yeah man, I know I had fun last year when Penn State beat Ohio State in that wild one, especially with James Laurinaitis when he was here and Vonn Bell. It’s fun bragging after a win. I was even bragging to Stephone Anthony, who’s with the Miami Dolphins now, after Clemson lost this week and Penn State took their spot at No. 2. Just little punches here and there. It’s good banter between teammates. The game coming up is definitely going to be fun to watch. We’ll see who can come away with some good punches.

Q: Looking at this weekend’s game against Michigan, do you have a prediction?

A: I think Penn State’s going to play well. It’s always going to be a tough game. It’s at home, Beaver Stadium, White Out, under the lights — man, there’s nothing like it. There’s no greater game that you can go to. I know a lot of people are asking me, ‘Hey, do you know how to get tickets for the game? I’m trying to get tickets.’ I’m just like, ‘Good luck.’

This story was originally published October 16, 2017 at 7:08 PM with the headline "Former State College, Penn State LB Nate Stupar talks bragging rights, Barkley, and more."