EPISODE · Jul 20, 2026 · 5 MIN
Before Penn State, Alijah Carnell’s First Coach Was Mom
from State Media · host College Sports Company
Before Alijah Carnell ever played at Bishop Gorman or arrived at Penn State, his most important lessons came from home.Raised by a single mother who worked long hours in a predominantly male field, Carnell watched her lead through discipline, respect, resilience and an unwavering belief that no goal was out of reach. She became his first mentor, his greatest influence and the example behind the work ethic he now carries into Penn State Football.In this player profile, Carnell discusses learning football later than most players, struggling with anxiety and identity in high school, overcoming a torn labrum, following Coach Deion Barnes to Penn State and pursuing his goal of becoming elite at the sport he once walked away from.He also shares the standards his mother taught him, his excitement for playing inside Beaver Stadium and the mentality he hopes to bring to the Nittany Lions’ defensive line.Presented by PAM Health: https://pamhealth.com/Chapters:00:00 Meet Alijah Carnell00:59 From Basketball to Defensive Tackle01:22 His Mom’s Influence02:09 Battling Anxiety02:42 Learning Through Adversity03:16 Life at Bishop Gorman04:04 Why He Wanted to Come to Penn State04:28 Biggest Adjustment to Happy Valley04:53 Life Beyond Football05:22 Ready for Beaver StadiumFOLLOW 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► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272#pennstate #weare #CollegeFootball
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Before Penn State, Alijah Carnell’s First Coach Was Mom
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