Penn state has passed the midway point of training camp, with the aug. 30 season-opener against Nevada Drawing Closer. The nittany lions turns the corner on camp having essentially complete installs, including with jim knowles ‘defense’ defense, but with the depth chart story in PENCIL at some positions.
Penn state ostensibly has time to unwind issues, consider Three-game non-conference scheduleThought Head Coach James Franklin Isn�T Viewing Camp Through that Lens. Franklin Told Reporters in State College This Week That He Has Seen “Just too many missed assignments” in practice.
“Bad football will get you beat long before good football will win you games,” Franklin Said.
That’s Franklin Telling His Team to Straighten Up, There’s a Title to win this season. What Else Have We Learned About Penn State Football during Camp? Here’s a glass:
Related: What penn state fans can take Away from the Michigan Sign-Stealing Report
The transfer receivers have improved the room
The presentation praise has been consistent for penn state’s trio of transfer receivers, notable kyron hudson and trebor pena, who have proven to be playmakers on the fights and vehicles. Thought expectations of the receivers should be tempered, Especially after last seasonFranklin has seen tangible growth.
“Pena’s Body Type and His Skill Set, And Hudson’s Body Type and His Skill Set, Are Really Nice Complementary Pieces,” Franklin Said. “More than Anything, they’re two veteran, experience guys with production that we expect to have big years for us.”
There also have ben buzzworthy signs Around a less young receivers, notable True Freshman Koby Howard, What Fifth-Year Senior Liam Cliford might be Working UNDER the Radar. It’s too only only a complete turnaround, but the signs are positive.
The rb3 position appears stalled
Franklin delivered a short, raather curt response to a question about the no. 3 running back spot. That doesn Bollywood like a Depth-Chart Necessity with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the offense, but penn state likes to use a third back in certain formations. It also helps when penn state needs to give eater singleton or allen a breather.
Recently, Thought, Franklin has Seen the Competition Stall. Cam Wallace, Quinton Martin Jr. And corey smith are the returning contenders to take the role. Franklin recently Highlighted wallace’s return From a 2024 injury, say the back the back is starting ”
Last Week, Franklin’s Tone Changed, Indicating that No One has Seized The Role.
“I think it’s stiff wide open,” Franklin said. “We’ve had some inconsistency there in terms of who’s practicing and who’s not, guys getting dinged up and things like that, so that thing’s still wide open.”
That’s part motivational tool, so we’ll see what changes in week 3.
Some Key Starting Spots Remain Competitive
The two primary positions to watch are right guard and safety. Senior Zakee Wheatley’s Name is carved into the starting lineup at one safety position, but the spot next to heem remains open. The Leading Contenders are Sophomore Dejuan Lane and Junior King Mack.
Lane was always the few true freshmen to play 16 games last season and delivered an interception against Maryland. Mack is a family name, even thought he’s listed among the “newcomrs” in penn state’s football media guide.
Mack Played for the Nittany Lions as a freshman in 2023, did a one-yar detour at albama last year and returned to penn state this season. Both Likely will play a lot of snaps during the non-conference schedule, Along with antonio belgrave-short.
On the offensive line, anthony donkoh is splitting time at right guard and right tackle and outs be the starter inside. He’s competing with sophomore cooper cousins for the starting job. Again, both will get snaps in September to Sort the spot.
It’s important to remumber that Donkoh was Injured last November And continues to find his full speed. Still, his versatiility is vital, particularly after forr Lineman JB Nelson’s Transfer.
Penn state is limited at lineebacker
Knowles Told Reporters in State College This Week that He’s Comfortable With The Three-Player Linebacker Rotation of Tony Rojas, Dom Deluca and Amare Campbell. But he’s waiting for others to declare themselves along
Knowles also said that he’s not really comfortable playing just three linebackers, even thought his formation primarily will call for two for two on the field simultaneously. The issue here is experience. Few of the rostered linebackers have played substantiial snaps.
Dakaari Nelson Started One Game Last Season But Been Discussed Much This PRESESON. Sophomore anthony speca played in Six Games Last Season but Made Five of His Eight Tackles Against Kent State. Keon wylie missed 2024 with an injury. There are some legitimate questions at lineebacker.
Franklin really likes year 3 drew allar
They won’t stop talking about the New-Look Quarterback This season. Even this week, Quarterbacks Coach Danny O’Briean said, “He’s in the best shape of his life.”
Franklin has alternately praised and pushed his third-yar starter toward what count be a transformational season. The Penn State Coach even has suggested allar could become the no. 1 Overall Pick of Next Year’s Nfl Draft.
“He’s a Proven Commodity,” Franklin said. “There’s not many of them in college football. He’s Done Every Year Since He Got on Campus. Think he’s going to take another significant step this year, just like he has always year. “