Midway Through Training Camp: Insights on Penn State Football
As the Penn State Nittany Lions cross the midpoint of their training camp, anticipation builds as the Aug. 30 season-opener against Nevada quickly approaches. While the coaching staff feels they have adequately implemented their strategies, particularly on defense with Jim Knowles at the helm, the depth chart remains fluid, with numerous positions still being filled in pencil rather than ink.
Head coach James Franklin is acutely aware of the missed assignments frequently seen in practice—a detail he doesn’t take lightly. “Bad football will get you beat long before good football will win you games,” he asserted, hinting at the competitive nature of the upcoming season and the need for discipline and focus to attain their goals. There’s a championship in sight, and the team needs to operate at their best to secure it.
Receiver Room Boosted by Transfers
The Nittany Lions’ receiver corps has shown marked improvement, largely thanks to the infusion of talent from the transfer portal. Kyron Hudson and Trebor Peña have emerged as key players. Both are not only proving effective on the field but also bringing valuable experience to the group, a fact Franklin emphasizes regarding their potential contribution.
“Pena’s body type and his skill set, and Hudson’s body type and his skill set, are really nice complementary pieces,” Franklin noted, highlighting their ability to mesh with existing members of the team. While there is cautious optimism surrounding the receiver unit—especially after a less than stellar performance last season—Franklin has observed tangible development.
Additionally, there’s been buzz about young talents like true freshman Koby Howard and fifth-year senior Liam Clifford. With the spotlight on the new arrivals and the developing rookies, there are promising signs for a more dynamic passing game this season.
Competition at RB3 Ongoing
The running back position, particularly the No. 3 role, remains unsettled. While Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen hold the spotlight as starters, Franklin recognizes the importance of a reliable third back. Competition exists among Cam Wallace, Quinton Martin Jr., and Corey Smith, though lately, Franklin has expressed concerns about inconsistent performances.
Last week, he remarked, “I think it’s still wide open,” referencing challenges related to injuries and participation. As the team approaches their first game, the urgency for someone to seize that crucial spot becomes paramount.
Key Positions Still in Play
Several starting roles are highly contested, notably at right guard and safety. Junior Zakee Wheatley seems assured to occupy one safety spot, but the other remains a question mark. The competition is fierce between Sophomore Dejuan Lane—who previously made an impact with an interception against Maryland—and junior King Mack, who has returned to Penn State after a stint at Alabama.
On the offensive line, the battle is heating up between Anthony Donkoh and Cooper Cousins for the starting right guard position. Donkoh’s versatility, having spent time at both guard and tackle, could be critical as the team looks to solidify their line in the wake of recent changes and injury recovery.
Linebacker Depth Concerns
The linebacker corps is another area of concern, where Knowles is looking to establish more depth. Although he is satisfied with the three-player rotation of Tony Rojas, Dom DeLuca, and Amare Campbell, Knowles is anxious about playing just three linebackers in a system that ideally requires more.
With limited experience among the rest of the linebackers, the team faces questions about their ability to step up. Players like DaKaari Nelson and Anthony Speca have had limited contributions in previous seasons, raising eyebrows regarding their readiness as the season looms closer.
High Hopes for Drew Allar
All eyes are on starting quarterback Drew Allar as he prepares for what could be a transformative season. Coaches and analysts alike have praised Allar for being in “the best shape of his life,” with Franklin openly lauding him as a potential top NFL draft pick next year.
Franklin noted Allar’s sense of improvement since his arrival at Penn State. “He’s a proven commodity,” Franklin stated, emphasizing both the quarterback’s past performance and his work ethic during the offseason. His growth could be pivotal for the Nittany Lions as they aim for supremacy this fall.
As Penn State approaches its opener, every decision made during this training camp will have lasting implications on the team’s performance. With new faces and returning veterans alike prepared to leave their mark, the preparation process is paramount for what lies ahead in the 2024 season.
