How do Penn State's position groups rank nationally heading into 2024? Pro Football Focus is ranking each group ahead of the upcoming college football season. The Nittany Lions (unsurprisingly) aren't ranked on the offensive line or at wide receiver, but they do appear on several lists, primarily at running back and quarterback.
So is Penn State overrated, underrated or right on the money on PFF's top 10 list? Let's find out.
Quarterback: No. 9
Pennsylvania State University Top 10 Quarterback Rooms Who is the best player in the country? We stand by that. As PFF suggests, the criticism of Drew Aller last season was overdone. The site even called him “the most disrespected quarterback in college football.” Aller certainly had issues in Year 1, but thrived with the tools and offensive framework he was given. As a second-year starter, Aller should be even more effective at running the offense. His passing percentage (59.9%) should improve this season, even if he also throws more interceptions (2).
Beau Pribula, meanwhile, is exactly the kind of quarterback a team would rank second in: reliable and with the ability to throw a changeup that can be a situational threat. Penn State's main issue is numbers: With Jackson Smolik injured, the Nittany Lions currently have just three scholarship quarterbacks, including freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer. But overall, PFF's rankings seem reasonable.
Running back: No. 4
Penn State is difficult to position. Higher than 4th placeFactoring in returning running backs from Ohio State, UC San Francisco and Georgia, it seems fair to call the Nittany Lions backfield one of the best in the country at No. 4.
Though well-covered when it comes to explosive plays, Penn State's backfield led the Big Ten in rushing yards (2,403), yards per game (184.85) and yards per carry (4.67) last season, and the alpha twins of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen return for their third seasons, while freshman Quinton Martin Jr. could provide even more explosiveness as the third back.
Defensive Line: No. 7
It's unclear whether Penn State will be ranked higher than preseason given the wide range of talent returning from schools like Michigan, Ohio State and Georgia, but Penn State's defensive line could vault to the top of the list by the end of the season.
While Abdul-Carter's move from linebacker to end has been the talk of the town, Penn State already has a pretty talented group of edge rushers returning. Dani Dennis Sutton is having a breakout season, as is Amin Vanover, and Smith Vilbert is a relative unknown returning from injury. Meanwhile, the Lions are well-stocked on the inside with sixth-year returners D'Von Alies and Hakeem Beamon, plus swing player Zane Durant. Allen and line coach Deion Barnes could be a bit tricky, as they could mold this line in a variety of different ways. Underrated Entering the season.
Linebacker: No. 8
PFF I'm crazy about the Penn State linebacker.This suggests the team would have been much higher in the rankings had Carter stayed with the team (he would likely still play linebacker). PFF had rave reviews for experienced middle linebacker Kobe King, liked sophomore Tony Rojas very much and praised Dom DeLuca.
But this ranking might be a bit high for the Penn State linebackers, who will have a reduced role in Allen's 4-2-5 formation. A good group, but a bit Overrated.
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AllPennState is the home for Penn State news, opinions and views on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years and has followed three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and countless great stories. Follow @MarkWogenrich on Twitter.
