Penn State kicked off football summer school last weekend, holding the first of a series of football camps and hosting a group of high school prospects on official visits. This is where coach James Franklin and his staff shine, but Coach Franklin is concerned that the NIL has dulled that shine (more on that later).
The offseason (let's still call it that, of course) will heat up in June when the remaining nine freshmen from Penn State's 2024 enrollment class arrive on campus. So, as the Nittany Lions begin preparing for their six-week training camp, let's take a look at some offseason (let's still call it that, of course) questions regarding Penn State football.
So how is the recruiting process going?
Penn State has been a bit quiet when it comes to commitments. Matt Henderson was the last player to commit to the Nittany Lions' 2025 class. Tight end from VirginiaThe season begins May 8. But that 13-man roster should begin to expand soon. The Nittany Lions hosted 11 prospects for official visits last weekend, the first of four weekends in June where Franklin and his staff will showcase the program.
As of Sunday night, no announcements have been made yet, but we'll wait and be patient. They're coming. June is supposed to be the month Penn State begins selecting students for the Class of 2025. Currently 9th 247Sports Composite.
RELATED: What the early betting odds for Penn State in 2024 are telling us
Is Penn State prioritizing NIL in its recruiting efforts?
Franklin and his staff are in a better position than they were a year ago in terms of NIL, but still lag behind elite competition. This sometimes shows up during official visit weekend. Some candidates and their parents consider NIL as part of their overall recruiting package. Others come with numbers in mind as their top priority. Franklin positions himself as a relationship coach. But he has said multiple times over the past two years that the familiar recruiting model of relationship building has been overruled by NIL considerations.
“One thing that I think is really important is that I still believe strongly in change.
“College football is about relationships and transformation,” Franklin said recently, “and I worry that college football is becoming more and more transactional.”
Of the freshmen joining this offseason, which ones can contribute early on for the Nittany Lions?
Sixteen freshmen enrolled early, with offensive lineman Cooper Cousins garnering the most attention in the spring. Cousins will start at right guard (replacing starter Sal Wormley) and also play center. As a true freshman, Cousins could make a rare freshman move to add depth to the roster.
Nine more freshmen are enrolled (or set to enroll) in summer classes, and several of them could make an early impact — Franklin and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, in particular, are hoping one of the freshman receivers can take on a role of his own — and two of Pennsylvania's skill players are worth keeping an eye on.
Tysea Denmark, a receiver at Imhotep Charter High School in Philadelphia, caught 65 passes over the past two seasons and led his team to a 15-0 record and a state title last season. Denmark's high school coach said he “People who make a difference” Meanwhile, Peter Gonzalez is a playmaker who played for Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Set a school record Career receiving yards (2,240)
Penn State needs playmakers at receiver, and the freshman could get a chance.
Where does Penn State's quarterback corps stand this offseason?
Pro Football Focus recently made some eye-openers by declaring that Penn State has a top-10 quarterback in the nation. The Nittany Lions were ranked ninth, behind Notre Dame and surprisingly above Missouri, which will return starter Brady Cook. The duo of Drew Aller and Beau Pribula was underrated last season, even in Penn State's hometown. In fact, PFF called Aller “may be the most underrated quarterback in college football.”
Aller has seemed revitalized this spring, especially as he has developed a relationship with Kotelnicki and receiver Julian Fleming, a transfer from Ohio State. Fleming is a key veteran voice and presence for Aller, who was pretty much nonexistent at receiver last season. Aller already seems energized by the move.
“I feel very comfortable right now, and I think that's because of our offensive staff taking everything so well,” Aller said. “It's not just me and the quarterback who feel comfortable with everything, but all the skill positions, specifically, the different pass schemes and then the offensive line up front, I think they've done a really good job with the run game and preparing for the different run schemes that we've been running all spring. But I feel very comfortable right now, and I think the biggest thing is that through different formations and shifts and motions, we're getting to the same place that we've been all spring.”
What's next for the Nittany Lions?
Fans who want to meet the players before training camp should consider attending Lift For Life at Holba Hall on June 13. The event is open to the public, is easily accessible, and has a great purpose. Lift for Life is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m..
Penn State will spend June making the camp and official visit circuit before its staff goes on vacation in early July. Season previews begin July 23 and Big Ten Media Days expands to three days in Indianapolis. Franklin and the Nittany Lions take the stage on July 24.
Penn State Football News
Penn State recruiting profile: DeJuan Lane brings size, speed to Nittany Lions secondary
Penn State sets two kickoff times for 2024 season
“One of the best days of the year” for Penn State football
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.
