The first phase of the preseason concludes this weekend, with Penn State wrapping up spring practice and taking to the football field on Saturday for the annual Blue-White Game.
Head coach James Franklin has several questions to answer before kickoff this fall, especially after replacing both coordinators.
Here's how and what to watch when the Nittany Lions return to Beaver Stadium this weekend.
Penn State Football Spring Game 2024 Schedule
when: Saturday, April 13th
time: 2 p.m. Eastern
tv set: big ten network
wide receiver
Already a cause for concern heading into this season, the position became even more intriguing following reports that wideout Ke'Andre Lambert-Smith was considering a move. Losing him, who had a career-best 573 yards and four TDs a year ago, would hurt the rotation. The addition of Julian Fleming, a transfer from Ohio State, is important, but Penn State needs more options outside of that.
The offense ranked 109th nationally in 20-yard pass plays, 90th in pass production and 73rd in explosive play rate, in part due to a lack of critical game-breaking wide receivers. . Harrison Wallace was injured for much of last season, but Malik McClain, Liam Clifford and Omari Evans are looking to move up the depth chart.
edge blocking
Drew Shelton has been sidelined this spring after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed injury, but is likely the favorite to replace Olu Fashanu at left tackle. Anthony Donkoe played right tackle a year ago, but 6-foot-8, 315-pound Nolan Lucci, a transfer from Wisconsin, is a candidate for the position. Without Shelton on the field, Penn State will have a chance to scout its LT depth, including Jeven Williams.
linebacker
The decision to move Abdul Carter to edge rusher could have interesting consequences for Linebacker U heading into the season as new defensive coordinator Tom Allen looks to rewrite the script for the team on the ball.
Carter's move could lead to more creativity at the back. Tony Rojas and Kobe King appear to be the starters, but there is stiff competition for the third role, with Keon Wiley and Dominic DeLuca competing for snaps there. Tamir Robinson and Kaveion Keys are also in the mix.
Become more aggressive in attack
Drew Allard returns as quarterback, but failed to live up to five-star expectations in his debut season as a starter. New coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has arrived from Kansas State and hopes to spice up the unit. His KU offense can score on quick or long drives, and he will look to change schemes to create more explosive plays and bring pace to this offense. Especially on third down.
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