ESPN says the offensive tackles are the biggest question mark facing Penn State football

As the 2024 season inches closer to kickoff, it’s time to evaluate the 2024 roster for Penn State football. While on paper this should be one of James Franklin’s strongest rosters in recent history, largely because several key members of the 2022 recruiting class enter their junior year, the Nittany Lions have holes to fill. Wide receiver was addressed via the transfer portal but according to ESPN, offensive tackle will be the biggest question mark for Penn State this fall.

Even since the 2021 season the offensive line has been outstanding for Penn State football. One of the main reasons for the turnaround in the trenches was the emergence of Olu Fashanu who ended up being a 1st round pick to the New York Jets this past April. Fashanu wasn’t the only Nittany Lion offensive lineman who heard his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft. Caedan Wallace (Patriots) and Hunter Nourzad (Cheifs) were also selected, leading Penn State to replace three starters on a cohesive unit.

At center, there shouldn’t be a steep drop-off. Veteran Nick Dawkins or true freshman Cooper Cousins will man the position for the Nittany Lions. However, the offensive tackles are less than sure things, as ESPN has labeled the position as the biggest question mark for Penn State.

Drew Shelton will likely replace Olu Fashanu at left tackle and he has starting experience during his true freshman season in 2022. On the other side of the offensive line at right tackle Wisconsin transfer and legacy product, Nolan Rucci and J’ven Williams will battle for the starting nod. Both players carried five-star rankings in high school but lacked long-term experience at the college level. If Penn State wants to be competitive in the Big Ten and silence the doubt from ESPN, they will need to ensure that the offensive line specifically offensive tackle is taking care of business.

James Franklin confirms Shelton’s return

While Drew Shelton has big shoes to fill this fall, he needs to have a healthy season if Penn State wants to compete against the best schools. Fortunately for Shelton, he was fully cleared for football according to James Franklin on June 13.

I think he’s just at the point [where he’s] super mature,” Franklin said. “I think he handled his time out physically the right way. Been a really good coach and mentor to some of the younger players. I think we talked about it this morning, he’s fully cleared now. He was pretty much doing everything [this spring]. But, he had a few limitations like in the weight room. But, he is fully cleared now. And he’s really in a good position.

“He probably needs to put on a few pounds like we’ve talked about, but besides that, he’s a super mature kid, very conscientious, very intelligent. And obviously, he’s played well when he’s been in there, all the way back to as a true freshman. So we’re expecting him to have a good year. But, this summer is going to be important for him, and training camp will be important for him because he missed all of spring.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation! Please follow us on all of our social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media.