FOOTBALL

Penn State football: Final takeaways from spring practice and the Blue/White game

Our parting thoughts on this year’s Penn State football Blue/White spring game.

Published

1 month ago

April 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State Blue/White game; April 15th, 2023. Credit: Gracie Carella//Basic Blues Nation

Now two weeks removed from the Nittany Lions’ spring game, the focus for both coaches and fans has shifted to national recruiting efforts and summer football activities. The spring practices and the Blue/White game held on April 15th provided valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of Penn State football. As such, we have gathered some final thoughts on the team’s performance during the spring practices and the Blue/White game.

What did we learn about Penn State football Blue/White game and spring ball?

The biggest takeaway from Penn State’s spring practices and the Blue/White game is that the team is relatively young, with first-year starters like Drew Allar still settling into their roles. While this may temper expectations for immediate success, the Nittany Lions have proven to be one of the most talented and explosive programs in the nation on both sides of the ball. The Blue/White game showcased flashes of greatness that, if sustained and developed over the summer, could make Penn State a formidable opponent in the Big Ten during the 2023 season.

For the Nittany Lions to succeed, repetition will be key, particularly for Allar as he continues to adjust to the starting quarterback position. The offensive line will also need time to develop and build cohesion, and the defense must sort out its issues along the defensive line.

Overall, the potential is there for this to be one of the most talented Penn State teams in history, but it remains to be seen how they will develop over the course of the season. James Franklin and his coaching staff have a big task ahead of them in putting all the pieces together and maximizing the team’s potential.

Is the QB battle real or fake?

Penn State football head coach James Franklin, as well as quarterbacks Beau Pribula and Drew Allar, have all acknowledged the ongoing quarterback competition in State College. However, in my opinion, the QB1 position is already secured by Drew Allar, leaving Pribula as QB2.

Despite this, I believe Pribula will still see significant playing time this season due to the unique skillset that he brings to the table for the Penn State Nittany Lions as a runner. Additionally, if he continues to develop, Pribula could potentially take over as the starter in 2025 if he chooses to stick around after this year.

It’s worth noting that Pribula is a highly talented quarterback who has been impressing coaches and scouts for some time now, but his biggest obstacle at Penn State is competing with Drew Allar, who has also been turning heads with his skills on the field.

Running backs looking to take the next step in 2023, and few teams are going to be able to stop them

Penn State football fans are already familiar with the dynamic duo of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. As true freshmen last season, the two elite running backs burst onto the scene, helping to carry the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 season with a victory in the Rose Bowl. Now, as rising sophomores, Allen and Singleton are aiming for even bigger things. If the Michigan Wolverines’ Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards stay healthy, the Penn State duo could have some stiff competition for the title of best running back duo in the nation.

One major factor that could contribute to a significant improvement for the elite ball-carriers in their second year is the Nittany Lions’ revamped offensive line. While Penn State football saw improved offensive line play in 2022, it appears that the O-line could take yet another step forward in 2023.

With improved size, speed, and strength, both Allen and Singleton have elevated their game this fall. Despite their added bulk, the duo moves with remarkable agility and quickness. Supported by a revamped offensive line and a former five-star quarterback at the helm, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen have the potential to elevate Penn State football to the top of the rushing ranks this season, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable running back tandems in the country.

Two rising stars emerge on the defensive side of the football for the Nittany Lions during spring ball

Penn State football has a longstanding reputation for developing elite linebackers, and that tradition continues in State College with the emergence of true freshman Tony Rojas. According to James Franklin and veteran players, Rojas has been turning heads in spring practice, adding 29 pounds of muscle while simultaneously increasing his speed.

Rojas has also demonstrated a strong grasp of the playbook, along with excellent spatial awareness and a natural feel for the game. His impressive performance during the Penn State football spring game, where he led the team in tackles, only reinforces the high expectations surrounding him.

Sophomore defensive tackle Zane Durant is another player generating buzz this spring, particularly due to the need for depth along the defensive line. James Franklin and other players have praised Durant’s progress, which bodes well for the Nittany Lions’ defense in year two under Manny Diaz.

The fact that both Durant and Rojas have garnered repeated praise from various coaches and players indicates that they are on track for success this season.

Recruiting is going over well in State College this spring following the Penn State football Blue/White game

Although James Franklin is known for doing most of his recruiting during the summer, Penn State football’s recruiting efforts have been exceptional this spring. Just yesterday, the team secured a commitment from elite four-star running back Corey Smith, making him the 13th commitment for the 2024 recruiting cycle. With a current national ranking of No. 5, the Nittany Lions’ 2024 recruiting class is one of the best in the country, and the team is poised to secure a few more significant recruits this summer.

Moreover, Penn State football’s 2025 recruiting class is also in excellent shape, currently ranked in the top three nationally. While the rankings at this stage may not be a significant predictor of success until signing day, Penn State is undoubtedly making progress on the recruiting trail. The team is on a roll, and this is not good news for the Big Ten.

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

14 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).