FOOTBALL

Penn State football spring practice notes: RBs looking elite and more

From running backs to the Penn State QB battle, here is what we saw at practice today.

Published

2 months ago

April 11, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football spring practice, Penn State running backs

Penn State football spring practice; April 11, 2023. Credit: Gracie Carella

Note: This is an opinionated article based on Chris Mangum’s observations of today’s Penn State football practice.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Per usual, the Nittany Lions allowed the press to watch a selected portion of their spring ball drills this afternoon. During today’s Penn State football spring practice, the Lions’ running backs stood out to me more than anything. As Drew Allar and Beau Pribula launched passes down the field and Penn State’s revamped offensive line hit the sled to my right, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and the other running backs caught my eye as they ran through a series of drills.

If Penn State football wants its offense to meet expectations this fall, these running backs will need to carry their weight; if today’s Penn State football spring practice was any indication, there is no need to worry about the ground game. Here are my gut reactions to Penn State’s practice.

Penn State football spring practice: RBs standing out

Today, Penn State’s running backs were looking good, and while this may be unsurprising to some, it stood out to me. In fact, not only are Penn State’s running backs looking fast, but Penn State stars Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are looking bigger and faster than they did a year ago.

Another notable aspect that we have seen a few times this spring is that the running backs’ hands are improving. As sophomores, Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton might be catching the ball more than we saw last fall, which only adds another scary element to this year’s Penn State football offense.

Some 📸 from the final open practice before Blue-White.@coachseider putting in work along with @NickSingletonn and @kaytron_allen #WeAre

Via: @hannahhmillerr_ pic.twitter.com/8ihIuMjW8Z

— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) April 11, 2023

More than anything, the focus and physicality were evident during today’s practice. Despite loads of contact and constant noise, few mistakes were made — the Nittany Lions’ running backs are already looking to be in mid-season form. With the addition of Trey Potts, a Big Ten veteran RB, Penn State’s running back room might be the best in the Big Ten conference.

Quarterbacks looked good, but there is work to be done

This fall, for the first time since 2018, a quarterback not named Sean Clifford will take the field as Penn State’s full-time starting quarterback. Right now, we are in the middle of a position battle surrounding the quarterback spot between rising sophomores Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, who bring different aspects to the Penn State football offense.

Allar, of the top recruits in the nation in 2022, is the projected Week 1 starter, though it is clear that there is still a bit of work to be done.

While Penn State’s quarterbacks looked quite solid once again, there were still a few notable over and under throws, though this is nothing that cannot be worked out by the time the fall opener rolls around on September 2nd. Still, if practice is any indication, this Penn State quarterback battle is genuine. Drew Allar looks solid, but Beau Pribula has stood out to me as much as anyone. His accuracy and speed make him a dangerous threat. Even if he is not QB1 come the West Virginia game, Pribula will likely still see a relevant role on Penn State’s offense.

Special teams is still working some things out.

Penn State football ran through a few special team field goal drills at the beginning of the practice availability. Right now, the Nittany Lions are looking to replace the long snapper, punter, and kicker, which is no small task.

So far, from what I have seen in practice, no one has stood out as a bona fide starter, which should be a major storyline to follow during the Blue-White game this weekend.

Make sure to stay tuned to Basic Blues Nation for more coverage following media availability with James Franklin and others later this evening.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation; we are proud to be a student and alumni-owned and operated media outlet covering all things Penn State athletics! Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State teams. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

Up Next

James Franklin shares his thoughts on Penn State’s NIL situation

Don't Miss

Jay Paterno doubles down on NIL stance

Click to comment

FOOTBALL

New Penn State football commit says PSU can win national title

The newest Penn State football commit is gunning for a national title.

Published

22 hours ago

June 4, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, Deryc Plazz, national title, 2024 recruiting class

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Penn State football made an exciting addition to its 2024 recruiting class by securing the commitment of three-star offensive tackle Deryc Plazz from Florida. Shortly after joining the team, Plazz expressed his bold aspirations for Penn State’s future, confidently proclaiming that the program is poised to claim a future national title and more.

A future national title for Penn State football?

Freshly committed to Penn State football, Deryc Plazz wasted no time in immersing himself in the pursuit of the team’s first national championship since 1986. This promising three-star prospect from Florida showcased his ambitious mindset by sharing his optimistic vision for the future of football in Happy Valley.

“The current class is amazing and it’s truly a blessing to be a part of something this special,” Plazz said, according to Steve Wiltfong. “Looking to load this class up and bring a Natty to Happy Valley.”

Deryc Plazz, Penn State gunning to go above and beyond in the years to come

Plazz doesn’t just want to win a national title during his time at Penn State football, he believes that the Nittany Lions are on track to do so in the near future.

“What’s most exciting about the program is that we’re on track to win a National Championship and that’s the purpose of playing,” Plazz continued. “The opportunity to win a National Championship was the biggest thing. Just knowing that we will constantly be competitive in the college football playoff while and with this 24 class loading up I know we will definitely win it.”

A glass ceiling that needs to break

Currently, Penn State football is showing promising signs of being a strong contender for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff this upcoming season. Preseason polls from various outlets consistently rank the Nittany Lions within the range of No. 5-10, which is well-deserved considering their impressive 11-2 record and Rose Bowl victory under the leadership of James Franklin last year.

However, many projections still anticipate Penn State falling short against formidable opponents like Michigan and Ohio State, which would likely result in another New Year’s Six bowl appearance for the team.

While such a season would still be commendable, as being a top 10 program is an achievement in itself, it is encouraging to see the aspirations of Deryc Plazz and the rest of the 2024 recruiting class. Their desire to strive for greater success in the Blue and White during their tenure is a positive indicator of the program’s ambitions and the determination of its players, commits, and the team’s culture in the years to come.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter 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 basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

FOOTBALL

Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith joins PA-based sports talent firm

The Penn State WR is the third Nittany Lion to sign with the firm since May.

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2023

Matt Thomas

Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State Football, PA sports talent firm

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, it was announced that Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith had signed with Inch & Co. Sports, a new PA-based sports talent firm. Lambert-Smith becomes the third Penn State football player to sign with the firm in the last month. The founders of Inch & Co. Sports, John and Jeff Inch, and their larger network of PA-based companies, have become increasingly involved in Penn State’s NIL and athlete representation landscape over the last year.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith signs with PA-based sports talent firm

On Saturday evening, Inch & Co. Sports announced via its social media pages that the organization had signed KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The Penn State WR is coming off a budding end to the 2022 season, where he hauled in 8 catches for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Nittany Lions’ final two games. Reporting out of spring practice indicated that Lambert-Smith had separated himself from the pack of Penn State receivers.

“He’s been really good so far this spring,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We need him to be THE guy, a true number one [receiver], not just at Penn State but really in the [Big Ten] and a guy that people are talking about nationally.”

Welcome @drelambertt ! pic.twitter.com/KzF4jkbo1H

— Inch & Co. Sports (@inchandcosports) June 3, 2023

Inch & Co. Sports establishes itself in the Penn State football NIL landscape

Inch & Co. Sports is a York County, PA-based sports talent firm. The company’s founders, brothers John and Jeff Inch, are credited with starting “one of the fastest growing real estate construction companies in the U.S.” According to the firm’s website, its mission is “Representing our athletes with integrity and originality…Whether it’s giving back to the underprivileged, monetizing their image, or guiding them through a professional decision; building trust through honesty is our goal.”

KeAndre Lambert-Smith is the third Penn State football player to sign with the organization since May. The firm first signed QB Beau Pribula, who was a standout at York Central High School, on May 16. Inch & Co. added CB Johnny Dixon later in the month.

Over the last several months, the Inch & Co. network of companies has been establishing itself in the Penn State NIL landscape. In December, the company made headlines when it provided Teslas via a NIL partnership to four Nittany Lions – QB Drew Allar, LB Abdul Carter, CB Kalen King, and OT Olu Fashanu. Pribula was added to the partnership several weeks later.

Inch&Co supports Penn State football in a Big way,THANK YOU 🤘🏿 pic.twitter.com/UPLX3NaY2b

— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) December 8, 2022

FOOTBALL

New Penn State football quarterback set to enroll early next spring

New Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer is set to enroll early next spring.

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2023

Chris Mangum

All Blue and White fans are clamoring about new Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer, who committed to the Nittany Lions late last month. Now, new reports are suggesting that Penn State’s new quarterback intends to enroll in the university early next spring and get extra time with the team and coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season.

Ethan Grunkemeyer set to enroll early

Ethan Grunkemeyer has been a heavily discussed topic among Penn State football fans. At first, a number of fans and talking heads jumped to conclusions, all voicing disappointment due to his three-star rating. However, upon closer observation, it becomes clear that this new 2024 QB may turn into something special as time goes on.

Grunkemeyer, like Drew Allar, committed to Penn State as a three-star but is expected to become a four-star or even better when all is said and done. In fact, Grunkemeyer earned a bid in State College last month and will be competing with the nation’s top quarterbacks at the Elite 11 finals.

“I’m just really excited to be surrounded by great people — Coach Franklin, Coach Yurcich, Coach [Danny] O’Brien,” Grunkemeyer told 247 Sports in a recent podcast interview. “I’ve built a really good relationship with all those guys. And I know Drew, and he loves his experience there so far. So I’m really happy where I landed, and I’m really excited to start to work with those guys.”

Penn State football has something special with new 2024 quarterback

According to the most recent composite rankings, Penn State football quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer remains a three-star recruit. He is currently ranked as the No. 751 recruit in the nation, the No. 46 quarterback in the 2024 class, and the No. 24 recruit in the state of Ohio. While he may not be the highest-ranked recruit in Penn State’s class, the Nittany Lions have a special player with a bright future ahead of them.