Tuesday marked the beginning of spring practice for Penn State under coach James Franklin. It could be a crucial time for the team in Happy Valley.
In his 11th year leading the team, Franklin has the task of introducing three new coordinators: Andy Kotelnicki (offense), Tom Allen (defense), and Justin Lustig (special teams).
Franklin stated, “We have put in a lot of work already due to the new coordinators, but there is still a lot more work to do before the Aug. 31 opener at West Virginia.” He emphasized the need to take it one day at a time and be as aggressive as possible.
Franklin praised the new coordinators not only for their roles in offense, defense, and special teams, but also as staff members. He mentioned that Tom is enjoying being a coordinator again and acknowledged the experience of Lustig and Andy.
A review of the Nittany Lions’ positions as they begin their 15 spring practices, ending with the annual Blue-White Game on April 13 at Beaver Stadium.
QUARTERBACK
The success of Penn State in 2024 could largely depend on how returning starter Drew Allar works alongside Kotelnicki.
Franklin highlighted a greater emphasis on the play-action game to open up the entire field and create more explosive plays.
Kotelnicki is known for devising strategies to open up players as offensive coordinator at Kansas, despite often having less talented players to work with.
Franklin mentioned, “We are focused on the combination of what was achieved at Kansas and what we did in the last few games—specifically, play-action pass, motions, shifts, formations, bunches, and stacks to challenge opponents in man coverage.”
Allar excelled in the touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2023 and set a record for most passes at the start of a career without an interception.
However, Allar struggled in losses to Ohio State, Michigan, and Ole Miss and still has untapped potential as a former five-star prospect.
Franklin expressed confidence in Allar's readiness to progress, noting his excitement about the team's developments and positive physical changes during the offseason.
RUNNING BACK
The spring is expected to be relatively relaxed for co-starters Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who have already proven themselves in their first two seasons.
The team will closely evaluate redshirt freshmen Cam Wallace and London Montgomery, a former standout at Scranton Prep. Additionally, true freshman Quinton Martin was one of the team’s highly-rated recruits from December.
Montgomery aims to make an impact after not having significant playtime since 2021 due to an injury during his senior season at Prep, followed by a year of redshirting.
“Every time he takes the football field he contributes positively to our team, but he hasn't significantly changed his physique,” Franklin stated. “I believe he's still only 185 pounds, so that's going to pose a challenge for him.
“However, when it comes to football, he's quite skilled. He's shown great potential in our practice sessions. He just needs to realize that there are certain off-field actions required to translate that potential onto the field. It's quite different. You're attempting to block someone like Kobe King and Abdul Carter, who weigh 250 pounds, while you're only 185 pounds. I may not have been a math major, but that usually doesn't work out very well.”
WIDE RECEIVER
The Lions have improved their squad with the addition of Ohio State veteran Julian Fleming through the transfer portal.
The former Southern Columbia record-breaker will join returning starters KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a lack of talent at wide receiver,” Franklin said. “If you look at our players, their athleticism and testing numbers, I believe they are as good as anywhere in the country. I think with another year of experience, combined with some adjustments in our offensive approach, and Marques Hagans entering his second year as the receivers coach, will be beneficial as well.
“Furthermore, I believe Julian Fleming, another local talent that we have brought back home, has brought a level of experience and maturity that I think has been really positive and has approached things in the right manner since he arrived on campus.”
TIGHT END
Penn State secured a significant victory at the end of the year when Tyler Warren declined the draft to play another season with the Lions.
The 6-foot-6 standout has demonstrated his ability. Now the Lions are expecting him to assume a greater leadership role. Franklin pointed to Warren and safety Kevin Winston as “two examples of many that we need to take the next step” as leaders.
“One of the things we've been discussing a lot this offseason is that guys need to be willing to step outside their comfort zone as leaders and be vocal leaders,” Franklin said. “I believe that most guys of this generation want to lead by example and may not necessarily want to speak up, challenge, or confront teammates from time to time.
“I've even mentioned to them about being comfortable to come into my office and have frank conversations with me. I want more of that. I want that kind of feedback. I think it’s really important.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Penn State must fill the vacancies left by both starting tackles and its center from last year, including one of the most talented offensive linemen to ever play for the program in Olu Fashanu.
It will take some time to determine the bookends, as one of the top contenders to start, Drew Shelton, will miss the spring while recovering from offseason surgery.
“Right now, obviously we wish we had him,” Franklin said. “But I believe in the long term it will be in his best interest and our best interest as well. However, we have several guys there that we feel good about.”
A fascinating choice is Anthony Donkoh, who filled in at right tackle as a freshman during the bowl game and performed well.
Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci is also a player to keep an eye on, as he was the former No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania and the son of Lions letterman Todd Rucci.
"Bringing Rucci back home was a significant move for us," Franklin explained. "He's a young man we're very familiar with. He comes from a family with strong Penn State connections and was highly recruited. He's already up to 315 pounds, which has been a bit of a challenge for him. I don't think he ever reached 300 pounds during his time at his previous school, but he looks great."
DEFENSIVE LINE
All attention will be on Abdul Carter, who is transitioning from linebacker. This was a move that Carter requested himself.
"He was really struggling to maintain his weight as a linebacker," Franklin observed. "Him and Kobe. They've been hovering around 250, above or below, for a while. So, I think his body was telling him he could make the move if necessary and desired, and there's an opportunity there.
"So, having the depth, talent, and the length we desire at the defensive end position, I believe this will be a win-win for everyone. … I know Abdul is excited about it, and we're eager to have the chance to work with him, but it's a significant change. He's never really done this before, and it's a big change."
LINEBACKER
With Carter's move, the Lions will need to determine how much they will use three-linebacker sets, especially given Allen’s history of utilizing a 4-2-5 look with a hybrid safety/linebacker spot.
King, along with Dominic DeLuca from Wyoming Area and true sophomore Tony Rojas, will be significant. However, there's still much to be decided during the spring and summer.
"With our linebacker situation, I believe we've built pretty good depth," Franklin stated. "And then the ability to play a little more nickel as well. These things, I believe, are beneficial. I think this has the potential to be a win-win for everyone."
SECONDARY
A strong offseason performance by safety Zakee Wheatley could greatly impact how the Lions line up most frequently in the fall.
"Zakee Wheatley is a guy we expect to take a big step," Franklin noted. "He's had by far his best offseason. Not even close. This also allows us to perhaps use Reed in the nickel position that we're calling the Lion position."
Wheatley, along with returning starters Winston and Jaylen Reed, could see themselves on the field at the same time in different formations.
"There are several guys we could discuss and mention, but we feel very confident about that three-deep. And then specifically, when you talk about Winston, Reed, Wheatley, and (true sophomore King) Mack, they played a decent amount of football last year.
"That should provide some flexibility, enabling us to get three safeties on the field as we're determining who that nickel will be, whether it's from the corner position or the safety position. We have a ton of confidence in those three guys specifically, but really all four of them."
