Penn State wrapped up preseason camp on Tuesday after making “significant progress,” head coach James Franklin said, and now begins game preparation for its season opener at West Virginia. One key point Franklin made after practice on Tuesday was about the Nittany Lions’ offensive progress of late.
“There comes a point where you just have to put somebody in,” Franklin told reporters after practice in State College. “You see good things on tape, you have some concerns and areas you need to work on, but it’s hard to really judge that until you play against somebody else. As far as where we are and what we can improve on, I’m happy with what we’ve done. There are areas where we’ve made significant progress. It’s a lot more competitive between offense and defense. … I think we’re in a good position.”
In other Penn State football news, the eighth-ranked Nittany Lions are set to visit West Virginia on August 31.
Drew Allar deserves “absolute respect within the program”
Allar, Penn States starting quarterback in his second year, was elected team captain for the first time. Franklin said Allar deserved the title.
“He’s really done everything right,” Franklin said of Allar. “He’s always been a really good preparation guy. He and Beau (Pribula) are really good in that regard. It’s not like it’s just one thing (Allar has improved). If you keep watching the clock and doing the right things, you get better and you gain confidence, you gain experience and the game starts to slow down.”
“Drew has lost 10 pounds, he runs better, moves better. It’s total development in every area: the way he works, the way he prepares and the way he trains. And he was voted captain by his peers and all the coaches and staff because we all see how he handles his business. Absolute respect within the program.”
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The offensive is making progress
Last week, Franklin said Penn State’s offensive performance in some practice games “hasn’t been as clean as you’d like.” This week, Franklin pointed to the offense’s improved consistency in practice games. He also again praised the progress of receivers Trey Wallace and Liam Clifford, who have moved up the order, and also praised Julian Fleming and Omari Evans.
A unique move in the offensive
Redshirt freshman J’ven Williams spent last season as a backup to left tackle Olu Fashanu. The two roomed together on away trips because Williams wanted to train alongside the All-American and eventually replace him. Now Williams is training at a different position. Williams (6’5″, 290 lbs) played guard during practice, a move that would broaden his horizons.
“We try to create as much flexibility as possible on the offensive line to be able to solve problems and also look at players at different positions,” Franklin said. “… When J’ven moves to guard, you don’t know how he’s going to handle it, but sometimes he’s more comfortable with the lack of space.”
Such line changes are nothing new. Last year, former guard Anthony Donkoh played tackle for the first time in his career and was so successful that the move became permanent. In addition, guard Vega Ioane takes over the center position and guard JB Nelson works as tackle.
“I think we have more answers internally (on the offensive line), and we want to make sure we have enough answers outside as well,” Franklin said.
Two freshman running backs join the discussion
Penn State appears to have five players at the running back position. In addition to Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the Nittany Lions are looking for a No. 3 running back. Franklin said that will likely be redshirt freshman Cam Wallace, who missed some time during training camp. However, true freshmen Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith are also pushing for playing time and will likely earn it, too.
Martin made his presence felt in the Blue-White game, scoring two touchdowns, while Smith joined the team this summer, returning from an injury sustained during his senior year of high school. However, Smith has accelerated his development this summer.
“Corey has worked his way into that discussion,” Franklin said when asked about the No. 3 running back. “Corey has done some really good things. Cam Wallace is probably in the lead, but it’s a battle between all three. Both Quinton and Corey will play this year.”
What’s next for the Nittany Lions?
Penn State is beginning to reduce practice time and reps after what Franklin described as a physical training camp. The staff is also having its final conversations with players about who will be placed on the developmental squad, which will play a scrimmage game Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
The Nittany Lions will conduct additional workouts such as “No Sweat Thursday” and “Fast Friday” and then begin the regular week of play on Sunday. Franklin said the team will send 80 players to West Virginia to watch the kickoff at noon on FOX. Interestingly, the team also plans to bus the rest of the squad to Morgantown on Saturday to watch the game there.
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Penn State on SI is the go-to source for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Editor Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, following three coaching teams, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on X (or Twitter) @MarkWogenrich.
