Penn State is just days away from taking the field at Beaver Stadium to 100,000-plus roaring fans as a comfortable favorite over the visiting Nevada Wolfpack.
But before that, members of the media were given a glimpse of Wednesday’s practice amid a beautiful day in State College with notes of fall in the air.
Led by Dan Connor, the linebackers worked on reading passes and jumping them for interceptions. It was a rare opportunity for defensive players to show off their hands, with redshirt sophomore DaKaari Nelson making an impressive outstretched grab.
Former Penn State standout LaVar Arrington was in attendance, and spent time watching his former position group go through various position drills.
Beside them, defensive ends worked on bending around position coach Deion Barnes, who swung at them with blocking pads, before swatting the football away from a student manager mimicking an opposing quarterback.
Ahead of the season starting, the roster was split into the two-deep group and the practice squad group, providing some semblance of a glimpse into the depth chart.
The six wide receivers who branched off for work with position coach Marques Hagans were Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, Liam Clifford, Tyseer Denmark and Aaron Enterline. However, Enterline was wearing the No. 3 instead of his usual No. 86, indicating he’s been selected as a member of the practice squad.
The receivers went through the usual gauntlet of drills, beginning with hopping on one leg to practice balance and planting their foot to stop on a dime.
They transitioned into a high-point drill, in which Enterline showed off his leaping ability, before they joined up with the quarterbacks.
Notably, Drew Allar and Ethan Grunkemeyer traded reps while Jaxon Smolik worked with the scout team. Franklin said on Monday he would make a decision on the QB2 battle that night, but he hasn’t met with the media since. It’s likely an official answer is revealed on Wednesday night, though signs point to Grunkemeyer taking the reins.
The two worked with tight ends on short crossing routes before working to longer passes with the receiver corps. Receivers ran an assortment of routes, with Koby Howard notably joining the group and wearing his normal No. 3 jersey, indicating a spot on the two-deep.
Several of Allar’s throws appeared delayed, with receivers coming to a complete stop or slowing down to catch passes, though he hit Clifford in stride on a post route.
Meanwhile, the offensive line went through drills on the far side of the field, with Anthony Donkoh operating at right guard and Nolan Rucci at right tackle. Head coach James Franklin has alluded to Donkoh potentially kicking inside after starting last season at right tackle before a severe injury.
