The second phase of Penn State football’s offseason is complete.
With both winter workouts and spring practice now in the rearview mirror, the Nittany Lions won’t hold organized training until fall camp, but there’s lots to be learned from the recent stanza of practice viewings.
While most of the team’s depth chart still mimics what was expected entering spring ball, there are a few updates worth noting. A full, way-too-early offensive depth chart can be found here.
Barry Battling
After transferring in from Division III Christopher Newport this offseason, quarterback Connor Barry has put together an impressive offseason that may push him higher up the depth chart than anticipated.
On March 31, head coach Matt Campbell called Barry “the surprise of camp,” and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters praised him for his veteran poise. Barry has taken advantage of the team’s virtual reality equipment, which allowed him to get simulated reps against different coverages this offseason, an important part of his development.
During practice viewing windows, Barry has backed that up with solid performances. At Saturday’s Blue-White Practice, he threw a touchdown pass to tight end Brian Kortovich during a seven-on-seven drive and rushed for another score during 11-on-11 action.
Though he was also picked off by cornerback Daryus Dixson, Barry was arguably the most impressive quarterback during the event and saw extended reps due to Rocco Becht and Alex Manske being limited and unavailable, respectively.
Though Becht has QB1 locked up, Barry could battle into the backup spot before the season-opener.
Power to the Peoples
The battle for Penn State’s starting running back has been a three-horse race for most of the offseason.
Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen, Ohio State transfer James Peoples and returner Quinton Martin Jr. have been battling to gain ground on the depth chart, and while all three should see sizable snaps this fall, Peoples is slowly gaining momentum.
Hansen, who started the last two seasons with the Cyclones, is still viewed as the favorite and has gotten first-team reps throughout the spring. However, Peoples has impressed during live reps and put on a clinic during the Blue-White Practice as arguably the top back that day.
Though he may not win the RB1 role, Peoples has seemingly pulled away from Martin and should see plenty of snaps this season.
Goodman Looking Good, Man
Penn State’s offensive line depth is still largely up in the air, with four outgoing starters and battles at nearly every spot. Campbell recently stated there are 10 players capable of landing starting roles.
In that mix is Malachi Goodman, who’s drawn rave reviews from players and coaches throughout the spring. The former five-star recruit by 247Sports saw minimal playing time as a true freshman but could elevate into a starting role this fall.
Returning starter Anthony Donkoh is expected to play right tackle, but based on early buzz, Goodman could man the blindside. His biggest competition comes from Owen Aliciene and Garrett Sexton, who are viewed as swing tackles.
Defensive Line Depth
Penn State’s defensive line room has undergone some shakeups throughout the spring.
Though he wasn’t expected to see a substantial role this fall, Jordan Mayer — who was set to enter his redshirt junior season — was recently removed from the roster, damaging a position that was already viewed as a potential weak spot.
On the other hand, LaVar Arrington II recently transitioned from linebacker to defensive end, where he figures to be a pass-rush specialist. Additionally, defensive tackle Liam Andrews has spent time practicing with the defensive ends.
Based on practice reps and coach comments, UCLA transfers Siale Taupaki and Keanu Williams are expected to start along the interior, though Oklahoma State transfer Armstrong Nnodim seems to be pacing for a substantial role as well.
