Penn State OC Taylor Mouser Evaluates Fall Camp Progress, Names Top Performers

When asked on Monday, Penn State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser struggled to name an offensive MVP through three weeks of fall camp. Not because no one was impressive, but because too many players were in contention.

He initially jumped to Iowa State transfer guard Trevor Buhr, who he cited as extremely consistent.

“(Buhr) doesn’t lose in pass pro, violent at the point of attack, and we got some really big dudes in there on the defensive line,” Mouser said. “So, I think just being the same guy in a time period where it’s hard to find.”

Mouser also showed love to offensive tackles Malachi Goodman and Anthony Donkoh, who are both projected to start this fall, saying he’s been impressed by his first look at Donkoh coming off injury. He then compared guard Cooper Cousins to Buhr for their shared intensity.

“I love the way he plays with his hair on fire,” Mouser said. “Like if I could switch places with anyone, I might switch places with Cooper Cousins just because of how violent and how much fun that guy has playing football. He’s awesome.”

Mouser added that Goodman, projected starter at left tackle, and Buhr, projected starter at left guard, play with a chemistry that feels years in the making. And despite throwing in new wrinkles and situations throughout practice, there haven’t been any glaring missed assignments in pass protection.

“When you walk into the O-line meeting, it’s gross and disgusting and hilarious, just like you think it would be for those guys … I’ve been really impressed with those guys,” Mouser said.

But the praise didn’t stop with the linemen. While Buhr was the overall camp MVP, Mouser said wide receiver Zay Robinson “might have been the MVP” during the full team scrimmage on Saturday inside Beaver Stadium.

“I mean, he was phenomenal, and you got a wide receiver room that’s in a different position than it was in spring ball,” Mouser said. “So the only way to come in and contribute to that is work ethic and earning the trust of people.”

Wide receiver Koby Howard, Mouser said, “has turned into one of our best blockers on the perimeter,” and he’s hoping Robinson will follow Howard’s lead to refine his own blocking in order to earn playing time.

Additionally, Mouser noted wide receiver Chase Sowell had his best practice in a Penn State uniform during the scrimmage. Another receiver to watch is redshirt freshman Karon Brookins, who Mouser said is “as talented” as any wide receiver he’s coached. His strength is route-running, but learning the playbook is the next step in his development.

Transitioning to his own position room, the tight ends, Mouser again offered effusive praise for a wide range of names, including Ben Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea, who will both see substantial time this fall.

“I think the strength of that group is going to be the depth that we have,” Mouser said. “So it’s good to see guys be able to go in different spots, and similar to the O-line, you like to see like who plays really well next to each other.”

In a surprising answer, Mouser named former walk-on and State College native Finn Furmanek — who was quickly placed on scholarship when the new staff arrived — as the most impressive tight end during Saturday’s scrimmage.

“He played the most reps, he was blocking really good on the ball, he was split out,” Mouser said. “Like he’s a guy that’s going to play a lot of football for us this year. That I don’t think gets talked about enough.”

During that practice, which was described as “violent” and “physical,” the offense was able to get over 90 plays in, more than an average game during the season. As a result, several veterans were given a rest day during Monday’s practice to recover.

“We’re farther along than I would have expected, especially given the nature of us having a couple of bumps and bruises, but I’ve been really pleased, and it was good to see those guys have a good day Saturday,” Mouser said. “… The plays are the plays, but the way that we’re playing is what I’ve been the most impressed with.”