J’ven Williams took reps in rotation with a deep field of Penn State’s offensive linemen at Wednesday’s practice viewing session. Perhaps preparing the young members of the group for the team’s Beaver Stadium opener and the energy it’s likely to bring, analyst Frank Leonard had no problem screaming in their faces with each rep.
“Gotta be a fighter, J’ven!” yelled Leonard, repeating the same thing to each linemen who followed. And there is some truth to Leonard’s advice. Playing time is up for grabs for underclassmen, like Williams, if the Nittany Lions are to blow out Bowling Green on Saturday — a highly possible scenario.
Williams, a former five-star recruit, played 10 snaps at left tackle in the team’s season-opening winning at West Virginia this past weekend. And if all goes well this Saturday, he should see the field significantly more, as well as the other rising stars within the program.
Here are more updates and observations from the team’s most recent practice viewing session.
Dinkins returns to practice
Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins was an active participant in practice on Wednesday. Dinkins was ruled out ahead of the win against the Mountaineers, and had not been present for a viewing session at any point of the preseason.
After appearing in a combined 22 games over the previous two seasons, Dinkins entered the offseason as the Nittany Lions’ likely No. 2 tight end behind Tyler Warren. Dinkins has historically been used primarily as one of the team’s key run-blocking weapons, but also scored a pair of touchdowns last season.
His potential return could be a nice addition for a tight end room oozing with depth and talent. Andrew Rappleyea and former five-star freshman Luke Reynolds combined for 38 snaps at West Virginia with Dinkins sidelined.
Saunders back to work at receiver
Kaden Saunders practiced with the wide receivers, as he did at last week’s practice viewing session, after an injury limited him to punt-returning duties against the Mountaineers. Franklin said on Monday that Saunders was ruled a game-time decision and opted to keep him at returner because of an anticipated influx of fair-catch opportunities.
Franklin said he’s “hoping” that Saunders, who was in contention for a starting job entering the year, is back at receiver on Saturday.
NFL scouts return for more Allar
There were a total of 22 NFL scouts at Penn State’s season opener against West Virginia. A pair came from the Carolina Panthers, and that pair stopped by practice on Wednesday. At the game, one of these scouts said they were there almost solely to watch quarterbacks Drew Allar and Garrett Greene, as well as anyone else who “popped.”
Allar certainly did that, throwing for 216 yards and three touchdowns. And it’s safe to assume the Panthers, as well as other NFL teams, are beginning to look seriously into Allar as a potential draft option this spring.
