Things escalated quickly. As ball-security drills wrapped up at Penn State’s practice viewing session on Tuesday, James Franklin began to shout. Other assistant coaches joined in, signaling players from both sides of the ball to meet along the 50-yard line for one-on-ones. It was a novel occurrence for reporters, to say the least.
“Snap the ball!” Franklin yelled, checking the ticking practice clock behind him. “Let’s get it going!”
One at a time, a wide receiver or tight end lined up with a defensive back in front of them. It was action packed, although brief, and showcased the competitive practice environment players and coaches had touted this offseason.
Here’s a breakdown of who stood out at Tuesday’s practice and other observations, including attendance updates, from the viewing window.
Liam Clifford drops defender
It was the Liam Clifford the Penn State media contingent had heard so much about this preseason. Clifford lined up with safety Tyrece Mills, sprinted to the right sideline and cut sharply to his right, leaving Mills in the dust for a wide-open reception.
Mills could only put his hands on his helmet in disappointment as teammates yelled, “Got Eem!” while Franklin praised Clifford with a simple, “Very nice” as he trotted by him and into the end zone.
Clifford started in the season opener at West Virginia and has tallied 56 snaps through two games, the most of any wide receiver other than Harrsion Wallace III and Julian Fleming, but has yet to tally a catch.
Freshmen battle it out
There are three true freshmen who have played thus far this season. Luke Reynolds, a tight end, and safety Dejuan Lane are two of them, and they faced off for a rep on Tuesday.
Reynolds cut from his right to his left and the 6-foot-2, 211-pound Lane was right there with him the whole way. The pass from quarterback Drew Allar didn’t help Reynolds’ case, but the ball was likely catchable and Lane did a good job of sticking with his freshman counterpart.
“Good job, Dae Dae!” Franklin yelled out to Lane.
Injury updates
Penn State defensive end Amin Vanover, who was charged Monday with a DUI, was an active participant at the viewing window.
Meanwhile, star safety Kevin Winston Jr., who exited early in the second quarter against Bowling Green with an apparent injury, was absent. Winston was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Week after the team’s season-opening win against the Mountaineers.
Tight end Andrew Rappleyea, who was ruled inactive ahead of the win against Bowling Green, was not in attendance. He was seen on the sideline in crutches on Saturday.
