Penn State’s preseason camp is winding to an end. Tuesday marked the team’s final practice viewing session of the offseason. Next week’s edition will be strictly preparation for the Aug. 31 season opener at West Virginia. And with the campaign approaching, the Nittany Lions offered a bit more than usual at Tuesday’s viewing window.
That is, the quarterbacks and wide receivers actually connected with reporters present — one of the only occurrences of such this camp.
Drew Allar launched deep balls to receivers sprinting down field, and also mixed in some short-yardage plays to others, beginning with the running backs. It’s become an expectation that offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will involve Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen more in the pass game, and Tuesday showed some steps in getting there.
Allar took most of the quarterback reps as backups Beau Pribula, Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jack Lambert traded throws alongside him. Allar threw long balls to a number of key targets, including projected top option Harrison Wallace III. Overall, Allar looked solid.
There were two NFL scouts who kept a close eye on Allar and the crop of Penn State wide receivers. They came from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. While he may not be aware of it while he’s playing in games, Allar is certain to draw a number of scouts this season, his final before becoming eligible for the draft.
It’s likely the scouts also made their way across the field, where Abdul Carter was working with defensive line coach Deion Barnes and the edge rushers. Carter was named an Associated Press Preseason All-American, and figures to be one of the first defensive ends selected in next spring’s draft, despite only recently moving from linebacker.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Carter is a bit undersized compared to the mammoth defensive end opposite him, Dani Dennis-Sutton. But he looks the part of a pass rusher capable of damage, and shows a physical resemblance to Chop Robinson, who was a first-round selection by the Miami Dolphins.
While Carter may be the most significant player to change positions this offseason, he isn’t the only one. DaKaari Nelson, ahead of his second year with the Nittany Lions, has switched from safety to linebacker. He was seen putting in work with his new unit on Tuesday, and should present himself as a depth piece behind Kobe King, Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas.
After practice, a number of coaches and players will be made available to reporters. James Franklin will start things off before the floor is handed to Kotelnicki, defensive coordinator Tom Allen and special team coordinator Justin Lustig. Players set to speak on Tuesday include Wallace, Dennis-Sutton, Rojas and guard Vega Ioane.
