Penn State Practice Observations: Starting OL Returns From Absence, LB Depth Thinning

The sun shined so bright on Wednesday that Penn State coaches were wiping the sweat from their brims. As spring pushes toward its full potential, the fire that’s been burning within the Nittany Lions’ practice facilities for over a month is now as hot as ever. With the Blue-White Game set for Saturday, this week is all about preparing for competition.

Sure, not everyone will be playing in the scrimmage. That likely goes for a handful of returning starters with skill sets known and no need to risk injury, as well as a select group of players who have been absent with prospective injuries for weeks. So, with all that said, what are some developments that stood out from Wednesday’s practice viewing session?

RUCCI RETURNS, OTHERS ABSENT

Penn State’s offensive line began the offseason as arguably the team’s deepest position group. But after a few injuries and one notable transfer, the group has had a different look this spring. That was until Wednesday, when potential starting right tackle Nolan Rucci returned to the practice field, present for the last of four spring practice viewing sessions.

Rucci’s bid for the starting lineup likely rests on the availability of Anthony Donkoh, come fall camp. Donkoh started the first 11 games of the last season before sustaining a season-ending injury that led to a promotion for Rucci, who started the final six games of the campaign, excelling in his new role.

Also back in action was redshirt freshman running back Quinton Martin Jr., vying for the team’s third-string spot behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Martin was not present during last Tuesday’s viewing session.

Other notable players absent on Wednesday: DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, TE Luke Reynolds, S King Mack, CB Zion Tracy, LB Tony Rojas.

A THIN LINEBACKER ROOM 

Ta’Mere Robinson is gone, off to USC after entering the transfer portal last week. His departure has made a position room thin on depth, especially with Rojas sidelined, even thinner. There were just six scholarship linebackers participating in drills on Wednesday: Dominic DeLuca, Keon Wylie, Anthony Speca, Kari Jackson, LaVar Arrington II and Alex Tatsch.

With Rojas absent and Robinson on the West Coast, the spotlight is now shining even brighter on Wylie, returning from a season-ending injury, and second-year Speca to fill a major void. Perhaps, with the transfer portal still open, the Nittany Lions utilize it to add another linebacker, just to be safe.

EYES ON WIDE RECEIVERS

The wide receivers have commanded the attention since spring practice began. But now, with the transfer portal open and the college football world waiting on James Franklin to land another pass catcher, there’s even more. Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson will address the local media on Wednesday for the first time since transferring in this winter. It should be interesting.

But prior to their meeting with reporters, Ross and Hudson gave another glimpse at their abilities on the field. In a blocking drill that pinned receivers to defensive backs and the ball in the hands of another receiver, tasked with maneuvering through the mess, Ross and Hudson excelled. Ross, as a quick mover. Hudson, on the blocking end.

NO MOVEMENT ON QB2 BATTLE

Penn State’s backup quarterback battle should attract some significant attention at Saturday’s spring practice. At Wednesday’s viewing session, Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik appeared to split reps evenly, suggesting that this competition is knotted up. They traded passes to tight ends, which Smolik looked especially strong in, promising after missing all of last year.