Penn State played 14 freshmen in a 56-0 win over Kent State on Saturday. It was exactly the type of involvement down in the depth chart that James Franklin could’ve hoped for. Entering the weekend, just three three freshmen had appeared in games this season. That’s now changed significantly, and more could see the field in the near future.
Here’s a look at which freshmen have played thus far, who could see extended game action and who is on pace to burn their redshirt as soon as Oct. 5 against UCLA.
THREE GAMES
S Dejuan Lane
With Kevin Winston Jr. sidelined with a “long-term” injury, it came as no surprise to see Lane’s involvement increase substantially. That being said, few likely would have predicted that Lane would lead all defensive players with 25 snaps against the Golden Flashes. Franklin’s plan is to ultimately get Lane up to speed enough so he’s able to start alongside Zakee Wheatley, which would move Jaylen Reed back to nickel corner.
“We got a ton of respect for Dae Dae Lane. We think he’s got a very, very bright future,” Franklin said. “Would love for him to be behind KJ and learning from him, but where we’re at, we got to speed up his maturation process and get him on the field.”
TE Luke Reynolds
There appears to be no drop-off with Reynolds serving as Penn State’s No. 2 tight end, in place of the injured Andrew Rappleyea. Reynolds caught his first career receptions on Saturday, catching two passes for 27 yards. He’s so far living up to the five-star status he earned as a high school prospect, and should easily burn his redshirt at the five-game mark.
OL Cooper Cousins
Cousins played more than almost any other lineman, a snap count that implies how highly the coaching staff views him. Cousins has primarily played right guard this season, but, eventually, he’ll make his move to center, where he’s been viewed as a cornerstone for seasons to come. For now, he’s simply too advanced to leave off the field.
ONE GAME
LB Anthony Speca
Speca made his debut against Kent State, and made a case for more playing time in the future, especially if starter Dominic DeLuca is to miss extended time with an injury. Speca led the Nittany Lions with five tackles in his first outing and looks more than capable of playing meaningfully, it’s just a matter of whether Penn State wants to preserve his redshirt.
“I thought Speca came in and did some nice things for us this week, in terms of running the defense and playing with confidence, and we’re going to have to build on that,” Franklin said.
DE Max Granville
Granville should still be a senior in high school, and only joined the program a few months ago, but he’s already impressed Franklin and strength coach Chuck Losey enough to play. Granville entered the game in the first quarter and showed a quick first step that should present itself as a threat for the Nittany Lions for years to come.
“I’m not worried one bit about that guy. He is an outstanding young man across the board — work ethic, personality, demeanor,” Losey said on Sept. 11. “I’m super thrilled to have him a part of the program, and I think he’s going to have a big, big future here.”
DE Jaylen Harvey
Harvey attended the same high school, Maryland’s Quince Orchard, as former Penn State star and Miami Dolphins rookie Chop Robinson. Harvey now wears Robinson’s No. 44 and made his debut on Saturday.
WR Tyseer Denmark
There’s been a ton of excitement surrounding Denmark since the preseason, and this past weekend served as his first opportunity to show the public what the Nittany Lions have seen in practices. Denmark caught his first career reception for 13 yards, and should see more in the future, whether that’s this season or next.
RB Quinton Martin Jr.
When third-string running back Cam Wallace exited the game with an injury in the fourth quarter, in came Martin to close the game. Martin took seven carries for 24 yards, and appears the most likely candidate to replace Wallace if he’s to miss more time. If Wallace’s injury, which was bad enough that he had to be carried off the field, is any indication, Martin should prepare for that reality.
CB Jon Mitchell
The team’s top-ranked cornerback signee, Mitchell tallied two tackles in his debut. Playing at a position with such depth, it’s unlikely Mitchell burns his redshirt, especially if interim starting nickel corner Cam Miller is moved back to traditional cornerback when/if Lane enters the starting lineup.
CB Kenny Woseley Jr.
The same can be said for Woseley, who has generated some excitement from coaches and made his debut on Saturday.
CB Antoine Belgrave-Shorter
Belgrave-Shorter’s situation is a bit different than that of Mitchell and Woseley. That’s because he’s likely to move to safety, a position in need of some immediate depth. A natural cornerback, Belgrave-Shorter played the nickel on Saturday, which could be a middle ground as he makes the eventual transition to safety.
S Vaboue Toure
Toure is another player who could see increased time at a safety position thin on depth. If snap counts are any indication, Toure currently appears to be the team’s fifth safety behind Reed, Wheatley, Lane and Tyrece Mills. If Toure’s help is needed, the potential for a burned redshirt is still in play.
OT Eagan Boyer
There’s still weight to gain for the 6-foot-8, 280-pound Boyer. But once he hits the 300-pound threshold, Boyer should become an active member of Penn State’s offensive line. That likely won’t come until next season.
“He’s doing everything he needs to be a big time player for us down the road,” Losey said.
DT Xavier Gilliam
The 6-foot-2, 302-pound Gilliam is large enough to play at the college level, but a deep position with a good amount of talent will likely hold him back from seeing the field much this season. Next year, a handful of tackles are set to run out of eligibility, which could open the door for Gilliam to play.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP FRESHMEN YET TO DEBUT
QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
It came as a bit of a surprise that Grunkemeyer did not see the field on Saturday. But his absence could be, in part, due to an injury that left him inactive against Bowling Green.
RB Corey Smith
OL Garrett Sexton
OL Caleb Brewer
DE Mylachi Williams
INJURED AND YET TO DEBUT
DE Liam Andrews
DT De’Andre Cook
DT T.A. Cunningham
LB Kari Jackson
WR Peter Gonzalez (long-term injury)
