The road toward next season officially began for Penn State football with the start of winter workouts on Tuesday. What is typically a seven-week program of early wakeups and conditioning drills has been shortened due to the Nittany Lions’ extensive run in the College Football Playoff. That makes these next few weeks crucial in getting the program up to speed ahead of spring ball.
As is custom, each of Penn State’s 10 position coaches shouted out a player from their unit who stood out on Day 1. Who was recognized?
Quarterback: Drew Allar
There may be no single player with as much pressure as Drew Allar, especially considering the devastating fashion in which his season concluded. Allar has the opportunity to lead a national championship charge and become a first-round NFL Draft over the course of the next 12 months. It’s no surprise he’s separating himself early on in winter workouts.
Wide receiver: Kyron Hudson
Another offseason and Penn State’s wide receiver question mark remains unanswered. Even with the addition of two transfers — Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy) — the problems that plagued the Nittany Lions over the past two seasons appear largely unresolved. It’s gotten to the point that athletic director Pat Kraft addressed the need for more receiver help on Monday.
Defensive line: Zuriah Fisher
Zuriah Fisher was in line for a major boost in playing time this past season until an injury ended his year before it began. With Abdul Carter out of the picture, Fisher is now a legitimate candidate to earn a starting defensive end spot alongside Dani Dennis-Sutton. Fisher tallied 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss in 2023.
Linebacker: Kari Jackson
A feel-good story at the start of winter workouts: Linebacker Kari Jackson is healthy and making a noticeable impact after missing all of last season with an injury. Jackson has battled injuries for the past two years, and has not appeared in a game since his junior year of high school. Kobe King is off to the NFL, and Jackson has the opportunity to earn playing time in 2025.
Cornerback: Elliot Washington II
Penn State’s cornerback battle between Elliot Washington II and Audavion Collins isn’t likely to be resolved quickly. And it’s possible a victor won’t be announced until just prior to the season opener on Aug. 30. Washington led the Nittany Lions with six pass deflections this past year, and projects as a viable option to replace departed starter Jalen Kimber.
Running back: Quinton Martin Jr.
Most of the focus is on returning starters Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, but new running backs coach Stan Drayton made his excitement clear to coach the “young talent” in the position room clear on Monday. Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith are each candidates for increased roles within Andy Kotelnicki’s offense in 2025.
Safety: Zakee Wheatley
Zakee Wheatley is one of three prominent returnees on the defensive side of the ball, along with Dennis-Sutton and defensive tackle Zane Durant. Wheatley was outstanding over Penn State’s three-game playoff run, a stretch in which he combined for 26 tackles and two interceptions and won the Fiesta Bowl’s defensive MVP.
Tight end: Joey Schlaffer
Despite the departure of Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren, the Nittany Lions’ tight end room presents itself as one of the program’s deepest units. Joey Schlaffer, who appeared in just four games this past season, appears to be an outlier among a position group that includes Luke Reynolds, Khalil Dinkins, Andrew Rappleyea and highly touted freshman Andrew Olesh.
Offensive line: Drew Shelton
Ahead of his second season as Penn State’s starting left tackle, Drew Shelton will look to develop into a legitimate NFL Draft prospect, like his predecessor, Olu Fashanu. Shelton will lead a line oozing with talent in Vega Ioane, Nick Dawkins, Anthony Donkoh, Cooper Cousins, Nolan Rucci, JB Nelson and more.
Special teams: Riley Thompson
This upcoming year is set to mark Riley Thompson’s third consecutive as the Nittany Lions’ starting punter. Justin Lustig’s special teams unit won’t have to look for much competition outside of punt returning duties, which should be an open battle between wide receiver Kaden Saunders, defensive back Zion Tracy and, potentially, others.
