Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith met with the media on Friday morning to provide final clarification on player availability heading into Saturday’s Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson. Both preseason titans will clash at Yankee Stadium as skeleton crews following a bevy of opt outs, injuries and transfer departures on both sides.
Smith said defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton and running back Kaytron Allen, both key pieces for the Nittany Lions, “will be dressing for the game,” but it’s unclear how much they’ll play.
On the other hand, here’s who won’t suit up.
Defensive tackle Zane Durant
Durant was the first Nittany Lion to opt out, choosing to instead focus on the upcoming NFL draft after four seasons in Happy Valley.
Cornerback A.J. Harris
After earning preseason hype as a potential first-round pick, Harris’ stock dropped precipitously throughout the season, ultimately resulting in him announcing his intent to transfer. He won’t participate in the Pinstripe Bowl, marking another blow to the defense.
“Daryus Dixson continues to impress us,” Smith said. “He’s going to play a lot of football for us. And Jahmir Joseph will play a lot of snaps on Saturday, as well. Those are the two young guys that we’re looking forward to stepping into a bigger role. Obviously, Kenny Woseley will continue to play behind Zion [Tracy] at the nickel position. It’s the next-man-up. We feel like we’re going to be ready for tomorrow.”
Safety Zakee Wheatley
Wheatley was a vocal leader in Penn State’s secondary and made a name for himself as an elite tackler in his fifth and final season in blue and white. With Day 2 draft projections, Wheatley has opted out of the bowl game.
“Dejuan Lane has to step up. He’s got to play a lot of football for us tomorrow,” Smith said. “Vaboue Toure has to step into a bigger role. Possibly Lamont Payne has to step into a bigger role. Then, obviously, King Mack has to hold his role and play every snap from his position so we just need to worry about the other safety position.”
Running back Nick Singleton
A four-year starter, Singleton’s historic Nittany Lion career has come to a close. Singleton opted out of the postseason to prepare for the draft, where he’s still comfortably expected to be drafted, just not as high as he was projected a season ago.
“I think Corey Smith has done a really good job,” Smith said. “He’s run the ball really well. He’s really dynamic. He’s a real change-of-pace back, real shifty, explosive-type runner. Quinton Martin had a really good bowl prep season for us. Look forward to him getting some opportunities. Then Cam Wallace will also get some snaps. He’s coming off a major injury from last season but has done a great job this year.”
Left guard Vega Ioane
One of the best players on Penn State’s offense this season, Ioane was dominant in pass protection and worked himself up draft boards throughout the year. He’ll forgo the Pinstripe Bowl to prepare for the draft.
Cornerback Elliot Washington II
Washington saw ample playing time in a rotational role this season, appearing for 256 snaps. Following the conclusion of the regular season, Washington announced his intent to enter the transfer portal and won’t participate in the bowl game.
Left tackle Drew Shelton
Shelton was expected to play until Friday’s press conference, when Smith announced he’d opted out. He’ll participate in the Panini Senior Bowl, giving him one last chance to impress scouts before the draft.
Right tackle Nolan Rucci
Rucci was another surprise addition to the list on Friday, opting out to close out his college career after three seasons at Wisconsin and two at Penn State.
Center Nick Dawkins
Dawkins was also expected to play until Smith announced his decision to opt out, ending his sixth and final season as a Nittany Lion a game earlier than anticipated. Dawkins was considered an emotional catalyst for the team throughout the last couple seasons, and leaves the Nittany Lions with four offensive line starters missing.
“A lot of those guys, Cooper (Cousins), T.J. (Shanahan), (Dominic) Rulli, those guys have played significant snaps for us throughout the year,” Smith said. “We expect the same results. It’s a next-man-up, and with the experience that those guys provide, we don’t expect a drop-off at all.”
Tight end Khalil Dinkins
Dinkins began the year as the starter and earned lofty praise from James Franklin as Penn State’s next NFL product at the position, but those claims never materialized as he lagged in production and was overtaken in receptions by Andrew Rappleyea and Luke Reynolds. His opt out was another surprise from Smith.
Defensive end Zuriah Fisher
Fisher earned the title of starter this season, but Penn State utilized a heavy rotation of players at defensive end. While his stats weren’t impressive, Fisher provided a veteran presence on a defensive line filled with youth.
“Jaylen Harvey and Yvan (Kemajou) have to step up,” Smith said. “Yvan has played a lot of football for us here down the stretch. Looking forward to him continuing to progress and continuing to get better and an opportunity for Jaylen Harvey to step into the forefront of the team.”
Defensive end Chaz Coleman
Speaking of freshmen, Coleman was considered a priority for new head coach Matt Campbell to retain into next season, but that won’t be the case. Coleman intends to enter the portal and is ranked as the No. 2 transfer player by 247Sports. He burned his redshirt while playing in a rotational role this season, specializing in pass-rush situations.
Defensive end Daniel Jennings
Jennings, a former four-star recruit, spent just one season as a Nittany Lion, which he redshirted. He’ll enter the transfer portal in January and won’t be available for the bowl game.
Linebacker Kari Jackson
Jackson saw just three snaps this season and five across two seasons at Penn State, all on special teams. The former three-star recruit plans to enter the transfer portal, weakening depth at an already thin position.
Linebacker Alex Tatsch
Tatsch flashed as a freshman, earning more playing time down the stretch while burning his redshirt. He saw 108 snaps on defense and another 43 on special teams, but he won’t participate in the Pinstripe Bowl after sustaining a recent injury.
Offensive lineman Alex Birchmeier
Birchmeier won’t suit up for the Nittany Lions on Saturday — and likely won’t again — after announcing intent to enter the transfer portal in January. Birchmeier played sparingly throughout his three seasons at Penn State, mainly on special teams.
