Penn State football is getting ready for the Wisconsin Badgers and another consecutive road trip following the bye week. Below are takeaways from the latest open practice for media members.
QUARTERBACKS
All quarterbacks were in attendance. Drew Allar looked like his usual self. The arm talent is too difficult to not notice week in and week out.
RUNNING BACKS
True freshman Quinton Martin seemed to be a no-show at practice this afternoon. Martin is close to burning his redshirt. He currently has the “yellow light” status, meaning that Penn State is prepared to forgo his added year of eligibility only if necessary. Martin’s reason for not attending practice is unknown.
Juniors Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen were present. So was fellow true freshman Corey Smith. In the past, head coach James Franklin has offered a bode of confidence to Smith if they needed him to go in a game.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kaden Saunders was absent from practice. When I saw Saunders last in Beaver Stadium during the UCLA game, he was in a walking boot. Penn State has been able to shoulder the loss of Saunders, but they could definitely use him at punt returner and in the slot receiver rotation sooner rather than later.
True freshman Tyseer Denmark displayed some serious hops in one catching drill.
Transfer and veteran leader Julian Fleming sets the intensity. Every rep, route, or reception is always at game speed when it is his turn.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
True freshman Max Granville showed his potential. Granville flashed a quick first step and aggressive handwork when going through strip sack drills.
LINEBACKERS
Safety turned linebacker DaKaari Nelson continues to impress. Nelson has received high praise from Franklin. Plus, you can see those words are warranted when Nelson takes reps on the practice field.
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