From our good friend Zach Seyco at practice today..
Football weather is settling in. And so was the Penn State football team, as media were permitted to attend another practice viewing session. Below are some notes and observations about the Nittany Lions as they prepare a home game against the Kent State Golden Flahses.
QUARTERBACKS
All of the quarterbacks were seen at practice. True freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer was on the scout team. Depending on Saturday’s outcome, the Ohio native could see some action later in the game.
RUNNING BACKS
All running backs were present. True freshman Quinton Martin did not look to be on the scout team and could factor into some reps on Saturday against the Golden Flashes. Fellow true freshman Corey Smith did appear to be on the scout unit.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Veteran Kaden Saunders participated in drills today. He has been limited to only punt return duty due to an undisclosed injury. Franklin praised Saunders’ capabilities recently. Notably, true freshman Tyseer Denmark did not look to be a part of the scout team. I expect Denmark to see increased playing time against Penn State. Denmark generated buzz at the beginning of training camp.
TIGHT ENDS
Veteran Khalil Dinkins looked to be a full participant in practice. Dinkins has been dealing with bumps and bruises to start the season, per Franklin. Dinkins is now cemented as the no. 2 TE to Tyler Warren, especially with redshirt freshman Andrew Rappleyea dealing with a long-term injury. Franklin announced at his weekly press conference that true freshman Luke Reynolds now has the green light, meaning he will have his redshirt burned. Expect Reynolds to the third tight end after Warren and Dinkins.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line rotation was status quo. From left to right, Drew Shelton, Vega Ioane, Nick Dawkins, Sal Wormley, and Anthony Donkoh took reps together. Notably, veteran JB Nelson and Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci were with the second team.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line had its full rotation, as well. True freshman Max Granville did not appear to be a part of the scout team himself. Granville reclassified from 2025 to this recruiting cycle. There is an expectation that Granville was brought in early to have him develop now so that he can become a key contributor at defensive end next season. Like some of the other true freshman, he could see his first in-game action depending on Penn State’s lead.
LINEBACKERS
Redshirt freshman Ta’Mere Robinson was back at practice. He had been absent from the previous couple of viewing sessions. This is good news for the linebacker depth, which is lacking to this point. I am also anticipating Penn State to run more three linebacker sets on Saturday given star safety KJ Winston’s unknown status.
For more content and conversations around Penn State football, subscribe to the Locked On Nittany Lions YouTube channel. Follow Zach on X @zach_seyko and @lockedonnittany.
