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Penn State football allowed media to spectate practice one final time this spring season on a gorgeous Tuesday afternoon. As the Nittany Lions approach their annual Blue and White game this Saturday at 2 p.m., here are some final takeaways:
QUARTERBACKS
New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was direct with true freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, in a positive way. Kotelnicki emphasized the time and speed elements of completing passes after receiving the snap. Grunkemeyer was a little slower in these quick passing drills, compared to his veteran counterparts Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. It is also refreshing to see Kotelnicki be attentive to Grunkemeyer’s processes as a young player.
RUNNING BACKS
Another practice went by and third year back Kaytron Allen was not seen from my point of view. This is the second consecutive practice where I have not witnessed no. 13 on the practice field. If Allen’s availability or health status are limited for any reason, second year RB Cam Wallace and true freshman Quinton Martin become that more important. Unlike last season with Trey Potts, there is not a proven veteran athlete behind Nicholas Singleton and Allen. Notably, Martin was practicing this week after missing the last few practices that we were in attendance for.
WIDE RECEIVERS
I understand why head coach James Franklin says what he says. None of the wide receivers are particularly standing out. No, that does mean that these wideouts are not talented. However, it seems that there is little to no separation in the WR competition, once again. KeAndre Lambert-Smith was notably absent from practice after being at every practice before this. (
MORE ON WHAT WE'RE HEARING HERE)
OFFENSIVE LINE
Offensive line drills lacked intensity for a brief moment. The veterans stepped up and called out the offending players. Good to see teammates holding each other accountable. On another important note, Cooper Cousins after spending time at center this spring was taking snaps at right guard on Tuesday with Salm Wormley appearing to be missing. He remains a candidate at center heading into next fall but his versatility will be a huge factor in his career at Penn State.
LINEBACKER
Redshirt freshman Ta’Mere Robinson is receiving some recognition ahead of the 2024 season. I agree with other Penn State football media members that Robinson is a player to watch for at the backup middle linebacker spot. At today’s practice, Robinson looked solid, besides some minor footwork issues during one drill.
For more Penn State football analysis, subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow Zach on X @zach_seyko and @lockedonnittany.
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