http://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/pos...-practice-looking-to-defend-title-stay-hungry
- Brian BennettESPN Staff Writer
As head coach James Franklin mentioned at his spring preview news conference on Tuesday, the defending Big Ten champions return 99 percent of their rushing yards, 73 percent of their receiving yards, 72 percent of their tackles and 64 percent of their tackles for loss from last year's Rose Bowl squad. And they've got two Heisman Trophy candidates in running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley.
The biggest challenge for Franklin may be making sure his team stays humble, hungry and hard working.
"Now you take all those things, and you combine them with the experience that we gained, I think you've got a chance to do something special," he said.
Here's a look at what to expect from the Nittany Lions this spring:
Spring schedule: Practice begins on Wednesday morning. The annual Blue-White game will be held on April 22 at 3 p.m. ET inside Beaver Stadium.
What's new: Not all that much. Franklin was able to keep his coaching staff intact despite last year's success. Sixteen starters are back, making Penn State suddenly one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten. There will be plenty of new faces this spring, however, as veterans like Barkley, linebacker Jason Cabinda, safety Marcus Allen, tight end Mike Gesicki and others will have limited reps as young players get a chance to step forward.
Three things we want to see:
1. A new go-to wide receiver emerging: Chris Godwin's decision to enter the NFL draft leaves the offense in search of a true No. 1 wideout. Luckily, there are plenty of candidates.
Saeed Blacknall is a veteran who's had big moments but has lacked consistency. Could he be ready to truly break out?
"We expect him to have a huge spring and a huge offseason and go and have a monster year this year and stay healthy," Franklin said.
The coaching staff is also high on Irvin Charles and Juwan Johnson, and senior DaeSean Hamilton has tons of experience.
2. What does the center position look like?: At long last, Penn State now has depth and talent on the offensive line, especially as young players who redshirted continue to develop. The big question there this spring is who replaces Brian Gaia at the all-important center spot.
Franklin said he would start spring by moving guard Connor McGovern over. Ryan Bates is another candidate, as well as Zach Simpson. If one player excels in the role quickly, it will simplify the other roles and allow the unit to build solid chemistry.
3. New pass-rushers: Last year's starting defensive ends, Garrett Sickels and Evan Schwan, are both gone. So, too, is linebacker Brandon Bell. They took with them 16 of the team's 40 sacks a year ago. Everyone's eager to see redshirt Shane Simmons this spring, as well as classmates Daniel Joseph and Shaka Toney. Torrence Brown and Shareef Miller played a lot as backups last year. Defensive line has been a strength in State College the last few years, and if the young guys are ready, the Nittany Lions might not miss a beat here again in 2017.
