Rumblings that Vega Loane has a legit shot of supplanting a projected starter. Drew Shelton may also. This line is talented and has depth.
OL may not be as originally projected here
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Not specific to right or left side although I imagine that Shelton is more likely to see his time on the right side instead of flipping Olu. Vega at guard and I think more likely the right side there as well. I wouldn't doubt if both players get consistent reps even if they don't overtake the projected starters.
I'd like to have enough quality depth that late in games, we can put a backup or 2 in and road grade a defense icing off a game 4-7 yards at a time.
Wallace is still a concern until he proves he isn't. Maybe he was dinged up early and never fully healthy, but he just couldn't ever step out and catch his man.
My opinion is that Shelton has that ability but is still young, also maybe not a road grader. Vega on the other hand is that road grader at 350 lbs and can move.
I think that Vega may be the guy that we need there tbh. He's that run blocking type that we need. I think that Scruggs was great last year, and theres a reason that he was drafted so high.
Vega is much more than a road grader. The guy is very, very talented.
By the end of 2023 I would not be surprised if Vega is the best interior Penn State linemen.
He brings a mean OL demeanor which has been in short supply over the past 9 years. Vega is the type of OL who will not get pushed around by Ohio State or Michigan defensive lineman.
Competition is a good thing, contrary to current thought.
I hope you're right about depth, not just for 2023 but for 2024. We lose a lot of key pieces going into 2024 but the schedule and Allar's experience and the playoff expansion sets us up beautifully if we can replace those that depart after 2023. I know I'm a year ahead of myself but anything but a playoff appearance in 2024 would be a failure if Allar lives up to the hype.
I think if forced too, they could a la Shelton. I also think that we would have to suffer around 4 injuries before it occurred. Primarily because we have more depth this year than last.
Williams is probably still very green at T. I think they are counting on his 5* athleticism to get him up to speed, otherwise he could be moved to G (unless he's pegged like Wallace and remains a T no matter what).
Birch is probably more flexible right now. He could do in a pinch at all 5 spots. The question is where he settles at.
I don't see that happening but I do think Shelton may overtake him in total snaps. There are some very strong options at OG as well and proven depth at OT is Olu, Wallace, and Shelton. That's it unless you throw the new freshmen to the wolves.
A little birdie told me that Matt Detisch (6'6" 304 Redshirt Freshman) should not be forgotten. He was impressive in the spring and has been progressing through the summer.
