5 questions to answer during Penn State spring Football

Penn State is coming off its best season under James Franklin and now expectations are higher than ever.

Penn State has as many new faces on the team as returning faces. They are rotating out several playmakers on both sides of the ball while priming others to take the next step by replacing them. It is a cycle that James Franklin and his staff are accustomed to and for the most part, have mastered.

One benefit of his staff is that nearly all of it has returned including key coordinators in Manny Diaz and Mike Yurcich. Both had chances to leave for head coaching jobs before ultimately deciding to stay. Now they have to help Franklin solve some questions that are lingering heading into Spring practice.

Who will generate turnovers the way Ji'Ayir Brown did?

(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Having forced 13 turnovers on just the stat sheet the last two years, there will be a hole that needs to be filled on the Penn State defense next year with Ji’Ayir Brown leaving. Players like [autotag]Kalen King[/autotag] and [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] seem like they can be that, especially Abdul Carter. The Philadelphia native has shown he can be used all over the field and find success doing so. Look for either man to step up and earn Diaz’s trust to be used that way in the Spring.

Which receiver takes the next step to become a leader?

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

[autotag]Parker Washington[/autotag] is leaving for the NFL which means the receiver room will be looking for a new leader. [autotag]KeAndre Lambert-Smith[/autotag] stepped up big time in the Roe Bowl game. [autotag]Dante Cephas[/autotag] is coming in as a transfer and other younger receivers could have a chance to take the lead role. Spring practice, specifically the game, will be really telling on this situation.

Will this finally be Theo Johnson's year?

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season, [autotag]Theo Johnson[/autotag] was expected to take a big step forward and maybe even garner interest from the NFL. What happened instead was [autotag]Brenton Strange[/autotag] took the starting role and ran away with it. Johnson did finish the year strong as in his last four games he had 11 receptions, 177 yards and three touchdowns. Is that strong finish an indicator or an outlier? The Spring should be able to work that out for everyone.

Can Manny Diaz continue to develop the defense, specifically upfront?

(AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Manny Diaz came in and made an immediate impact on the Penn State defense. The defensive linemen specifically saw drastic improvements but they need to keep growing. What can Diaz get out of [autotag]Chop Robinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Adisa Isaac[/autotag] in his second year and what can they show in the Spring? Both questions will have answers found in the coming weeks.

Can Nick Singleton or Drew Allar have a Heisman-like season?

Syndication: The Herald-Times

Penn State has had one Heisman Trophy winner in its history, this year they have two great chances in the form of [autotag]Nick Singleton[/autotag] and [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag]. Both men have strong cases to be made and can change their chances for better or worse by showing what they have done in the Spring. Allar has already talked about how he feels ready for the reason in March, how good will he feel after the Spring? What will he show us as a preview in the Spring game? It is going to be must-watch TV.

Story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire