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Penn State faces many questions as it opens preseason camp Monday

rich scarcella, reading eagle, pa.
·5 min read
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Jul. 30—The Penn State football team opens preseason camp Monday with designs on putting its 11-11 record the last two seasons squarely in the rearview mirror.

The Nittany Lions have a new defensive coordinator (Manny Diaz), seven returning starters on offense, five on defense and a talented freshman class.

Coach James Franklin has job security with a new 10-year, $75 million contract and also increased pressure from the fan base after back-to-back disappointing seasons.

Here are 10 questions to ponder as Penn State prepares for its Sept. 1 prime-time opener at Purdue:

1. Can Sean Clifford become a top-flight quarterback?

Much of it depends on whether Clifford can stay healthy and whether he can be more consistent. Clifford was playing at a high level last year, including perhaps the best performance of his college career against Auburn, before he suffered an unspecified injury at Iowa. He was up and down the rest of the season. If he receives better pass protection and remains healthy, he has the backs and receivers to have a terrific season.

2. How will Penn State replace Jahan Dotson?

Not easily. The Washington Commanders drafted Dotson, a wide receiver, with the 16th overall pick of the NFL draft after he caught 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley is a nice place to start, though, after he made 87 catches for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. Plus, Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are back as starters for the third straight season and perhaps are ready to blossom.

3. Will the offensive line be better?

That might be the most important question for the offense. Juice Scruggs (center) and Caedan Wallace (right tackle) are the returning starters, but Olu Fashanu, Landon Tengwall and either Sal Wormley or Cornell transfer Hunter Nourzad have promise. Penn State finished 118th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing last year and 94th in sacks allowed. Those numbers must improve or the Lions are headed for another mediocre season.

4. Will the run game be more effective?

Franklin has promised the Lions will not abandon the ground game like they did several times last year. Having veterans Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford and Caziah Holmes to go with talented freshmen Nick Singleton of Gov. Mifflin and Kaytron Allen can only help Penn State's running game. Of course, the backs need the offensive linemen to step up.

5. Will offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich live up to his billing?

Franklin had eyed Yurcich for several years when he was designing high-powered offenses at Oklahoma State and Texas. Yurcich's first season at Penn State was not a successful one because the Lions finished 82nd or worse in the FBS in total yards (82nd), scoring (90th),sacks allowed (94th), red zone offense (96th), tackles for loss allowed (106th) and rushing (118th). They topped 30 points just three times in 13 games. He will have a quarterback in his fourth season as the starter and talented backs and receivers at his disposal. If it doesn't translate into jumps in points and yards, fingers will be pointed at Yurcich.

6. How will the return of P.J. Mustipher and Adisa Isaac impact the defensive line?

In a very significant way. Mustipher was playing at an all-conference level when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the sixth game at Iowa. Penn State's run defense was never the same the rest of the year. He might be the best nose tackle in the Big Ten. Isaac, a freakish pass rusher, missed all of last season with a torn Achilles'. Having him join Nick Tarburton, Outback Bowl standout Smith Vilbert and Maryland transfer Chop Washington will be a big lift for the Lions.

7. Who will play middle linebacker?

Great question. Former North Schuylkill standout Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King will compete throughout camp, according to Franklin, who has called the position one of the team's biggest question marks. Incoming freshman Abdul Carter could earn some playing time there before the end of the season. The Lions are happy with veteran outside linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Jonathan Sutherland.

8. Will the secondary still be strong?

Jaquan Brisker and Tariq Castro-Fields are gone after being taken in the NFL draft, but safety Ji'Ayir Brown and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. are back, along with nickel Daequan Hardy. Brown led the FBS with six interceptions, showing a knack for big plays. Porter uses his long arms and frame to frustrate receivers. Keaton Ellis is in position to replace Brisker, and Kalen King likely will succeed Castro-Fields.

9. How will Manny Diaz differ from Brent Pry?

Expect new defensive coordinator Diaz, the former Miami head coach, to be more aggressive than Pry, now the head coach at Virginia Tech after enjoying much success at Penn State. Diaz's defenses have ranked among the national leaders in takeaways and sacks. He has shown he's not afraid to take chances with his play-calling.

10. Which freshmen might stand out during camp?

Franklin strongly hinted at Big Ten Media Days that several members of Penn State's highly regarded freshman class are ready to make an immediate impact. Let's start with Singleton, who's listed as the starting running back by Phil Steele's College Football Preview. Dani Dennis-Sutton, a five-star recruit like Singleton, might earn a spot in the rotation at defensive end. And four-star prospect Kaden Saunders might do the same at wide receiver.