Will these players see meaningful PT this year?

[bdroc]

Kaden Saunders - Highly rated recruit but lacked size. Then he got hurt. Now he's behind Hudson, Ross, Pena, Denmark, Clifford, and Gonzalez on the depth chart. I'm almost surprised he didn't enter the portal.

Anthony Ivey - Same story as Saunders except for the injury

Quinton Martin - Highly rated kid will have a role next year once Singleton & Allen are gone but will we waste him on the bench this year? If he lives up to his ratings I'd thing we'd find a role for him somewhere but where?

Andrew Rapplyea - He was looking at PT last year until he got hurt. Now I think Dinkins and Reynolds are ahead of him on the depth chart. Will Rapplyea have much of a role this year?

Donkoh, Birchmeier, Williams, Shanahan - I assume the starting OL will be Shelton, Ioane, Dawkins, Rucci, and Cousins. Two of the 4 I mentioned will probably get a fair bit of PT but I doubt all 4 will see much PT in conference play. I'm almost surprised they didn't try to move one of them to DT.

Enai White & Owen Wafle - White didn't do a lot at A&M and Wafle didn't do a lot at Michigan. Wafle has time but White is a senior and I doubt he transferred to PSU to ride the bench.

King Mack - Mack is still young but his stock dropped sharply after making little impact at Alabama. Of all the names on my list he might have the best chance to get meaningful minutes. We'll see.

 

[Sheriff Coffee]

I think the WRs are a complete crap shoot. We have no idea how Hudson, Ross and Pena will fit into our system. Two years ago we brought in some WRs that never understood the playbook (pre-coach K).

Martin is a good RB who will get a lot of playing time but next year, should he decide to stay, will be a different story.

Rapp will get a lot of playing time behind Dinkins, who will be #1. Reynolds looks good but we do a lot of two TE formations.

I agree on the OL but we rotate a lot of guys so I expect they'll all get some decent time. We'll lose a lot of OL at the end of this season.

White and Wafle will be much needed depth. We rotate a lot so they'll get time but not in the most meaningful snaps.

Mack, I've heard, is a good one. But we are solid at S.

great to have this kind of depth all over the field with the exception of DT and LBer.

 

[GregInPitt]

Kaden Saunders - Highly rated recruit but lacked size. Then he got hurt. Now he's behind Hudson, Ross, Pena, Denmark, Clifford, and Gonzalez on the depth chart. I'm almost surprised he didn't enter the portal.

Anthony Ivey - Same story as Saunders except for the injury

Quinton Martin - Highly rated kid will have a role next year once Singleton & Allen are gone but will we waste him on the bench this year? If he lives up to his ratings I'd thing we'd find a role for him somewhere but where?

Andrew Rapplyea - He was looking at PT last year until he got hurt. Now I think Dinkins and Reynolds are ahead of him on the depth chart. Will Rapplyea have much of a role this year?

Donkoh, Birchmeier, Williams, Shanahan - I assume the starting OL will be Shelton, Ioane, Dawkins, Rucci, and Cousins. Two of the 4 I mentioned will probably get a fair bit of PT but I doubt all 4 will see much PT in conference play. I'm almost surprised they didn't try to move one of them to DT.

Enai White & Owen Wafle - White didn't do a lot at A&M and Wafle didn't do a lot at Michigan. Wafle has time but White is a senior and I doubt he transferred to PSU to ride the bench.

King Mack - Mack is still young but his stock dropped sharply after making little impact at Alabama. Of all the names on my list he might have the best chance to get meaningful minutes. We'll see.

Franklin hasn't given out a depth chart for the WR's so we really don't know who's behind who, other than his comments that they needed to go out and get help at WR and the comments he has made about the incoming transfers adjustments to the team and the S&C program.

I agree that Rapplyea could be a breakout candidate as he was getting nice praise as a true freshman before getting hurt.

I'm more so believind that Donkoh will start at RT. He had beaten out Rucci and Franklin doesn't usually drop players from starting roles due to injuries. That's assuming he is fully healthy and still has the physical advantages he had the first time he beat out Rucci for the starting RT job. Maybe Trautwein will just rotate the two of them until one shows he the clear better player.

I'm rooting for Martin to earn the 3rd RB spot and get a role, but with Singleton and Allen that role may still only end up as a few carries per game. Many on the old board thought Martin would come in and be part of the upgrade as a part time WR. But going from being a part time WR in high school because he was such a great talent vs the defenses he faced, but recruited as a RB to making an impact at WR at PSU which requires knowing and being competent at the complex routes and blocking PSU's offense requires is a tall task. Especially for a freshman that also had to focus on adjusting the college life, the S&C program, and learning the college RB position including pass protections.

Williams has clearly separated himself from Birchmeier so far and really Birchmeier hasn't even proven that he is ahead of Onoh or some other inside players on the roster. I look for the loser of the Donkoh/Rucci competition and Williams to be the key reserves that play a good bit this season, unless there is a significant injury or two. One of this year's redshirt OT's, Boyer or Sexton (can't remember which) was getting praise so I also look for that OT to get some snaps in garbage time as there will be starting OT position(s) open going into 2026. In garbage time if Trautwein replaces the whole oline we'll probably also see some of Birchmeier, Shanahan, Onoh or whoever makes a name for themselves in Fall and in season practices.

To my knowledge the staff has yet to make mention of White at DE regarding a rotation spot so I'm not expecting him to play much unless there is something going on we don't know about that gets cleared or rectified. White playing well enough to be an every game contributor would be a very positive surprise to me. With the openings in the DT rotation it would seem that Wafle is competing for one of those spots in the same way that Artis, Blanding, Andrews, Cook, and Airika are, assuming that Gilliam is the 3rd DT as Franklin pretty much said.

I believe the staff has made enough positive comments about Mack to believe he will get significant playing time at least as a rotational sub this coming season. The question seems to be if he'll be competing to play as a true Safety, competing for the 2nd starting spot with Lane and others, or if he'll be competing to play in the slot mainly in coverage. Or both. He could end up playing in the slot, along with Tracey, and still be the 3rd Safety. Seems that part of his role may depend on who else is ready to compete and take a role in the Safety depth chart among Toure, Belgrave-Shorter and possibly (but unlikely) Dinkins and Payne.

 

[RickinDayton]

Kaden Saunders - Highly rated recruit but lacked size. Then he got hurt. Now he's behind Hudson, Ross, Pena, Denmark, Clifford, and Gonzalez on the depth chart. I'm almost surprised he didn't enter the portal.

Anthony Ivey - Same story as Saunders except for the injury

Quinton Martin - Highly rated kid will have a role next year once Singleton & Allen are gone but will we waste him on the bench this year? If he lives up to his ratings I'd thing we'd find a role for him somewhere but where?

Andrew Rapplyea - He was looking at PT last year until he got hurt. Now I think Dinkins and Reynolds are ahead of him on the depth chart. Will Rapplyea have much of a role this year?

Donkoh, Birchmeier, Williams, Shanahan - I assume the starting OL will be Shelton, Ioane, Dawkins, Rucci, and Cousins. Two of the 4 I mentioned will probably get a fair bit of PT but I doubt all 4 will see much PT in conference play. I'm almost surprised they didn't try to move one of them to DT.

Enai White & Owen Wafle - White didn't do a lot at A&M and Wafle didn't do a lot at Michigan. Wafle has time but White is a senior and I doubt he transferred to PSU to ride the bench.

King Mack - Mack is still young but his stock dropped sharply after making little impact at Alabama. Of all the names on my list he might have the best chance to get meaningful minutes. We'll see.

I think Saunders and definitely Ivey are odd men out. Injuries can set players back, or they get recruited/portalled over, then fall down the deth chart.

Mack will have his opportunities @ Safety & Nickel given his previous experience and his speed.

Last chance corral for Enai White. Hope he can make the most of it.

Remember Donkoh was the starter before his injury and could reclaim that spot. We know both him & Rucci can do very well @ RT. Hoping the backup OLs get lots of reps during OOC and a few are deemed dependable as injuries happen. I think Coach Traut is really solid at developing the OL players.

This team needs to capitalize on the 2025 opportunity as 2026 will be a rebuild.

Rapp was in line for lots of PT last year. Coaches said he was a great blocker. If he's fully health, he'll compete for PT. I think Olesh (Freshman) probably sees PT during OOC, then either redshirts or they let him play a bit in red zone situations with other TEs.

I hope Martin becomes RB3. I like his size and speed even though Wallace was RB3 last year before injury ended his season. Perhaps losers of RB3 competition become KO returners?

 

[Lazy Dave]

Kaden Saunders - Highly rated recruit but lacked size. Then he got hurt. Now he's behind Hudson, Ross, Pena, Denmark, Clifford, and Gonzalez on the depth chart. I'm almost surprised he didn't enter the portal.

As of today, it's truly hard to know where he is in the pecking order. Definitely below the transfers, but if he ever can develop into a WR, who knows. He was Omari Evans before Evans showed up (HS QB who had high end athleticism traits) with a higher star rating. He was hurt all of last year so it'll be interesting to see where he lines up.

Anthony Ivey - Same story as Saunders except for the injury

I believe his only action was mop up duty in the game Denmark caught a TD pass. The 105 roster probably kept him around. Hard to expect anything when he's barely seen the field. I assume he will graduate in the next 10 months. Would be nice if he contributed, but expectations are low.

Quinton Martin - Highly rated kid will have a role next year once Singleton & Allen are gone but will we waste him on the bench this year? If he lives up to his ratings I'd thing we'd find a role for him somewhere but where?

If I had to make a guess, I'd say he's co-RB3 today. As said in another thread, RB3 will have an increased load this year and that's barring no injuries. I'm glad he is hanging around because he'll likely be part of the starting duo next year, but I don't foresee more than 50 touches outside of an injury pushing him into more snaps.

Andrew Rapplyea - He was looking at PT last year until he got hurt. Now I think Dinkins and Reynolds are ahead of him on the depth chart. Will Rapplyea have much of a role this year?

I think Rapp plays a lot. He's probably a better receiving threat than Dinkins, but the lesser blocker. Of course, this could be Dinkins year where he gets the shine and everybody else just supplements him. 3 TEs who could easily start at 95% of FBS teams (maybe higher) is a great problem to have. This is a testament to our program that somebody's didn't leave this room for playing time.

Donkoh, Birchmeier, Williams, Shanahan - I assume the starting OL will be Shelton, Ioane, Dawkins, Rucci, and Cousins. Two of the 4 I mentioned will probably get a fair bit of PT but I doubt all 4 will see much PT in conference play. I'm almost surprised they didn't try to move one of them to DT

I believe Donkoh returns to RT unless moving him to RG and playing Rucci at RT creates a stronger line. That then changed things with Cousins, who everyone presumes is the starter at one of the G spots. Question remains, which spot do they put Vega in (as he has switched from LG to RG his while career)?

It's nice to have a legit 2 deep at OL. I know people get antsy wanting to see 5* Jven and 3rd year Birch, but it's much better to develop guys and play them when they are older than being forced to start RS FR just because that's the best you have.

I believe we continue to see rotation. It's been a staple of Traut lines. Particularly if we get early leads.

Enai White & Owen Wafle - White didn't do a lot at A&M and Wafle didn't do a lot at Michigan. Wafle has time but White is a senior and I doubt he transferred to PSU to ride the bench.

White is a wild card. He could be a co-starter with Fisher if we brought out his HS flashes and built his frame better than A&M (supposedly behind from their room). Of course, he's an older player and that gives him some advantage. Hopeful he can give us something between Vanover and Smith snap wise and perhaps better.

Wafle is a 2nd year player. Coming from a Michigan team that had 2 1st round DTs and didn't substitute, it's understandable why he didn't get on the field. We have depth spots available, but it's near impossible to guess where he falls in the pecking order.

King Mack - Mack is still young but his stock dropped sharply after making little impact at Alabama. Of all the names on my list he might have the best chance to get meaningful minutes

Agree about his chances to play. He's our 2nd most seasoned Safety currently. The big question is who emerges out of him, Lane, and Toure? Also, could he fit that 3rd S role better?

 

[Bison13]

It would not surprise me if those two WR mysteriously are ‘out of football’ this year to preserve a roster spot and then reappear somewhere else next year

 

[Leatherhelmets]

Franklin hasn't given out a depth chart for the WR's so we really don't know who's behind who, other than his comments that they needed to go out and get help at WR and the comments he has made about the incoming transfers adjustments to the team and the S&C program.

I agree that Rapplyea could be a breakout candidate as he was getting nice praise as a true freshman before getting hurt.

I'm more so believind that Donkoh will start at RT. He had beaten out Rucci and Franklin doesn't usually drop players from starting roles due to injuries. That's assuming he is fully healthy and still has the physical advantages he had the first time he beat out Rucci for the starting RT job. Maybe Trautwein will just rotate the two of them until one shows he the clear better player.

I'm rooting for Martin to earn the 3rd RB spot and get a role, but with Singleton and Allen that role may still only end up as a few carries per game. Many on the old board thought Martin would come in and be part of the upgrade as a part time WR but going from being a part time WR recruited as a RB to making an impact at WR which requires knowing and being competent at the complex routes and blocking PSU's offense requires is a tall task. Especially for a freshman that also had to focus on adjusting the college life, the S&C program, and lean the college RB position including pass protections.

Williams has clearly separated himself from Birchmeier so far and really Birchmeier hasn't even proven that he is ahead of Onoh or some other inside players on the roster. I look for the loser of the Donkoh/Rucci competition and Williams to be the key reserves that play a good bit this season, unless there is a significant injury or two. One of this year's redshirt OT's, Boyer or Sexton (can't remember which) was getting praise so I also look for that OT to get some snaps in garbage time as there will be starting OT position(s) open going into 2026. In garbage time if Trautwein replaces the whole oline we'll probably also see some of Birchmeier, Shanahan, Onoh or whoever makes a name for themselves in Fall and in season practices.

To my knowledge the staff has yet to make mention of White at DE regarding a rotation spot so I'm not expecting him to play much unless there is something going on we don't know about that gets cleared or rectified. White playing well enough to be an every game contributor would be a very positive surprise to me. With the openings in the DT rotation it would seem that Wafle is competing for one of those spots in the same way that Artis, Blanding, Andrews, Cook, and Airika are, assuming that Gilliam is the 3rd DT as Franklin pretty much said.

I believe the staff has made enough positive comments about Mack to believe he will get significant playing time at least as a rotational sub this coming season. The question seems to be if he'll be competing to play as a Safety, competing for the 2nd starting spot with Lane and others, or if he'll be competing to play in the slot mainly in coverage. Or both. He could end up playing in the slot, along with Tracey, and still be the 3rd Safety. Seems that part of his role may depend on who else is ready to compete and take a role in the Safety depth chart among Toure, Belgrave-Shorter and possibly (but unlikely) Dinkins and Payne.

I vaguely remember those things called depth charts being released by the team.

 

[GregInPitt]

I vaguely remember those things called depth charts being released by the team.

Franklin doesn't seem to believe in telling the opposition his depth chart. Seems pretty weak to me, but that's his thing.

 

[Lazy Dave]

Excellent video from 247 with Tengwall. Basically everything we've talked about all off season, Tengwall gives his take on it from his perspective.

Some notes for those who won't listen...

-big on Pena. Thinks he'll be the go-to and get the bulk of the Warren targets while not having the same reception count as pass happy Syracuse

-thinks we start Donkoh at RG, Rucci at RT. Cousins pass pro lesser than the 2

-the 3 years to learn Knowles defense is BS. Thinks we will integrate fine

-Rojas will be great. Spent all of last year unable to use his right arm essentially.

-Speca big shout out.

 

[GregInPitt]

Excellent video from 247 with Tengwall. Basically everything we've talked about all off season, Tengwall gives his take on it from his perspective.

Some notes for those who won't listen...

-big on Pena. Thinks he'll be the go-to and get the bulk of the Warren targets while not having the same reception count as pass happy Syracuse

-thinks we start Donkoh at RG, Rucci at RT. Cousins pass pro lesser than the 2

-the 3 years to learn Knowles defense is BS. Thinks we will integrate fine

-Rojas will be great. Spent all of last year unable to use his right arm essentially.

-Speca big shout out.

Very interesting about getting both Donkoh and Rucci into the starting lineup. That would put Cousins as the 1st off the bench interior Olinemen which would get him a lot of plays during the year as first sub and next up starter due to injuries, minor or otherwise.

We've been somewhat quietly hearing tid bits about Speca, adding to the positive comments last season, and if he comes on strong as a backup, along with a healthy Rojas as well as DeLuka and Campbell it really makes LB solid and a potential strength. Wylie has some potential to surprise as well. But Speca maturing would bode well for the LB room in 2026 and beyond, especially with the talented 2025 class LB's that all likely redshirt in 2025.

Wish Tengwall would have gotten into commenting on the younger WR's such as Denmark, Samuels and Howard......

 

[ryoder1]

Very interesting about getting both Donkoh and Rucci into the starting lineup. That would put Cousins as the 1st off the bench interior Olinemen which would get him a lot of plays during the year as first sub and next up starter due to injuries, minor or otherwise.

We've been somewhat quietly hearing tid bits about Speca and if he comes on strong as a backup, along with a healthy Rojas as well as DeLuka and Campbell it really makes LB solid and a potential strength. Wylie has some potential to surprise as well. But Speca maturing would bode well for the LB room in 2026 and beyond, especially with the talented 2025 class LB's that all likely redshirt in 2025.

Wish Tengwall would have gotten into commenting on the younger WR's such as Denmark, Samuels and Howard......

Speca being ready to be a big part of the LB group would be huge for us. I was thinking Rojas and Campbell then Deluca and was hoping Wylie showed out. If Speca is right there in the mix to start or first off the bench then that group could be very strong. I am very curious about Wylie coming off a season long injury. If both he and Speca play well then our D will be excellent.

As for the other players mentioned, I don't think Saunders or Ivey see much of the field. Although maybe Saunders has worked himself up to the 4th WR and he actually makes some contributions. I was really excited about him when he signed but his career has been a bust really.

Rapp I think will see a lot of playing time. He was there with Dinkins as the #2 or right behind Dinkins before getting hurt. Depends how he plays post injury and if there are any lingering effects.

White is a total unknown. I am concerned he does not have the discipline or work ethic given his A&M track record. Hopefully he turns the corner for us.

 

[RickinDayton]

Very interesting about getting both Donkoh and Rucci into the starting lineup. That would put Cousins as the 1st off the bench interior Olinemen which would get him a lot of plays during the year as first sub and next up starter due to injuries, minor or otherwise.

We've been somewhat quietly hearing tid bits about Speca and if he comes on strong as a backup, along with a healthy Rojas as well as DeLuka and Campbell it really makes LB solid and a potential strength. Wylie has some potential to surprise as well. But Speca maturing would bode well for the LB room in 2026 and beyond, especially with the talented 2025 class LB's that all likely redshirt in 2025.

Wish Tengwall would have gotten into commenting on the younger WR's such as Denmark, Samuels and Howard......

Just like all of have said, the DE position has to have Zuriah Fisher play at a high level to compliment DDS and any major injury on the DL by Durant, DDS, ir Ford means big problems.

Regarding Speca , Tengwells comment was more about his size than current abilities. That said, I think Speca will become a very solid backup this season and the LBer will hold their own. Rojas, now injury free with his outstanding coverage ability and sideline-to'sideline speed could be All B1G. Tengwell said Roas was badly hampered all season with that shoulder injury.

Personally, I am really excited about the CBs, Harris, Collins, Washington, and the Fresman Dixon; as well as Zakee Wheatley at Safety coupled with an improving Sophomore DeJuan Lane. The Nickels will be solid with Zion Tracy & King Mack.

Only concern I have about offense is Drew's improvement in mental toughness and the WRs being able to compete in the huge games. Can they get open, win 50/50 balls, and will Drew show confidence to throw them open in games vs Oregon, OSU, @ Iowa, and against playoff competition?

Tengwell also highlighted the importance if the RB3 competition given that they will probably have more touches than usual and will give them some lead in for RB1 in 2026. He seems equally impressed with Wllace, Martin, and Smith. Did indicate that the OL players like Corey Smith because of his "wiggle". That is one competition highlight for fall camp we need to pay attention to.

 

[27Pellis]

Kaden Saunders - Highly rated recruit but lacked size. Then he got hurt. Now he's behind Hudson, Ross, Pena, Denmark, Clifford, and Gonzalez on the depth chart. I'm almost surprised he didn't enter the portal.

Anthony Ivey - Same story as Saunders except for the injury

Quinton Martin - Highly rated kid will have a role next year once Singleton & Allen are gone but will we waste him on the bench this year? If he lives up to his ratings I'd thing we'd find a role for him somewhere but where?

Andrew Rapplyea - He was looking at PT last year until he got hurt. Now I think Dinkins and Reynolds are ahead of him on the depth chart. Will Rapplyea have much of a role this year?

Donkoh, Birchmeier, Williams, Shanahan - I assume the starting OL will be Shelton, Ioane, Dawkins, Rucci, and Cousins. Two of the 4 I mentioned will probably get a fair bit of PT but I doubt all 4 will see much PT in conference play. I'm almost surprised they didn't try to move one of them to DT.

Enai White & Owen Wafle - White didn't do a lot at A&M and Wafle didn't do a lot at Michigan. Wafle has time but White is a senior and I doubt he transferred to PSU to ride the bench.

King Mack - Mack is still young but his stock dropped sharply after making little impact at Alabama. Of all the names on my list he might have the best chance to get meaningful minutes. We'll see.

I believe Donkho, Rap, Martin and Mack will get a ton of snaps. Saunders too, if healthy, should see many.
—The rest will likely be on a “ sliding scale” based on “ need” and “ improvement”

 

[GregInPitt]

Just like all of have said, the DE position has to have Urih Fisher play at a high level to compliment DDS and any major injury on the DL by Durant, DDS, ir Ford means big problems.

Regarding Speca , Tengwells comment was more about his size than current abilities. That said, I think Speca will become a very solid backup this season and the LBer will hold their own. Rojas, now injury free with his outstanding coverage ability and sideline-to'sideline speed could be All B1G. Tengwell said Roas was badly hampered all season with that shoulder injury.

Personally, I am really excited about the CBs, Harris, Collins, Washington, and the Fresman Dixon; as well as Zakee Wheatley at Safety coupled with an improving Sophomore DeJuan Lane. The Nickels will be solid with Zion Tracy & King Mack.

Only concern I have about offense is Drew's improvement in mental toughness and the WRs being able to compete in the huge games. Can thy get open. Win 50/50 balls, and will Drew show confidence to throw them open in games vs Oregon, OSU, @ Iowa, and against playoff competition?

Twnwell also highlighted the importance if the RB3 competition given that they will probably have more touches than usual and will give them some lead in for RB1 in 2026. He seems equally impressed with Wllace, Martin, and Smith. Did indicate that the OL players like Corey Smith because of his "wiggle". That is one competition highlight for fall camp we need o pay attention to.

I'm not as pesimistic about the DE position as you seem to be. Yes, Fisher playing at a high level would be a great thing for the position. But Franklin has complimented both Harvey (RS Fr) and Kemajou, and I expect that Barnes will have a couple more of the young DE's ready to play from among Robinson, Williams, Mayer, and the true freshmen Jennings, Coleman, Harris and Burnett. It's surprising that there seems to be practically no mention of White in the DE discussions considering he is going into his 4th college season, he was a top rated athlete/recruit coming out of H.S. and he's been in college S&C programs for over 3 years. Maybe White still has injury issues but if he is ready to play by Fall camp he could be a solid addition to the DE rotation as well. It's the nature of college football that players burst onto the scene as they develop and the light goes on for them and there seems to be plenty of candidates for that in the PSU DE room.

Speca got into games last season without burning his redshirt because the coaches thought he had enough knowledge of the defence to play as a true freshman, so I'm more optimistic than you seem to be about him developing this season into a capable LB.

I'm also very optimistic about the secondary for 2025. The biggest unknown there seems to be for depth at Safety regardless of who starts opposite Wheatly, Lane or Mack. Toure and/or Belgrave-Shorter coming on strong in Fall camp would seem to solve the depth issue at Safety.

Would be great if one of the young RB's rose to take the RB3 position by himself, but that may not happen as those in that competition seem to all have talent and different strengths. It could be that Franklin rotates the RB3 position week to week or just "OR's" it on the depth chart he has but doesn't publish..... I don't see it as anything to worry about as there is plenty of talent on the 2025 roster at RB and we are a long way from sorting out the 2026 RB depth chart.

 

[RickinDayton]

I'm not as pesimistic about the DE position as you seem to be. Yes, Fisher playing at a high level would be a great thing for the position. But Franklin has complimented both Harvey (RS Fr) and Kemajou, and I expect that Barnes will have a couple more of the young DE's ready to play from among Robinson, Williams, Mayer, and the true freshmen Jennings, Coleman, Harris and Burnett. It's surprising that there seems to be practically no mention of White in the DE discussions considering he is going into his 4th college season, he was a top rated athlete/recruit coming out of H.S. and he's been in college S&C programs for over 3 years. Maybe White still has injury issues but if he is ready to play by Fall camp he could be a solid addition to the DE rotation as well. It's the nature of college football that players burst onto the scene as they develop and the light goes on for them and there seems to be plenty of candidates for that in the PSU DE room.

Speca got into games last season without burning his redshirt because the coaches thought he had enough knowledge of the defence to play as a true freshman, so I'm more optimistic than you seem to be about him developing this season into a capable LB.

I'm also very optimistic about the secondary for 2025. The biggest unknown there seems to be for depth at Safety regardless of who starts opposite Wheatly, Lane or Mack. Toure and/or Belgrave-Shorter coming on strong in Fall camp would seem to solve the depth issue at Safety.

Would be great if one of the young RB's rose to take the RB3 position by himself, but that may not happen as those in that competition seem to all have talent and different strengths. It could be that Franklin rotates the RB3 position week to week or just "OR's" it on the depth chart he has but doesn't publish..... I don't see it as anything to worry about as there is plenty of talent on the 2025 roster at RB and we are a long way from sorting out the 2026 RB depth chart.

Yes, Harvey & Kemajou are talented but inexperienced and that is why Fisher's play is so important.
As Tengwell and Donahue alluded, Enai White at DE is a total unknown. It wouldvreally be beneficial for this defense if he somehow breaks out and contributes solid/reliable reps. If so, then I feel more at ease about DE.

 

[Lazy Dave]

Yes, Harvey & Kemajou are talented but inexperienced and that is why Fisher's play is so important.
As Tengwell and Donahue alluded, Enai White at DE is a total unknown. It wouldvreally be beneficial for this defense if he somehow breaks out and contributes solid/reliable reps. If so, then I feel more at ease about DE.

Can't remember who said it (I've consumer a lot of PSU podcasts the last 2 weeks), but we've had a Batman and Robin duo at DE the past 2 years.

'23, Chop and Adisa
'24, Abdul and DDS

For '25, we have DDS and ___?

I'm 99% sure, as is everyone else, Fisher will be the starter opposite DDS. The question becomes can he cause havoc and or secure his side? If he can, while staying healthy (his biggest issue to date), that makes depth less important. Not to say depth isn't important (in reality, we need 2-3 guys who can share snaps or step in if injury occurs), but I don't think Knowles is going to use wholesale substitutions in our biggest games.

 

[ryoder1]

Can't remember who said it (I've consumer a lot of PSU podcasts the last 2 weeks), but we've had a Batman and Robin duo at DE the past 2 years.

'23, Chop and Adisa
'24, Abdul and DDS

For '25, we have DDS and ___?

I'm 99% sure, as is everyone else, Fisher will be the starter opposite DDS. The question becomes can he cause havoc and or secure his side? If he can, while staying healthy (his biggest issue to date), that makes depth less important. Not to say depth isn't important (in reality, we need 2-3 guys who can share snaps or step in if injury occurs), but I don't think Knowles is going to use wholesale substitutions in our biggest games.

Yep that is a big question at DE. Then who is #3 and #4? Can White be a difference maker? Then we have a ton of young guys.... Harvey, Kemajou, Williams.... The defense has key questions at just about every position group.

DT if Ford can complement Durant. Who steps up after that? Gilliam seems to be the leader but then who? Blanding, Artis and one of the RS Freshman?

LB who do we have that can be a playmaker after Rojas. Deluca is steady but not spectacular. Campbell, Speca, Wylie?

Safety who replaces Reed? Can King Mack be the guy, Lane?

 

[RickinDayton]

Can't remember who said it (I've consumer a lot of PSU podcasts the last 2 weeks), but we've had a Batman and Robin duo at DE the past 2 years.

'23, Chop and Adisa
'24, Abdul and DDS

For '25, we have DDS and ___?

I'm 99% sure, as is everyone else, Fisher will be the starter opposite DDS. The question becomes can he cause havoc and or secure his side? If he can, while staying healthy (his biggest issue to date), that makes depth less important. Not to say depth isn't important (in reality, we need 2-3 guys who can share snaps or step in if injury occurs), but I don't think Knowles is going to use wholesale substitutions in our biggest games.

That was Tengwell with the Batman & Robin analogy.