Takeaways from Penn State Football practice on Tuesday night
Penn State football was back in action, as the media were allowed to watch, shoot, and take notes from practice for the third time in the spring season.
The Nittany Lions had a solid showing from the 15-minute spectator window. Here are some takeaways:
QUARTERBACKS
Redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik was not seen for the second consecutive week. I wonder if this is yet another coincidence, or if there is something larger at play. We'll have to wait to see if James Franklin has anything to say following practice.
Third year veterans Drew Allar and Beau Pribula looked fine. Neither of them displayed any struggles or egregious errors. Simply put, everything was status quo.
RUNNING BACKS
From my point of view last Tuesday, I did not notice Kaytron Allen at practice. The true junior was seen this time around. Allen went through the regular allotment of drills like everyone else.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Not much was notable about the wide receiver group. Everyone looked to be available and participated in drills, per usual.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith received praise from new offensive coordinated Andy Kotelnicki on a clean out-route that he ran. Lambert-Smith acknowledged Kotelnicki’s attention. Transfer Julian Fleming looked smooth in his cuts, too. However, after one catch, Fleming slipped and fell to the ground. Nothing good or bad came from it. Fleming just lost his footing.
It's a good early to sign to see wideouts like Omari Evans and Liam Clifford in sync with their QB’s.
TIGHT ENDS
Tyler Warren, Andrew Rappleyea, and Joey Schlaffer stood out to me at practice. I believe Rappleyea has a chance to move up to the no. 2 spot on the depth chart. Do not sleep on Schlaffer. Remember, Schlaffer was a top-10 tight end in the 2023 class. I am not arguing that he will see ample playing time soon. But the only reason Schlaffer redshirted was to gain weight. Talent was not the issue.
DEFENSIVE LINE
After missing the first two practices that were open to the public, Dani Dennis-Sutton was back at campus on Tuesday. He was intense. I like his energy. I think he has a big 2024 season and should be an all-conference player. Maybe, even All-America.
Abdul Carter was second in line behind DDS to start drills. Carter did receive some extra pointers from his position coach Deion Barnes. It is not shocking to see this. Carter will have to go through a learning curve to be up to speed at a new position.
LINEBACKERS / SECONDARY
COACHING
In my opinion, there is a much different, better vibe from Kotelnicki. He is fun, energetic. You can sense that based on the way he runs his sessions and communicates with players.
Defensive coordinator Tom Allen is a strong communicator himself. The former Indiana head coach seems to be thorough with his teachings. There is nothing left for interpretation by the players. They know what he is looking for.
An interesting side note. Running backs coach Ja’juan Seider was on an injury scooter. However, I did not notice a brace of any sort. Seider might have been driving it for fun. It could have easily belonged to someone else.
For more information, opinions, and analysis on Penn State football, follow Zach on X @zach_seyko and @lockedonnittany.
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