Offensive Line Next Season

[Erial_Lion]

I'll be interested to see how we handle the lineup next season. Assuming that all of the major players are back, we'll have Shelton back at LT, and then Rucci and Donkoh who split time at RT. Ioane is back...he played LG this season, but is listed as a back at both C and RG. Since we lose both our starting C and RG, will he stick at LG, or might he kick over (nice to have this flexibility). And, do we move Donkoh inside to guard so that we can have him and Rucci both on the field? I'd say yes (he was thought to be an interior lineman in the recruiting process, and I'd think he's the most likely to move inside rather than Rucci/Shelton).

Even if we get nothing from the portal to help the O-line, I think we'd be in very good shape with something like Shelton-Ioane-Cousins-Donkoh-Rucci (or even Shelton-Williams-Ioane-Donkoh-Rucci).

 

[BobPSU92]

A positive thread? Now?

 

[Bwifan]

A positive thread? Now?

Not yet... Tomorrow I will be ready for that. Today I am still pissing vinegar and salty about that loss.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Not yet... Tomorrow I will be ready for that. Today I am still pissing vinegar and salty about that loss.

Around lunchtime, after I cancelled my hotel room, I was ready to move along and look at the depth chart to see exactly what we're losing...if guys like Allar, Singleton, Allen, King, Wheatley, DDS do come back (or even all but 1 of them), then we're in a lot better shape than I was thinking.

 

[kgilbert78]

Around lunchtime, after I cancelled my hotel room, I was ready to move along and look at the depth chart to see exactly what we're losing...if guys like Allar, Singleton, Allen, King, Wheatley, DDS do come back (or even all but 1 of them), then we're in a lot better shape than I was thinking.

Still, without Carter and Warren, we'll be good but not great.

 

[Bison13]

Rucci became a very good RT as the season went along. What a huge portal pick up.

 

[LB99]

I'll be interested to see how we handle the lineup next season. Assuming that all of the major players are back, we'll have Shelton back at LT, and then Rucci and Donkoh who split time at RT. Ioane is back...he played LG this season, but is listed as a back at both C and RG. Since we lose both our starting C and RG, will he stick at LG, or might he kick over (nice to have this flexibility). And, do we move Donkoh inside to guard so that we can have him and Rucci both on the field? I'd say yes (he was thought to be an interior lineman in the recruiting process, and I'd think he's the most likely to move inside rather than Rucci/Shelton).

Even if we get nothing from the portal to help the O-line, I think we'd be in very good shape with something like Shelton-Ioane-Cousins-Donkoh-Rucci (or even Shelton-Williams-Ioane-Donkoh-Rucci).

I thought I read somewhere where JB Nelson still has another year of eligibility if he wants to use it?

 

[LB99]

Still, without Carter and Warren, we'll be good but not great.

Yeah. There’s the wet blanket outlook I would expect.

 

[BiochemPSU]

The real positive for future seasons is the o-line. They finally fixed it.

 

[lemonears]

I thought I read somewhere where JB Nelson still has another year of eligibility if he wants to use it?

Yep, according to the 2025 eligibility chart (see link) JB could play next year. The biggest need next year based on this chart might be DEs. Seems like we lose almost everyone. Every wide receiver is back except Fleming. All 19 of them. Maybe Clifford will turn into Jerry Rice over the next few months! Allen and Singleton could be back. All the linebackers could return. DBs should be in good shape. We should be solid at TE. Placekicker is back. We could have a higher talent level next year than this year. We need to get some of the slug receivers to portal so we can add talent in other areas.

 

[LB99]

Yep, according to the 2025 eligibility chart (see link) JB could play next year. The biggest need next year based on this chart might be DEs. Seems like we lose almost everyone. Every wide receiver is back except Fleming. All 19 of them. Maybe Clifford will turn into Jerry Rice over the next few months! Allen and Singleton could be back. All the linebackers could return. DBs should be in good shape. We should be solid at TE. Placekicker is back. We could have a higher talent level next year than this year. We need to get some of the slug receivers to portal so we can add talent in other areas.

I wonder if DDS returns? If so, he and Granville at DE? I’m hoping Durant returns otherwise DT is going to be very unproven.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Yep, according to the 2025 eligibility chart (see link) JB could play next year. The biggest need next year based on this chart might be DEs. Seems like we lose almost everyone. Every wide receiver is back except Fleming. All 19 of them. Maybe Clifford will turn into Jerry Rice over the next few months! Allen and Singleton could be back. All the linebackers could return. DBs should be in good shape. We should be solid at TE. Placekicker is back. We could have a higher talent level next year than this year. We need to get some of the slug receivers to portal so we can add talent in other areas.

The COVID year threw me off...looks like Dawkins also has another season if he wants to come back. Wow. This line could REALLY be a strength next year.

 

[Erial_Lion]

I wonder if DDS returns? If so, he and Granville at DE? I’m hoping Durant returns otherwise DT is going to be very unproven.

I was thinking Durant would be back mostly because I'm not sure exactly where he plays in the NFL...you don't see many/any undersized DTs, so he's a bit of a tweener. Maybe he ends up as an end in a 3-4 scheme.

 

[LB99]

I was thinking Durant would be back mostly because I'm not sure exactly where he plays in the NFL...you don't see many/any undersized DTs, so he's a bit of a tweener. Maybe he ends up as an end in a 3-4 scheme.

The kid has a motor and must be brutally strong. I was pleasantly surprised by the DT play this year. They were solid.

 

[PSUJam]

I'll be interested to see how we handle the lineup next season. Assuming that all of the major players are back, we'll have Shelton back at LT, and then Rucci and Donkoh who split time at RT. Ioane is back...he played LG this season, but is listed as a back at both C and RG. Since we lose both our starting C and RG, will he stick at LG, or might he kick over (nice to have this flexibility). And, do we move Donkoh inside to guard so that we can have him and Rucci both on the field? I'd say yes (he was thought to be an interior lineman in the recruiting process, and I'd think he's the most likely to move inside rather than Rucci/Shelton).

Even if we get nothing from the portal to help the O-line, I think we'd be in very good shape with something like Shelton-Ioane-Cousins-Donkoh-Rucci (or even Shelton-Williams-Ioane-Donkoh-Rucci).

Donkoh is our best OL and isn't moving inside. Also, this:

 

[LB99]

Donkoh is our best OL and isn't moving inside. Also, this:

Yes. Just saw that. He has 3 yrs of eligibility left. Projected at G/C

Penn State adds SEC offensive lineman TJ Shanahan to transfer portal haul

Penn State football picked up another transfer portal addition on Friday when Texas A&M lineman TJ Shanahan picked the Lions.

www.on3.com

 

[LB99]

Cousins will definitely fit into the IOL mix next year also.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Donkoh is our best OL and isn't moving inside. Also, this:

I just feel like Rucci has played too well to have him sitting the bench and providing depth. Donkoh seems like the only viable option to move inside of our tackles. But it's a good problem to have (if everyone returns).

 

[PSUJam]

I just feel like Rucci has played too well to have him sitting the bench and providing depth. Donkoh seems like the only viable option to move inside of our tackles. But it's a good problem to have (if everyone returns).

Definitely a good problem to have. Donkoh had a few different injuries this season and it's unknown how his knee will be post surgery. We haven't had this kind of OL depth in more than a decade.

 

[bdgan]

I'll be interested to see how we handle the lineup next season. Assuming that all of the major players are back, we'll have Shelton back at LT, and then Rucci and Donkoh who split time at RT. Ioane is back...he played LG this season, but is listed as a back at both C and RG. Since we lose both our starting C and RG, will he stick at LG, or might he kick over (nice to have this flexibility). And, do we move Donkoh inside to guard so that we can have him and Rucci both on the field? I'd say yes (he was thought to be an interior lineman in the recruiting process, and I'd think he's the most likely to move inside rather than Rucci/Shelton).

Even if we get nothing from the portal to help the O-line, I think we'd be in very good shape with something like Shelton-Ioane-Cousins-Donkoh-Rucci (or even Shelton-Williams-Ioane-Donkoh-Rucci).

OL should be a strength next year. TE should be solid even w/o Warren.

WR???
LB???

We also need to replace Kimber & Reed.

 

[Erial_Lion]

OL should be a strength next year. TE should be solid even w/o Warren.

WR???
LB???

We also need to replace Kimber & Reed.

The starting LBs can all come back...if they do, I'd feel pretty good about that unit. WR can only get better, the question is if they make the jump that we need them to make (and if we can add anyone else into the mix).

And agree on TE...losing Warren hurts, but we'll still have a very good groups of TEs.

 

[Alphalion75]

Still, without Carter and Warren, we'll be good but not great.

Those two will be tough to replace. But I do believe Luke Reynolds is going to be a standout. Maybe not as dynamic as Tyler, but very good. Who will be the next up to wear #11? Rojas is improving and has great instincts. Not sure he'll get to the same level as Carter. To me Carter was better than Micah and on part with Levar. Those types of players are rare. Hopefully Franklin will find another #11.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Those two will be tough to replace. But I gmdo believe Luke Reynolds is going to be a standout. Maybe not as dynamic as Tyler, but very good. Who will be the next up to wear #11? Rojas is improving and has great instincts. Not sure he'll get to the same level as Carter. To me Carter was better than Micah and on part with Levar. Those types of players are rare. Hopefully Franklin will find another #11.

Micah is tough because he only played two seasons. He was just starting to reach his potential and moved on.

 

[rudedude]

Youngsters upcoming at LB Nelson, Wiley, Robinson.

 

[Catch1lion]

Still, without Carter and Warren, we'll be good but not great.

Warren is a generational talent. 11 is great but we have had good luck with edge players . Everyone has to step up . But IDK the Boys in the breech are going to be great

‘I think he’s grown up a lot’ | Penn State excited for freshman DE Max Granville’s future

Normally, Max Granville would still be at Fort Bend Christian Academy as a senior in high school, attending Penn State’s playoff games and practices as an early enrollee, but Granville

www.psucollegian.com

Luke Reynolds has a motor too

 

[bdgan]

The starting LBs can all come back...if they do, I'd feel pretty good about that unit. WR can only get better, the question is if they make the jump that we need them to make (and if we can add anyone else into the mix).

And agree on TE...losing Warren hurts, but we'll still have a very good groups of TEs.

I think our LBs are far from elite but King is the best we have and it would help a lot if he returns. He's projected to be a late round pick so he could stay.

 

[bdgan]

Those two will be tough to replace. But I do believe Luke Reynolds is going to be a standout. Maybe not as dynamic as Tyler, but very good. Who will be the next up to wear #11? Rojas is improving and has great instincts. Not sure he'll get to the same level as Carter. To me Carter was better than Micah and on part with Levar. Those types of players are rare. Hopefully Franklin will find another #11.

I like Reynolds a lot and I think Rappleyea was ahead of him on the depth chart.

 

[Erial_Lion]

I think our LBs are far from elite but King is the best we have and it would help a lot if he returns. He's projected to be a late round pick so he could stay.

I still think Rojas has the highest ceiling.

 

[Bones80]

I would assume LaVar Jr gets the 11. Has potential and since his dad started Stix City and has been a huge supporter of the program I can’t see them giving it to anyone else.

 

[OptionBob]

Those two will be tough to replace. But I do believe Luke Reynolds is going to be a standout. Maybe not as dynamic as Tyler, but very good. Who will be the next up to wear #11? Rojas is improving and has great instincts. Not sure he'll get to the same level as Carter. To me Carter was better than Micah and on part with Levar. Those types of players are rare. Hopefully Franklin will find another #11.

I would not be surprised if Max Granville gets the #11 jersey.

 

[Alphalion75]

I would not be surprised if Max Granville gets the #11 jersey.

Good call. He has the length and athleticism.

 

[ChandlerPearce58]

I would assume LaVar Jr gets the 11. Has potential and since his dad started Stix City and has been a huge supporter of the program I can’t see them giving it to anyone else.

Possibly....but I won't be surprised if it is Glanville.
Oops...posted before reading the next post!

 

[bdgan]

I still think Rojas has the highest ceiling.

I agree that he's the most athletic LB we have. Hopefully he can continue to improve.

 

[Bvillebaron]

I think our LBs are far from elite but King is the best we have and it would help a lot if he returns. He's projected to be a late round pick so he could stay.

King is pretty good but he is lousy in pass coverage and was exposed several times against ND (although the coaches should not have put him in that position).