James Franklin details foundation of Penn State offensive line

As fall camp carries on in Happy Valley, coach James Franklin is closely monitoring the Penn State offensive line. He’s beginning to see some real pillars emerge.

The Nittany Lions have a handful of veterans and proven players, as well as others that are trying to enter the ranks of the ultra-consistent and dependable.

“We’ve really looked at Hunter (Nourzad) and Olu (Fashanu) as kind of like the foundation of the O-line,” Franklin said. “I think Caeden (Wallace) is starting to work into that category and so is Sal (Wormley). And then Nick Dawkins has done really well.”

Fashanu is a well-known talent at this point. He had a chance to be a very high draft pick in the NFL this offseason but instead opted to come back to school for another season.

Nourzad, a former Cornell transfer, has started in 28 consecutive games, including eight with the Penn State offensive line last fall.

Dawkins seems to be the player that Franklin is most pleased with in terms of development during camp, as he spoke about his ability for a good while after a recent practice.

“He’s big and strong. He’s one of the better guys in the weight room, especially with lower-body strength,” Franklin said. “He’s extremely intelligent. He’s also really verbal, as you guys have probably had a chance to get around him. He doesn’t mind speaking up and at that position you need somebody that’s going to be vocal and make calls. He’s kind of the quarterback of the O-line. He had a really good rep today in a one-on-one, so he’s progressing nicely.”

Wallace is the player in the group that might have some of the biggest upside, if he can simply achieve a little more consistency.

He has started in 27 games for the Penn State offensive line over the last three years, including all 13 games during the 2021 season. The Nittany Lions are hoping he can be the anchor opposite Fashanu.

“Yeah I think we’ve all seen flashes of Caeden, maybe as good as any tackle in the country,” Franklin said. “He’s just got to do it more consistently. He’s got to do it more consistently.”