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Four Penn State football thoughts four weeks before spring practice begins

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•02/21/22•

GregPickel

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Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions blows a whistle before the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on September 25, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The countdown to Penn State spring practice is officially on.

Only four weeks separate us from the lull of February, when winter workouts set the foundation for the season, and March, when drills begin. They’re set to kick off March 21 at Holuba Hall and the outdoor practice fields between it and Lasch.

The pads will start crunching and whistles blowing before we know it. For now, however, we’re sharing four thoughts on the Lions as the wait continues.

1. Penn State has a two-time state champion wrestler committed to it

Alex Birchmeier is a two-time Virginia state champ.

The Broad Run heavyweight defended his title in the annual state tournament over the weekend. He won three of his matches by fall. Two of those came in less than 30 seconds and the other was in the finals. In the semifinals, the junior took a 12-6 decision.

A Class of 2023 recruit, Birchmeier cannot even sign with the Lions until December. But, his impressive work on the mats will up the excitement even more for his senior football season.

2. A look at some freshmen’s jersey numbers

Penn State football players took part in the athlete hour and also hosted THON explorers at Lasch.

Other members of the roster, mostly younger ones, also competed in the Saturday night pep rally. Both events offered a look at the numbers some younger players are currently wearing.

Based on photos from social media and other outlets (such as the work from Joe Hermitt of PennLive) we are able to get a sense of whose suiting up in what number.

Quarterback Drew Allar was seen wearing No. 15. Fellow quarterback Beau Prbiula had No. 9. Back Nick Singleton sported No. 10, while receivers Omari Evans and Kaden Saunders wore 18 and 7, respectively. Tight end Jerry Cross sported No. 88.

None of the newcomers have official jersey numbers yet on the online Penn State roster. Those will be assigned before practices begin.

3. A Penn State spring practice primer though on offense

What are you most looking forward to learning about on offense once practices begin?

We could go the obvious route and say quarterbacks or offensive line. For me, though, it’s going to be how Singleton and Mitchell Tinsley in a Penn State uniform and pads. Both have a chance to make a big splash in the running backs and receivers room, respectively. First, however, comes learning coordinator Mike Yurcich’s offense during spring practice. It might take time for both to get going, but it’s also easy to imagine both soaring in no time at all and finding a big role by the fall.

4. A Penn State spring practice primer though on defense

Like offense, you can really go any number of ways here.

For me, the simplest answer is the best. What will Manny Diaz do defensively in State College?

We know for a fact that James Franklin hired the former Miami head coach because he wants a defense similar to what Brent Pry ran in State College. But, there is little doubt that Diaz is going to be asked to put his own spin on things. What, exactly, will that look like?

Spring practice will offer a first glimpse at what lies ahead. We’re excited to see it in action.

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