Penn State coach James Franklin offers strong review of freshman lineman Drew Shelton
Penn State could need numerous new faces to step up along its offensive line on Saturday at Indiana. The Lions are dealing with possible injury issues at both guard and tackle. As expected, Lions head coach James Franklin did not offer any new updates on who will be available and who will not be this weekend in Bloomington. But, one freshman could be a part of the equation should the injury report and game plan call for it.
It’s Drew Shelton. The former four-star recruit from Downingtown, Pa., who played high school football both there and at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., has seen snaps in two games so far this season. After making his Lions debut in Week 2 against Ohio (11 snaps), he played five against Minnesota. But, from the sounds of it, he is ready for more if and when his number is called upon.
“[Shelton’s a] guy [that], there’s been talk for a long time about five years of eligibility, and he’s a guy that, if we weren’t trying to save his redshirt, would have played a bunch already this year,” Franklin said Wednesday night.
“He’s done a really good job, is super smart, [and] prepares extremely well. He’s gotten bigger and stronger, [and] he’s right around 300 pounds now. So he’s done a nice job. Obviously, there’s a lot [related to] how that will factor in with him come Saturday.”
Penn State injury report will play a major role in whether or not Shelton plays Saturday
The biggest factor will be the status of starting left tackle Olu Fashanu. The highly-regarded Nittany Lion was hurt late in the Ohio State loss. If he cannot play against the Hoosiers, Shelton could be asked to start. However, Penn State could also use utility man Bryce Effner at that spot. However, he might be needed on the right side if Caedan Wallace, who missed all of the Buckeyes game, is unavailable. The health of guard Landon Tengwall, who has been out since Minnesota, will be part of the equation, as well.
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Franklin will not offer any update about the status of any of those players before kickoff. Otherwise, he’d be giving Tom Allen’s Hoosiers an unneeded look at the Lions’ game plan.
That said, expect Shelton to make a major impact on the Penn State program at some point. Whether that’s sooner rather than later, though, remains to be seen. If he plays in two more games, he’d either have to sit out the rest of the year or burn his redshirt.
The Lions may ultimately want to preserve his first year of eligibility. But, injuries may force their hand to do the opposite.
Penn State-Indiana starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
