Penn State football notes: Freshman standouts, players trending up, injury info

Newly appointed Penn State Assistant AD for Performance Enhancement Chuck Losey III met the media on Thursday to offer updates on Penn State’s progress in the weight room during winter workouts.

1. Early Enrollee Standouts

Losey identified running back Nick Singleton and defensive tackle Zane Durant as two of Penn State’s early enrollees who have stood out this winter.

Singleton, a five-star prospect and the Gatorade National Player of the Year, is hardly a surprise choice. While Losey wasn’t prepared to dive into specifics when it came to weight milestones, Singelton’s trainer, Dane Miller, said this summer that Singleton was “as strong, if not stronger” than most running backs at the college level.

Durant, the No. 306 overall prospect in the 2022 cycle according to the On3 Consensus, also caught Losey’s eye.

“We’ve had a couple of guys who stood out,” Losey said. “Those two guys specifically, they’ve done some really good things ever since being on campus so I’m really pleased with them.

“Those two guys, they’ve really stood out since they’ve been here.”

Losey said that, in general, he’s pleased with Penn State’s entire group of nine early enrollees.

“They’ve been really good,” he said. “It’s a tough transitional period for them coming from high school, coming in as mid-years. All of them have been great.”

2. Trending Up

In regards to the rest of the players on Penn State’s roster, Losey offered some praise for four Nittany Lions who have stood out this winter.

The first is Zuriah Fisher, who is listed at 260 pounds. FIsher played 120 snaps on defense for the Nittany Lions last season, having transitioned to d.efensive end after playing linebacker in high school.

“Zuriah Fisher’s a guy who jumps out to me who we’re going to be depending on this upcoming season,” Losey said. “He’s had outstanding growth. That’s physically, that’s mentally, that’s emotionally.”

Another standout is rising sophomore safety Jaylen Reed, who is working closely with one of Penn State’s standout defensive backs.

“I strategically partnered him up with Ji’Ayir Brown throughout the offseason workouts and I think that’s paid dividends for his growth and his development,” Losey said. “So I’m excited about Jaylen Reed.”

Rising sophomore wideout Harrison Wallace took a redshirt last season, playing 14 snaps over two games. He too has made an impression on Losey this winter.

“He’s consistent, he’s methodical about his approach. He’s come in every day and he’s done everything right,” Losey said. “So, excited about him.”

Finally, Losey gave some love to Caedan Wallace, Penn State’s starter at right tackle last year.

“We obviously expect big things from Caedan, but I’ve definitely seen a gear shift in him,” Losey said. “He’s notched his game up, especially when it comes to intent, working with intent, and being very intentional about what he’s doing. Really happy with Caedan Wallace.”

3. Penn State Injury Nuggets

Hakeem Beamon and Adisa Isaac both didn’t play last season. Isaac suffered a season-ending injury before Week One, while James Franklin did not reveal why Beamon did not see action.

Both were seen in the weight room today, and Losey sounded a positive note over their spring outlook.

“Absolutely expect them to do things [this spring],” Losey said. “They’re exactly where they need to be right now. Adisa has done an outstanding job of attacking his rehab. He’s on schedule, feeling really good about him. And then Hakeem Beamon, same thing. He’s exactly where he left off from a physical standpoint.”

While he didn’t provide details on his recovery, Losey also praised PJ Mustipher for the presence he provided as a lead this winter. Mustipher suffered a season-ending injury in Penn State’s game against Iowa.

“From a leadership standpoint, that’s where this winter he’s probably brought the most value,” Losey said. “He brings value in every area, but having his presence in there with the guys, regardless of if he’s on a modified plan or if he’s doing the same thing as everybody else, he’s got a voice that carries.

“When PJ speaks, everybody listens.”