Penn State football redshirt report: Which freshmen have played over the first three weeks?
Penn State football coach James Franklin believed earlier this year that many of his newest Nittany Lions could play early. Through three games, his outlook has been correct.
The Class of 2022 has been a force for Penn State during a 3-0 start. Some freshmen have played more than others, of course. But as expected, a large number of them are contributing on game day. And, a total of 19 traveled for last weekend’s win at Auburn.
“A great experience for these young freshmen to come here in the SEC, get a feel for this environment, what it means,” Franklin said following the win.
Each week, Blue-White Illustrated tracks the redshirt status of each Penn State freshman. Here’s where things stand entering Week 4.
Penn State redshirt report
We start with the Penn State freshmen who have played in every game so far. It quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, receiver Omari Evans, defensive tackle Zane Durant, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, and linebacker Abdul Carter.
Allar had two pass attempts and completed both against the Tigers. Singleton, who was the Big Ten freshman of the week, carries 10 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Allen scored twice, as well, while netting 52 yards on nine carries. Evans did not have a catch. Defensively, Carter tied for a Penn State high with six tackles (one for loss) and also had a forced fumble and pass breakup.
“Abdul, as you guys know in the little that you’ve seen him, he flashes,” Franklin said. “I know you guys have all seen it. We’ve been excited about him. He’s so mature, picking things up quickly. He’s fast. He’s aggressive.
“There’s something about that No. 11. I’m not sure, but it’s had a lot of success here at Penn State. And I’m glad for the lettermen that wore it before that he’s representing it the right way.”
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Dennis-Sutton had one tackle. Durant had none but played 20 snaps.
Beyond that group, corner Cam Miller played 11 snaps at his position and also was used on special teams. He, like receiver Kaden Saunders (who did not record a catch) and safety KJ Winston (11 snaps), played in his second game of the year.
Finally, the freshmen who traveled but did not play include: Quarterback Beau Pribula, safety Mehki Flowers, safety Cristian Driver, linebacker Keon Wylie, walk-on offensive lineman Dominic Rulli, offensive lineman Drew Shelton, offensive lineman Vega Ioane, offensive lineman Maleek McNeeil, and punter Alex Bacchetta.
Game-by-game breakdown
The Penn State freshmen who have seen time in three games can play in one more before hitting the point where they must play a fifth and burn their redshirt or sit for the remainder of the season to preserve it. The group with two has two games to go before then, of course. Here is the game-by-game breakdown:
Three Games – QB Drew Allar, RB Nick Singleton, RB Kaytron Allen, WR Omari Evans, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, DT Zane Durant, LB Abdul Carter
Two Games – WR Kaden Saunders, CB Cam Miller, Saf. KJ Winston
One game: OL Drew Shelton, OL Vega Ioane
Zero Games – QB Beau Pribula, WR Anthony Ivey, WR Tyler Johnson, TE Jerry Cross, OL Maleek McNeil, DT Kaleb Artis, LB Keon Wylie, CB Cristian Driver, Saf. Mehki Flowers, P Alex Bacchetta
