Penn State needs almost all new starting specialists in 2022; how will Stacy Collins attack that during spring practice?

Penn State has been fortunate over the last few years to know where it stood on special teams entering the spring.

That is no longer the case.

When the first of 15 practices between March and April begins on March 21, first-year special teams coordinator Stacy Collins will begin the process of settling on a first-year starter at numerous positions.

As the wait for drills to start shortens, Blue-White Illustrated is looking at the biggest question facing each member of James Franklin’s coaching staff. Today, Collins is in focus.

The Collins file

Collins is one of two first-year coordinators. The other is Manny Diaz, of course.

Penn State hired Collins after Joe Lorig left for Oregon following the 2021 season. Collins has worked with off-field members of the Lions’ staff, so there was a familiarity factor for Franklin. As is often the case with new additions, those past connections played a big role in bringing the Sutherlin, Ore., native onboard.

The 46-year-old most recently coached at Boise State. He has never been with an east coast program before. Other career stops include Utah State, South Dakota State, Central Washington, Western Washington, and even Vienna for a few seasons.

Besides special teams, Collins’ role also includes working with outside linebackers and the team’s nickelbacks.

What is the biggest question facing new Penn State special teams coordinator Stacy Collins this spring?

Collins has his work cut out for him during his first season in blue and white. Who will all of his new starters be?

Jordan Stout was mostly tremendous as a kicker, kickoff specialist, and punter for Penn State. While he wasn’t always perfect, his booming leg helped the Lions stay in many games.

He is now hoping to land in the NFL. It leaves Penn State in need of someone to step up and fill all of those roles. A new holder is needed, too, with Rafael Checa moving on. Long snapper Chris Stoll does return, however.

Entering the spring, Jake Pinegar is the leading candidate to handle placement kicks. He was used at the end of the Michigan State game. He was also the place kicker in the Outback Bowl loss to Arkansas. Pinegar has had an up-and-down career so far (he’s 138 for 141 on extra points and 37 for 51 on field goals), but he is the most logical choice. Other candidates include redshirt freshman Sander Sahaydak and walk-on Mitchell Groh. It would not be a surprise if Penn State went back to its ways of using one player for kickoffs and another for field goals, if one guy can win each role.

As for punter, all eyes will be on Alex Bacchetta. The Class of 2022 signee and nation’s No. 1 punter arrives later this year. According to the current roster, only two punters will be in town for spring ball, and both are walk-ons. Barney Amor is a Colgate transfer who is in his final college season. Gabriel Nwosu, then, enters his second college season.

Finally, we’ll have to wait and see how the holder position shakes out.

It’s also worth noting that Collins has things to figure out besides the spots listed above. Punt gunners Drew Hartlaub and A.J. Lytton both are no longer on the roster. Parker Washington figures to inherit Jahan Dotson’s punt returner role, but time will tell. Then, at kick returner, Keyvone Lee and Devyn Ford make sense out of the gate, but changes could be made there, as well.

Ultimately, Collins was brought in because he has tons of experience and has produced many pro-worthy specialists. His job won’t be an easy one, however, with so little experience returning. Thus, he’ll have to make this spring count.