Penn State punting, kicking take center stage ahead of offseason

Immediately after Saturday’s Blue-White Game, Penn State head coach James Franklin said questions still needed to be answered before the start of the 2022 season.

And, though declining to specify his top unresolved question, Franklin’s first answer offered some perspective. For the program as it heads into the offseason, one absence looms particularly large.

With Jordan Stout set to hear his name selected in the NFL Draft this weekend, Penn State needs a punter, kicker, and kickoff specialist. As close as the program can come to replicating Stout’s success, the better. 

“The thing that jumps out in my mind is who’s going to be the punter,” Franklin said. “After losing maybe the best specialist in the country, that’s a big question.”

For a Penn State football program that emphasizes special teams, it’s a priority.

Finishing eighth nationally in special teams efficiency by analytics platform Coaches By the Numbers under Joe Lorig last season, Penn State is starting fresh this spring. Welcoming Stacy Collins to take over special teams coordinator duties, the result has been a group working to maintain the high standard set in recent seasons.

“Everyone was just trying to build confidence; confidence in the coaches, confidence in your players and teammates, going out and doing what you can do consistently,” said punter Barney Amor. “That’s a huge part of punting, it’s a huge part of your special teams, and that was my goal. So I’m super excited for everyone.”

Penn State’s punting intrigue

At punter, that has been front and center in the form of competition through the spring involving Amor, Gabe Nwosu, and Mitch Groh. Still set to welcome Alex Bacchetta, the On3 Consensus No. 8-ranked punter in the Class of 2022, that equation could change still, Franklin said.

“Talking to Blake Gillikin, who I think we all had a ton of respect for. Blake says and he’s worked out with (Bacchetta). Blake says he’s the best freshman he’s ever seen. So, we’ll see how that plays out,” Franklin said. “But that was a big question, coming into the season, obviously after losing somebody (like Stout).”

At the center of the punting competition, Amor lived up to the hopes Penn State held when bringing him in from Colgate as a two-year graduate transfer the last offseason. For the effort, Amor was awarded as the program’s standout special teams performer “best demonstrating exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude, and improvement.”

But, as Franklin insisted after Saturday’s scrimmage, Nwosu also played well enough to capture his attention heading into the offseason. 

“I thought it was awesome to see Gabe Nwosu today punt the hell out of the ball. He hadn’t done that all spring to be honest with you,” Franklin said. “Some guys, when they get in the stadium, Beaver Stadium in front of fans, the light goes on and they play well. I thought he did that today. And I thought Barney Amor was great all spring; that’s important.”

Other kicking competitions of note

Beyond the punting battle, Penn State is also narrowing its choices for handling kickoffs and field goals.

According to Amor, kickoffs could be handled by any of a group that includes Nwosu, Jake Pinegar, Sander Sahaydak, and Bacchetta.

“Between all of them, it’s not something we’re worried about if that’s what you’re wondering. We’ve got really good depth,” Amor said. “Any one of those guys, Sander, Jake, Gabe, and even Alex Baccheetta coming in. He’s got a good leg and I’m excited for him. He’s gonna be able to go and compete. That’s what we’re here for is to compete.”

In that vein, Amor said he has also added holding to his responsibilities. With Rafael Checa having moved on from the program this offseason, it’s another role to fill.

“It’s just another one of those roles that I’ve learned to embrace. It’s important,” Amor said after holding for Pinegar on Saturday. “I don’t think a lot of people realize how important it is. It’s kind of like a snapper, nobody knows who they are until it goes wrong. So as long as I can keep my name out of people’s mouths when it comes to holding, that’s kind of the goal.”

In an important spring for Penn State’s kicking operations, it all combined for an atmosphere of productivity that Amor said he’s looking forward to seeing continue this summer.

“I think in every single position in special teams, we made huge strides, which is good,” Amor said. “I know we focused a lot on field goal, a lot of punt, a lot of everything. And I think that’s going to help us set us apart, to be honest.”