Penn State redshirt report: Which true freshmen have played so far?
Penn State coach James Franklin said following his team’s season-opening win at Purdue that he is determined to build depth this fall. One way to do that is by playing numerous true freshmen.
It’s exacly what the Lions did in last Saturday’s 46-10 blowout victory over Ohio. Seventy-five players received at least one snap in the non-conference matchup, And, of that group, 12 were freshmen.
“Those guys, their roles will continue to grow as they gain experience and confidence as the season goes on and we’re going to need them, to see some freshmen not only play, but make some big plays, pivotal plays within the game, whether long runs or touchdown catches or tackles or whatever it is,” head coach James Franklin said.
“That will be helpful for us moving forward.”
The Blue-White Illustrated redshirt tracker is back to examine who did what last week and where they stand in terms of games played so far.
Penn State redshirt report
We start with the Nittany Lions who have played in both Penn State games so far. That list includes 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. If each plays in three more contests, than they cannot redshirt this fall. Players can see time in up to four contests while still preserving a year of eligibility per NCAA rules.
Allar completed six of eight passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Singleton, meanwhile, tallied 179 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries while Allen logged six for 23 yards. Evans caught two passes for 30 yards, one of which was his first career touchdown. Durant had no counting stats but Dennis-Sutton had a pair of tackles. And, Carter made five stops.
Beyond that group, five Penn State players made their college debut in the win. That list includes receiver Kaden Saunders, offensive linemen Drew Shelton and Vega Ioane, corner Cam Miller, and safety KJ Winston.
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Saunders made two catches for 21 yards. Miller was credited with three tackles, as was Winston. And, the two lineman each played 11 snaps.
The second group of players has three more contests to play in before hitting the four-game mark. All should be expected to travel to Auburn this weekend, but it’s unclear how many will see time. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium. CBS will televise the contest.
Game-by-game breakdown
Two Games – QB Drew Allar, RB Nick Singleton, RB Kaytron Allen, WR Omari Evans, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, DT Zane Durant, LB Abdul Carter
One Game – WR Kaden Saunders, OL Drew Shelton, OL Vega Ioane, CB Cam Miller, Saf. KJ Winston
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
