Penn State Saturday six pack: Reasons for optimism, looking ahead to official visits, more

Penn State football was busy during the last full week of May. The Lions continue traveling during the spring evaluation period while also adding more official visitors for the summer. They also held a media day for the members of the roster who signed in the Class of 2021.

In this week’s Saturday six pack, we cover the above topics and more, including three reasons for optimism after detailing three reasons to be concerned earlier in the week.

Let’s dive in.

1. Two notable quotes from the Class of 2021 media day

Penn State does not make first-year players available to the media. However, it has often featured that group on a platform all their own ahead of season two.

Wednesday was that day for members of the Class of 2021.

We’ve covered some of the key highlights (see a full video of Christian Veilleux’s media session here plus insider observations from BWI’s Nate Bauer at this link). Here are two thoughts on defensive players:

—Jaylen Reed has the making of a star as he fights to win a starting safety job. He’s happy about the stiff competition he’s facing, though, knowing that it will make everyone better. He also believes his biggest year one strides came off the field after burning his redshirt with strong play on it.

“I’ve probably matured the best since I got here,” Reed said. “Because, when I got here, I was still coming from high school to college, and learning how to control things. So, I’ve definitely matured the best. I grew on the football field too, but it’s really about my maturity.”

—Jordan van den Berg has a fascinating story. He is native to South Africa and ended up at Iowa Western Community College after starting his football career following his move to the U.S at the age of 10. Penn State noticed him at a one-day workout last year, extended an offer, and he arrived just a few days later.

“I had Iowa and Nebraska [offers],” van den Berg said. “But, I really felt like Penn State was just mainly like a family culture and everything. I felt like this was a place where I could really trust the coaching staff had the best interest for me. I really liked their defense.”

2. Physical observations from the Class of 2021 media day

–Corner Kalen King and linebacker Kobe King look even better than they did last year. The former should find a starting role this fall and the latter has every chance to, as well. They pass the eye test. Of note, Kobe at one point in high school was leaning toward going to a different school than Kalen. But, that eventually went by the wayside.

–Tight end Khalil Dinkins and corner Jeffrey Davis Jr., both have some bulking up to do, but each feels good about his progress in the weight room so far at Penn State. Dinkins, in particular, said he’s up about 20 pounds since arriving.

—Jamari Buddin looks the part of a fast-moving linebacker. He’s training at both the SAM and the WILL for new Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and his 6-foot-2, 219-pound frame stood out.

—Harrison Wallace III looks to have added some muscle this offseason. The receiver who has outrageous athleticism and explosiveness figures to be the breakout pick of many this fall.

3. A reason to be optimistic on offense

After listening to numerous Penn State players talk this spring and now in May, one thing is clear: A second season in the Mike Yurcich offense is expected to pay dividends.

The Lions, of course, have dealt with change at offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021. But, having a consecutive offseason with the same play caller and scheme should help fix some of what ailed the attack a year ago.

Now, Yurcich and his staff must put their players in position to succeed, and then they must execute. But, from this point of view, there is a sense of confidence coming from the continuity, and that’s reason to feel good with many returners back but also some questions to answer.

4. A reason to be optimistic about the Penn State defense

In numerous conversations this offseason, one theme has become familiar when it comes to Manny Diaz. He wants to be fast and aggressive, and he knows how to communicate it in a way that gets through to his players.

That’s key, because he’s charged with installing a new defense at Penn State for really the first time since 2014. Sure, Brent Pry certainly added his own wrinkles to Bob Shoop’s scheme, but the two coached together for so long that they were mostly the same. Diaz’s, however, should look and feel a bit different than what Lions fans have come to expect in the James Franklin era.

Of course, it will have some of the tenants Franklin wants. That’s the way it is everywhere. But, Diaz’s new charges seem to both like what they’re learning and are picking it up quickly. It’s a must in a year with plenty of turnover in terms of who will be on the field. The returners and newcomers must be able to play fast in tandem to match or exceede the units that have come before them.

5. A reason for optimism regarding the special teams

As we noted in our story detailing the concerns about each unit, a major worry here is how much production new special teams coordinator Stacy Collins must replace. However, the good news is that there is talent in the room.

At punter, the nation’s top-ranked punter Alex Bacchetta will take on Colgate transfer Barney Amor and walk-on Mitchell Groh for that job. One of the latter two is expected to be the holder. Jake Pinegar and Sander Sahaydak, then, will kick it out for the field goal and kickoff jobs.

Beyond the competition there, a healthy one will take place between Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley for the punt returner position. Then, kick returner figures to be a four-way battle between backs Keyvone Lee, Nick Singleton, and Devyn Ford plus corner Daequan Hardy.

Collins may have a lot of questions to answer as his Penn State tenure begins. But, he isn’t lacking options, and that’s a big plus.

6. Final thoughts

Official visit season starts next week. A big man will be on campus, as Maryland four-star defensive lineman Jason Moore, who is a top-40 player and No. 5 at his position, will be in town. It’s a huge chance for Penn State to make a big statement with one of the region’s players. It’s an uphill battle with many other heavy hitters lined up to host him. But, the Lions must start somewhere, and an official visit is as good a place as any.

We’ll cover all of that and more next week as May turns to June. It’s hard to believe we’ve already almost reached the sixth month of the year. It’ll feel the same way when September and the opener arrives.

Finally, on this Memorial Day weekend, we remember and thank those who are serving or have served our country and their support systems.

Enjoy the rest of Saturday (or whatever day you’re reading this on) and thanks as always for stopping by for the six-pack.