Penn State specialists primed for key opportunity, evaluation
James Franklin set the framework for Penn State football’s specialists this spring. Meeting with the media heading into the program’s home stretch of practices this month, Franklin said competition is at work for both kicker and punter.
The parameters?
Both positions have a veteran with experience and consistency new to the program through the transfer portal. And, both positions also have young talents with little game experience, looking to establish consistency.
“For us, the biggest thing is, we think we’re talented, but we’re unproven and young,” Franklin said. “So to have a veteran guy that’s done it in games before in the room to make sure it’s a true competition, we thought was important. And that’s really how it’s played out thus far.”
Penn State kicking competitors
With the Blue-White Game now just days away, one of the more important data points of the process before preseason camp is on tap.
Acknowledging that spring practice has offered relatively few opportunities to kick outside, special teams coordinator Stacy Collins outlined what he’s seen from the primary competitors so far.
At placekicker, redshirt sophomore Sander Sahaydak continues to vie for a starting job. The left-footer handled some kickoff duties last year to bookend the season, and converted one of two field goals, with one PAT. He’s been challenged this spring by two-time All-Ivy kicker Alex Felkins, who transferred from Columbia this spring. Last season, Felkins sent home 11 of 16 field goals with a 53-yard long.
At punter, meanwhile, Alex Bacchetta returns for his redshirt freshman season after appearing in two games, punting four times, last season. Those games late in the season included three punts downed inside the 20-yard line, with an average of 40 yards per attempt. He’s been challenged by Florida Atlantic transfer punter Riley Thompson. He’s an Australian entering his second season of college football after earning third-team All-Conference USA recognition last year.
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Next steps
In combination with Mitch Groh and Gabe Nwosu, each of whom has competed to handle kickoff duties as well as their primary specialty as punters, Collins and Penn State’s staff continue to evaluate their options with optimism.
“We got really good competition,” Collins said. “From a kicker standpoint, we have Sander back, who has done a nice job. He and Alex Felkins, who came in, have competed every day. And we flipped those guys, who’s worked with the ones, who’s worked with the twos. They’ve got a heck of a competition going.
“Punter-wise, it’s been a great competition. Bacchetta came back for us. Alex is back after getting a little bit of play for us last year. And then you’re bringing in Riley Thompson. Those two competing. And Gabe Nwosu has done a great job. He’s got a big-time leg. Gabe has done a great job with our kickoffs, he’s stood out from our kickoffs. And Mitch Groh’s in there competing also.”
Given an opportunity Saturday afternoon to punt and kick in front of what’s expected to be a sizable crowd at Beaver Stadium, Penn State’s coaching staff will learn more as it heads into the offseason.
“I think Bacchetta and Sander are super talented. They need to be more consistent. And having those veterans in there for them to compete with and earn that job is important,” said Franklin.
