Penn State Thursday three: Chuck Losey talks today; a Combine run to watch, and more

A busy Thursday is on deck in the Penn State world.

The Nittany Lions’ new strength and conditioning coach talks today in State College. Out in Indianapolis, one of the players he had a role in training will test at the NFL Combine.

Here are the three topics we’ll be keeping an eye on as the day unfolds.

1. What will Chuck Losey have to say during his first Penn State availability?

Penn State is coming down the home stretch of winter workouts. The Lions always wrap things up right before spring break. That starts this Saturday, of course.

It’s been a fairly annual tradition for the head strength coach to chat with reporters at this time of year to give an update on how things progressed throughout January and February. Dwight Galt III, who retired after the 2021 season, was always tremendously insightful during those sessions.

Losey, who is now the head football strength and conditioning coach, gets his first crack at one this afternoon. He will speak with reporters after another max-out session inside Holuba Hall, where Penn State’s weight room is currently housed to make room for the Lasch Building renovations. Among the many things this inquiring mind hopes to learn are:

• What has Losey changed? He worked under Galt III for a long time. So it’s a guarantee that many things are just as they were last year. But, it’s also a certainity that he and his staff have added their own touch.
• Was the makeshift weigh room set up a major obstacle, or just a small one? And, what is in store for the players once the new setup is constructed?
• As always, getting a sense of how the early enrollees have performed will be on the list. From the sounds of it, running back Nicholas Singleton and defensive lineman Zane Durant have made strong first impressions.
• Which returning players made a big move forward? Galt III would almost always highlight a name or two who would eventually have a breakout season months later.

The list could go on and on, of course. Check back to Blue-White Illustrated around dinner time for photos, video, and stories from the availability.

2. What will Dotson’s 40-time be?

Former Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson will go through on-field testing with the rest of his position group at the NFL Combine today.

Dotson told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday that he will do everything except the bench press. The big question going into the afternoon is this: How fast will he run?

In an interview with BWI’s Nate Bauer last summer, Galt III said that Dotson clocked a 4.3-second 40-yard-dash at Penn State. Anything below that would put Dotson among the fastest 40 times ever recorded at the Combine.

Most media mock drafts have Dotson as either a late first-round pick or early second-round selection. He can boost his stock even further with strong running times while showcasing his sure-fire hands, which scouts have long been raving about.

NFL Network is televising the Combine. Coverage starts at 4 p.m. ET, though it’s not currently clear when the receivers will test. The session runs through 11 p.m. ET.

3. What will happen with Saquon Barkley?

Will Saquon Barkley play for someone other than the New York Giants in 2022?

Injuries and poor play in front of the former All-American have led to a less than stellar start to Barkley’s pro career. He is entering the final season of his rookie deal, and the NFC East franchise reportedly isn’t completely against moving the back before the season begins.

“We’re still working through that, but I’m open to everything,” Giants GM Joe Schoen said this week, per ESPN. “Like whether it’s trading player for player; I’ll listen to anybody. If it’s trading a couple players — I’m not going to say the entire roster, [that] we’re open for business on the entire roster. But if anyone is going to call and they’re interested in any of our players. I’m certainly going to listen.

“Again, we’re in a situation where unfortunately we have to get under the salary cap. We’re not in very good salary-cap health. Again, I’m not going to say yes to every deal, but I’m definitely going to listen and be open to the situations that are best for the New York Giants.”

Barkley’s contract figures to be a sticking point in any trade negotiations. But, a fresh start for both sides probably wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. It will be an interesting possible development to follow as the NFL Draft nears.