Penn State vs. Michigan depth chart: Offense
Penn State takes on Michigan in a battle to remain unbeaten and in the race for the Big Ten East title. The game could also be known as the depth chart game. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh popularized the trend of not releasing a depth chart in the Big Ten, which has proliferated to various schools, including Penn State.
While neither team will produce an official depth chart, we’re picking up the slack. Check out Blue White Illustrated’s depth chart and be on the lookout for the printable version, which will be available later.
Quarterback
14 Sean Clifford (Sr.+)
15 Drew Allar (Fr.)
11 Christian Veilleux (R-Fr.)
9 Beau Pirbula (Fr.)
The lowdown: The only distinction with the quarterback room is that there is now a clear separation between the top two quarterbacks, Sean Clifford and Drew Allar, from the rest of the room. Any competition for the backup spot is over at this point.
Penn State running backs
10 Nick Singleton (Fr)
13 Kaytron Allen (Fr) OR 24 Keyvone Lee (So.)
The lowdown: Keyvone Lee was the first player through drills on Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean he’s regained his starting spot after a four-fumble performance by the running backs against Northwestern. Nick Singleton is getting better by the week and should remain the starter before the team rotates as they usually do each game.
Lions receiver
Wide receiver
1 KeAndre Lambert-Smith (So.)
6 Harrison Wallace (R-Fr.)
80 Malick Meiga (So.)
Slot
3 Parker Washington (So.)
19 Jaden Dottin (R-So)
82 Liam Clifford (R-Fr.) OR
7 Kaden Saunders (Fr.)
Wide receiver
5 Mitchell Tinsley (Sr+)
18 Omari Evans (Fr.)
The lowdown:
KeAndre Lambert-Smith was back at practice Wednesday and participating with teammates. While we didn’t see the receivers doing any contact work, he was present running routes and catching the football. So while we don’t know if he’ll play Saturday, he’ll remain at the top of the depth chart regardless.
Similarly, Jaden Dottin was back and practicing this week as well. Dottin started the Ohio game before vanishing after less than ten snaps. While freshman receiver Kaden Saunders is in the mix, it’s clear that the staff would like to redshirt him this season. We’ll bump both Saunders and Clifford down and insert Dottin now that he’s returned to the practice field.
Penn State tight ends
86 Brenton Strange (R-Jr.)
84 Theo Johnson (Soph.)
44 Tyler Warren (Soph.)
16 Khalil Dinkins (R-Fr.)
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The lowdown: The bye week was good for offensive depth because Tyler Warren was similarly with the team working through passing drills Wednesday. His presence will change what Penn State can do from a formation and personnel standpoint, but he’s still the third player at tight end on our list.
Lions offensive line
Left tackle
74 Olu Fashanu (Soph.)
66 Drew Shelton (Fr.)
51 Jimmy Christ (R-Soph.)
Left guard
58 Landon Tengwall (R-Fr.) OR
64 Hunter Nourzad (R-Sr.)
56 JB Nelson (R-So.)
Center
70 Juice Scruggs (R-Sr.)
64 Hunter Nourzad (R-Sr.)
66 Nick Dawkins (Soph.)
Right guard
77 Sal Wormley
78 Golden Israel-Achumba (R-So)
71 Vega Ioane (Fr.)
Right tackle
79 Caedan Wallace (R-Jr.)
72 Bryce Effner (R-Sr.)
57 Ibrahim Traore (R-Soph.)
The lowdown: Finally, we’ll get into more good news, this time on the offensive line. Hunter Nourzad took snaps at center on Wednesday and saw action in one-on-one blocking situations. It seems like full steam ahead for Penn State to play seven offensive linemen again this weekend. Right tackle remains a semi-fluid situation, with both players getting time in every game this season.
