Printable Penn State projected depth chart: Maryland week
The rigors of eight games have changed up Penn State football’s depth chart from week-to-week. But, going into Maryland this weekend, the Nittany Lions largely look the same as their initial offerings to open the 2023 season.
Except, of course, at one key position.
With Harrison Trey Wallace leaving Saturday’s game against Indiana in the first half, a situation that has been evolving throughout the season will again be put to the test this weekend as the Nittany Lions take on the Terrapins.
The question, of course, is how Penn State plans to account for a potential Wallace absence. Already a climber through the season, transfer receiver Dante Cephas appears in line to start alongside KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The Nittany Lions, however, must decide where to line up their top receiver, creating a domino effect that could lead to Liam Clifford getting a start in the slot, Malik McClain getting run on the outside, or maybe most likely, the utilization of both Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren out of the gates in 12 personnel.
Penn State to go 12?
A conversation for Franklin to address throughout the week, he touched on the inconsistencies of the receivers on Tuesday while acknowledging what Penn State believes to be one of the strengths of the offense with its tight end group.
“That’s also why 12 personnel is a big part of what we do and how we do, and probably will be moving forward. Why? Because our tight end room are proven commodities and have the ability to help us in the run and the pass, and I think have been pretty darn consistent,” Franklin said. “Are there things they can do better? No doubt about it. I’m not saying that. But that’s also part of it as well, right?
“As the receivers continue to become more consistent or make plays, you never know. Saturday the light could go on. Boom, they have their coming out party and you guys are excited and writing positive things and saying positive things. And I’m excited coming to the press conference talking about somebody. But we do have the ability to play more 12, which also helps, and can also be challenging. There are ways to take advantage of that schematically as well.”
Defensive concerns
The availability of Wallace isn’t the only immediate concern for Penn State this weekend. Defensive end Chop Robinson remains a question mark as the Nittany Lions prepare to face his former program.
Robinson was injured in the first half of the clash in Columbus two weeks ago. Helped off the field by Theo Johnson, Robinson has not been seen at either open practice availability for the Nittany Lions the past two weeks.
Before the setback, he’d started every game for Penn State to open the season.
