What we saw from Penn State mid-semester enrollees

The format of Penn State’s Blue-White Game wasn’t especially kind to the stat-keepers at Beaver Stadium.

Alternating between situational periods, live scrimmaging, thud, special teams, and 7-on-7 work, some stats were kept. Others, quite clearly, were not.

Nonetheless, whether watching from the stands, at home on the BTN broadcast or even just perusing those same stats, one factor was overwhelmingly evident.

Penn State, having brought in 10 mid-semester enrollees in its Class of 2022 and the transfer portal, sees an immediate opportunity ahead for many of its members.

“We probably have more new guys showing up on campus that have a chance to impact the roster as freshmen than maybe we’ve ever had,” head coach James Franklin said afterward. “Maybe one other class that did that. So, we’re excited about that. 

“Where I think this class may be different is, obviously we’ve all seen the increase in mid-semester grads. We’re getting more guys that are graduating early and coming in, learning the system, and then going into summer with a chance to truly compete. So overall, I’m excited about it.”

With Nick Singleton’s push into the end zone on the first carry of the first play of the scrimmage, no clearer example could have existed. 

Their first performance in front of Penn State fans is now in the books, so let’s take a look at how Penn State’s 10 mid-semester enrollees fared. 

Penn State mid-semester enrollees:

Quarterbacks – Drew Allar and Beau Pribula

Drew Allar was credited with finishing the game with a team-high six completions on the day. 

Against his 14 attempts, with two interceptions (one the result of an Omari Evans bobbled ball) and a sack taken, it was something of a mixed bag for the On3 Consensus five-star performer. 

To the positive, Allar had a 19-yard connection with Jaden Dottin, the game’s leading receiver. On the other side of the equation, he also had the aforementioned interceptions and an errant throw over the head of a streaking Evans toward the end zone. 

The debut of a quarterback with limitless potential and, undeniably, the “makes-it-look-easy” zip on his throws will set the foundation as he progresses into the summer.

He’ll do so alongside Beau Pribula, who finished with less of a stat line, but plenty of game action himself. Notching just two completions on three attempts for 7 yards, Pribula took two sacks and threw no touchdowns, but also didn’t throw any interceptions. 

Running Backs – Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton

With 28 yards on eight carries, including an 11-yarder, Kaytron Allen finished second on the stat page to only Keyvone Lee. 

And Allen’s burst and long carry was the first notable run of the afternoon for Penn State’s running backs. Flashing through a nice hole to the right side, Allen took a first-and-10 carry from the 45 into the fringe red zone with the pickup. 

Nick Singleton, one of the spring standouts on the team (not just among the freshmen) by seemingly every account, finished with four carries for -1 yard and no touchdown. That doesn’t account for the tough plunge notched on his first 2-point conversion carry of the afternoon, though. 

Seemingly more involved in the passing game than Allen, Singleton was also credited with one catch for 27 yards. Though limited in sample size, Singleton did appear to have a little difficulty in providing pass protection at times.

Tight End/Receiver – Jerry Cross, Omari Evans, Kaden Saunders, and Mitchell Tinsley

Mitchell Tinsley had the only receiving touchdown for Penn State on Saturday. 

A product of a fourth-and-1 conversion just a couple of downs earlier, Tinsley took a screen pass 13 yards for a score early in the scrimmage. Playing somewhat sparingly, Tinsley’s score was one of two catches for 23 yards on the day.

Penn State’s other newcomers to the receivers room were a bit more prolific in their reps Saturday. 

Kaden Saunders finished tied for the game lead with three receptions, his good for 18 yards. Jerry Cross, meanwhile, added one reception for one yard. 

Likely the subject of Franklin’s postgame commentary regarding uncharacteristic drops, both Cross and Omari Evans let a few slip through their hands in their first showings at Beaver Stadium. For Evans, one fell into the hands of corner Ethan Sussen during the 7-on-7 period while Cross’ likely prevented an easy first down pickup. 

Penn State OL/DL – J.B. Nelson and Zane Durant

Somewhat less discernible than their skill position teammates, neither Zane Durant nor JB Nelson made their way into the final stat page. 

Still, Durant was the subject of endless praise for his performance through the spring, both from teammates and coaches. And in Nelson, the Nittany Lions have an older addition to the offensive line capable of growing and improving this summer.

“He’s a really versatile player. He’s super explosive and is just a guy who came in here, put his head down, and got to work,” said Olu Fashanu. “And you saw how well he did today. So, we definitely expect a lot more from J.B.”