On Tuesday, Penn State concluded its preseason training camp, with head coach James Franklin noting “significant progress” and shifting focus to preparations for their season opener against West Virginia. Franklin highlighted the recent improvements in the Nittany Lions’ offense.
“You reach a point where you need to face another team to truly assess your progress,” Franklin told reporters after practice in State College. “We’ve seen positive developments on tape and identified areas for improvement, but it’s difficult to gauge until we play someone else. Overall, I’m confident in our progress. We’ve made substantial strides, and the competition between our offense and defense is much more intense. I believe we’re in a good position.”
As the eighth-ranked Nittany Lions prepare for their August 31 matchup against West Virginia, here are more updates:
Drew Allar Earns Respect as Team Captain
Drew Allar, Penn State’s second-year starting quarterback, has been named a team captain for the first time. Franklin praised Allar’s dedication and growth.
“He’s consistently done everything right,” Franklin said. “His preparation has been exceptional. With his hard work and continuous improvement, Allar has gained confidence, experience, and the game is slowing down for him. He’s lost weight, improved his mobility, and developed in all areas: work ethic, preparation, and training. His peers, coaches, and staff all recognize his commitment and respect him as a captain.”
Offense Shows Improvement
Franklin noted last week that Penn State’s offensive scrimmages hadn’t been as polished as hoped. This week, however, he mentioned the offense’s enhanced consistency and praised the development of receivers Trey Wallace and Liam Clifford, who have emerged as top performers, along with Julian Fleming and Omari Evans.
Offensive Line Adjustments
Redshirt freshman J’ven Williams, who spent last season learning from left tackle Olu Fashanu, is now cross-training at guard to gain more experience. Franklin emphasized the importance of versatility on the offensive line and mentioned that such position changes are common, citing last year’s successful transition of Anthony Donkoh from guard to tackle. Additionally, guard Vega Ioane is now practicing at center, and guard JB Nelson is working at tackle.
Freshman Running Backs Competing for Spots
With Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen leading the running back group, Penn State is evaluating potential third-string options. Redshirt freshman Cam Wallace, despite some missed camp time, is a frontrunner, but true freshmen Quinton Martin Jr. and Corey Smith are also making strong cases for playing time. Martin impressed in the Blue-White Game with two touchdowns, while Smith, who joined in the summer and has made a quick recovery from a high school injury, is also in contention.
“Corey has worked his way into the mix,” Franklin said regarding the third running back spot. “Cam Wallace is likely in the lead, but it’s a competitive situation involving all three. Both Quinton and Corey will see playing time this season.”
Looking Ahead
As Penn State wraps up its physically demanding camp, the coaching staff is finalizing decisions on the developmental squad, which will scrimmage on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. The team will also conduct additional practices before transitioning to their regular game week schedule on Sunday. Franklin mentioned that 80 players will travel to West Virginia for the noon kickoff on FOX, with plans to bus the remaining roster to Morgantown on game day.
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