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Penn State Football: Depth Chart Battles Emerge Ahead of 2025 Season

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins scouts observe potential future NFL-bound players at Penn State's practice, the Nittany Lions are working to solidify their depth chart for the 2025 season. Notable defensive line news emerged last week when James Franklin confirmed Enai White's switch from end to tackle. At Tuesday's practice, White and other defensive tackles, including freshmen Randy Adirika and Owen Wafle, took reps alongside each other, showcasing how they could fit into the lineup. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, a position battle is brewing between offensive linemen Anthony Donkoh and Nolan Rucci for the right tackle spot, with Donkoh possibly also seeing time at right guard.

Key Takeaways:

  • Enai White, who switched from end to tackle last week, took reps alongside other defensive tackles, including freshmen Randy Adirika and Owen Wafle, at Tuesday's practice.
  • White and Adirika were the second pair of defensive tackles to take reps, following Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford Jr.
  • Anthony Donkoh, a potential starter at right tackle, also took reps at right guard and has the possibility of playing time there as well.
  • Nolan Rucci, another potential starter at right tackle, took more reps as a tackle at Tuesday's practice.
  • Cooper Cousins, a potential starter at right guard, also got in some work as a center, where he is a projected backup for presumed starter Nick Dawkins.
  • Cam Wallace, Corey Smith, and Quinton Martin Jr. each flashed during reps at running back, indicating a competition for the third running back spot.
  • Freshman Koby Howard has made a case to earn playing time at wide receiver, taking reps alongside transfer additions Trebor Peña and Kyron Hudson in some drills.
  • Tyseer Denmark also took reps alongside Howard, but no clear indication of a rotation at this point.
  • Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik are vying for the backup quarterback spot behind Drew Allar, with both gunslingers being on time and on target for a majority of the practice window.

Statistics:

  • Penn State has a total of 11 defensive tackles fighting for playing time, including White, Adirika, and Wafle.
  • Donkoh, a potential starter at right tackle, also saw time at right guard, indicating versatility for the lineman.
  • The Nittany Lions have a total of 5 quarterbacks vying for playing time, including Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik.
  • 4 receivers, including transfer additions Trebor Peña and Kyron Hudson, took reps alongside freshman Koby Howard and Tyseer Denmark in some drills.

Sources:

  • Penn State Athletics
  • Penn State Football Official Twitter Account

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