Penn State coach James Franklin offers update on status of Lions guard Landon Tengwall
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State guard Landon Tengwall has not been seen at the Nittany Lions’ preseason camp practices when the media has been on hand. On Monday night, following another day of drills here outside of Holuba Hall, head coach James Franklin was asked about the redshirt sophomore.
“Landon’s got some bumps and bruises he’s dealing with right now,” Franklin said. “As you guys know, I don’t get into injuries.”
Tengwall came to Penn State as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2021. He played three games that season while preserving his redshirt. In 2022, the Maryland native started in all five games he played at left guard. But, an undisclosed injury ended his season early. He was the coaching staff’s offensive player in the week after the team’s September win over Auburn. He helped the Lions push for 477 yards of total offense in that non-conference victory.
“Obviously, it’s tough,” Tengwall told BWI at team media day before the Rose Bowl. “But, you have to keep your head down and work and support your teammates and be happy to see other guys get that opportunity and keep grinding.
“You have to keep working, and look ahead for the future. You can’t dwell on the fact I’m not playing; you just focus on the comeback and support the guys.”
Penn State offensive line outlook
Tengwall did return for spring practice. Then, he was locked in a battle with JB Nelson and Vega Ioane for the left guard job. Tengwall’s availability would be helpful for Penn State. And, he will be back at it at some point. But, Franklin feels good about the team’s depth at guard and across the offensive line regardless.
“I think we’re in a much better position [at guard than in the past], and then there’s some swing guys that I also think are really important,” Franklin said last week. “We think JB could play both guard, and he played tackle in junior college, [and] we think he could do a little bit of that here as well. We have body types that we think can do that. But they need the reps.”
ESPN preseason All-American Olu Fashanu will anchor the Penn State line at left tackle. Caedan Wallace is set to start on the right side. Hunter Nourzad will man the center position. And, Sal Wormley will hold down right guard. It leaves left guard left to figure out for the Lions ahead of the 2023 season.
Last but not least, it’s worth pointing out that Franklin is happy with his overall team health.
