Penn State is shifting a newcomer’s position on defense during camp; here’s why

Penn State is moving redshirt junior Enai White from defensive end to defensive tackle as preseason camp continues. It’s not a shocking move, as the Philadelphia native was listed at 240 pounds on Texas A&M’s roster. Six months after coming to the Lions from the Aggies program, White is listed at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. It goes without saying that nature all but forced the decision, one that looked to be likely as spring practice progressed.

“We are going to move Enai inside,” Franklin said. “I think long term, it’s his best position in terms of being able to play the game as long as he can. Whenever you move down a position, you increase the athleticism. He has been as big as 275 pounds without even trying anyway. So it’s something that we think can help him and help us.”

White won’t be glued to the inside of the defensive line, of course. Penn State, in some past instances, has used its defensive tackles outside in jumbo package situations and also on the goal line. The new Nittany Lion will have the chance to earn those opportunities, as well.

“He’s also smart enough that, if we got a game that we want to play with a big [defensive] end, because he is physical, like you guys know we’ve done in the past with some guys, we could move him out there or use him in a goal line package too,” Franklin said. “So just trying to put him in the best position to bring value to us and for himself.”

White joins a crowded Penn State defensive tackle picture

Penn State knows that Zane Durant and Alonzo Ford are its top two defensive tackles. After that, work remains to figure out the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Xavier Gilliam appears to be the No. 3 option. But, others are fighting for that role, and any rotation spot for that matter, including Owen Wafle and Ty Blanding, among others.

“I think you guys know there’s been a lot of talk and buzz around Xavier,” Franklin said. “Blanding is twitchy and as athletic as we have at the position, and is really taking a step right now. And then there’s a group of like three guys that are battling for those next two spots. I probably should have included Wafle.

Wafle is the other one that is doing some really nice things. And then there’s that group of three guys that are all battling, Liam [Andrews], [De’Andre] Cook, Randy [Adirika], are all battling kind for those next spots. So, we feel good probably about those top four to five guys, and then there’s a battle for that sixth defensive tackle.”

You can add White’s name to that mix now, as well.