Penn State is without a possible starter for now as spring practice is set to begin
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State will be without two offensive linemen, one of which is a potential starter in 2024, for some or all of spring practice. Head coach James Franklin revealed the news early on Tuesday afternoon, hours before the Nittany Lions kick-off drills at the outdoor practice fields between the Lasch Building and Holuba Hall. The 11th-year leader of the program did not reveal why Class of 2024 enrollee and tackle Garrett Sexton won’t be available for at least some amount of time. But, he did go into greater detail about why projected starting left tackle Drew Shelton will miss some time.
“Drew did have surgery at the end of the season,” Franklin said. “It was one of those [injuries] where he could get through the season with[out surgery]. It made the most sense to get it done as soon as the season ended. Right now, we wish we had him, but long term, it will be in his best interest and our best interest as well.
“Not having Shelton or Sexton are two tackle body types and athletic guys that we probably won’t have for spring ball. We’d like to get those guys back as soon as we can.”
Penn State offensive line outlook
Penn State is replacing both starting tackles this year as left tackle Olu Fashanu and right tackle Caedan Wallace are both off to the NFL. With Shelton on the shelf for the time being, it sounds like veteran JB Nelson and redshirt freshman J’ven Williams will lead the way on the left side.
“JB Nelson gives us flexibility at tackle and guard. J’ven Williams was a backup last year. Chimdy Onoh. And then Eagan Boyer is going to have the opportunity to come in and compete.”
On the right side, Anthony Donkoh will lead the way after playing a good chunk of the Peach Bowl. But, newcomer Nolan Rucci, among others, will push him for the first-team spot.
“Donkoh was able to play in the bowl game and played better than people anticipated,” Franklin said. “We think he can play guard and tackle. Bringing Mr. [Nolan] Rucci back home was huge for us. He’s already up to 315 pounds. I don’t think he broke 300 pounds the entire time he was at the previous school. He looks great. There should be good competition there.”
Franklin also touched on freshman early enrollee Cooper Cousins, who has drawn rave reviews so far. is another guy that we think can play multiple positions.
“Cooper will start at center,” Franklin said. “We got two tackles, just like we have two d-ends that were at the Combine. [So], we’ll be replacing them. Shelton has played a decent amount. We viewed him as a starter in a three-tackle rotation. So, that’s helpful too.”
