Penn State releases newcomers’ uniform numbers, jersey swaps for returners
Penn State football released its updated roster on Monday. The new news included uniform number assignments for the program’s six May enrollees plus a few jersey changes for returning players.
The Lions open the 2022 season at Purdue 100 days from Tuesday on Thur., Sept. 1. Here are the roster changes you need to know to be ready for kickoff.
Penn State enrollees get their numbers
Penn State welcomed a handful of Class of 2022 signees to campus for the Maymester. Those players are all now listed on the roster.
The list includes the following players. We’ll also note their heights and weights, as well.
#5 CB Cam Miller – 6-foot, 175 pounds
#8 WR Tyler Johnson – 6-foot, 175 pounds
#13 CB Cristian Driver – 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
#64 OL Hunter Nourzad – 6-foot-3, 310 pounds
#66 OL Drew Shelton – 6-foot-5, 275 pounds
#97 P Alex Bacchetta – 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
There are two notable developments here. One is that Driver, who played receiver and in the secondary as a high school player, will actually start his career at corner. That is a change from the expectation. Penn State coach James Franklin had previously said he’d be a safety. Either way, he’ll be on defense. Then, it’s worth pointing out that Shelton is 35 pounds lighter than Nourzad. Expect that gap to be closed in a hurry.
New numbers for returning Penn State players
A few returning Penn State players have new numbers. The most notable is receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who is switching from No. 13 to No. 1. He’ll be the first Lion to wear that number since former PSU receiver and current Denver Bronco KJ Hamler. Penn State is hoping for a breakout season for KLS as he prepares for his third in blue and white.
“I know as a freshman, I came in, I wasn’t very mentally strong. I let a lot of stuff get to me. And I realized going into my sophomore year I did way better with that,” Lambert-Smith said.
“And I realized there’s still room for improvement. So I feel like going into my third year, there are still areas I can get better in that state. And then, (I can also improve) my ability with the ball in my hands, being more explosive, making more plays for the team.”
Quarterback Christian Veilleux has also changed to No. 11, which was his high school number. That move ends what were a few strange months of the Lions having two quarterbacks wearing No. 9. Beau Pribula has now kept that number, of course.
Finally, offensive lineman Nick Dawkins will now wear at Penn State the number that his dad did in the NBA: 53. He was previously No. 6.
