Projected Penn State printable depth chart: Michigan State week
Penn State football no longer provides an official depth chart. So, Blue-White Illustrated has taken up the task of projecting one each week, presented here as a printable file.
Set to face Michigan State at Beaver Stadium on Saturday (4 p.m., FS1), the Nittany Lions could see a host of backups in top spots on both sides of the ball.
Backup plans
At the forefront comes the news that a starting receiver won’e be able to return this season.
“Yeah, Parker Washington, like I typically do, Parker will be done for the season,” Franklin said on Tuesday. “I did have that conversation with him and his mom. So I wanted to make sure I covered that with them first and made sure everybody was comfortable with it.”
In Washington’s absence, Penn State has turned to the likes of KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Mitchell Tinsley first, plus younger backups including Tre Wallace, Omari Evans, and Liam Clifford. Asked about the trio of backups now getting increased playing time this week, Franklin said the opportunity was ahead of them.
“Yeah, I am excited for them. That’s kind of the nature of our game and the sport. When opportunity presents itself, you got to be ready,” Franklin said. “I’ve been impressed with those guys and how they’ve handled the opportunities they’ve had this season, and some of the roles have grown without some of the bumps and bruises. But obviously last week and this week and moving forward that’s going to be really important for us.
“So between our tight ends stepping up and running backs stepping up, in the passing game specifically I’m talking about, we’re also going to need Keondre and Mitch to take on more responsibility. Also going to need those another guys that you just mentioned to take a bigger role as well.”
Possible boosts coming?
As detailed by Franklin, the hope exists for two possible returns this week.
“Olu Fashanu we expect back. When that is, we’ll see. Hopefully this weekend we’ll see how that plays out,” Franklin said. “And same thing with Joey Porter.”
What will the Nittany Lions’ look like if any of those pieces are again not in place for Penn State’s game with the Spartans?
Here, taking a look at Penn State’s projected depth chart in a printable format ahead of the game:
