Which second-year Penn State players are earning attention this spring?

Penn State football is coming down the home stretch of spring practice. While it’s yet not time to draw large conclusions about which players have made a big move up the depth chart, it is fine to take stock of which members of the team have seemingly taken a leap forward.

Some believe that the development period that takes place between year one and year two is the most critical one a college football player has. That’s certainly up for debate and does not apply to everyone. But, that’s the group we focus on today as the Lions sit about a week away from things wrapping up until fall camp with the Blue-White game on April 23 at Beaver Stadium.

One note first, however: Interviews and practice availabilities at this time of year are short. Thus, not every player is mentioned or seen during the question and answer sessions and/or during the media viewing window of a Penn State practice. In other words, don’t jump to conclusions about someone not being mentioned here.

Penn State second-year players of note on offense

Our rundown starts on offense in the tight ends room. Position coach Ty Howle returns all three key contributors from a year ago. He also has Khalil Dinkins coming off his redshirt season. A position mate offered an update on him this week.

“Starting off with Khalil, he’s made tremendous strides from where he was last year,” tight end Brenton Strange said.

“I can see it. From practice to practice, he’s doing things that he might have messed up on previously. [He’s] perfecting those and getting better at his craft.”

Another Penn State player who has caught Strange’s eye is a receiver who was known for his extreme athleticism in high school.

“I think Trey [Harrison] Wallace keeps coming along,” Strange said. “I think he’s a great player and I think he has a bright future.”

Quarterback Christian Veilleux has also drawn praise from his teammates.

“Usually, when you’re a freshman and then you come in your second year, you make that jump. You understand how things work,” Strange said. “I think that’s been big for CV, especially being a quarterback.

“He’s being a better leader in spring ball; I can see the way that he takes over. When he comes into the huddle, he takes command and out of the quarterback, you definitely need that.”

Added starting quarterback Sean Clifford:

“I think that CV has done a hell of a job. He continues to keep pushing, keep working, not making the same mistake twice. You’re gonna make mistakes, but you just can’t repeat them. He’s done a really good job of getting better every single day.”

Second-year Lions drawing praise on defense

We’ll start in the Penn State secondary, where Zakee Wheatley is making the transition from corner to safety.

“Yeah, he’s a great player,” safety Keaton Ellis said. “Obviously having some more cover skills, that translates, and he’s been making great strides. He’s playing really well. He’s learning really fast.

“If he ever anything from me, and I’m always here for him. Whether that’s a question about the system or anything, I’m always here for him. I’m truly excited for him. He’s one of the great young players that we do have, and I’m just happy to be part of watching him work and development.”

Jaylen Reed is another second-year Nittany Lion who is pushing Ellis, Wheatley, and others for a starting spot.

The same goes for corner Kalen King, who flashed in a big way as a freshman. His brother, Kobe, is now hoping to do the same in year two as he battles Tyler Elsdon at middle linebacker. Jamari Buddin is another second-year Lion hoping to find increased reps at outside linebacker.

“Kobe is a great guy,” Elsdon said. “Obviously. If you look at him physically, he’s ready. Mentally. He’s ready. He’s maturing him and Jamari have both matured greatly.”

Three thoughts for the road

A player on offense not listed above but is expected to have a huge sophomore season is Landon Tengwall. His ability to play multiple spots across should prove vital for a currently shorthanded offensive line.

Flipping to the defense, keep a close eye on defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg. He showed some impressive things despite arriving at Penn State shortly before fall camp began last year.

Finally, it’s year two for offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. That’s been a big talking point as expected this spring.