Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1101150
B L U E - W H I T E G A M E P R E V I E W I t's easy to get the wrong idea about spring practice. It's easy to think of it as an extension of the season that came before, a chance to fix whatever went wrong and build on whatever went right. And, to an extent, that's what it is. But only to an extent. As far as James Franklin and his coaches are concerned, it's also something of a clean break. "I think in general as a program, you had better approach it that way every single year with your whole program," Franklin said. "You can't just say, well, we're back and we're going to build on all that we did last year. You have to build it from the ground up every single year." Franklin was responding to a question about the team's quarterback situation, where there is a rather prominent va- cancy that needs to be filled. But there are plenty of other empty spots at the top of the depth chart, even if you be- lieve, as Franklin does, that backup players such as outside linebacker Micah Parsons, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and of- fensive guard Mike Miranda have amassed enough expe- rience to be considered re- turning starters. Besides needing a new quarterback, the Lions must figure out how to replace 1,000-yard rusher Miles Sanders, replenish the wideout corps, get the offensive and defensive lines patched up and replace two starting de- fensive backs. And while several of those positions have some obvious heirs apparent waiting in the wings, others do not. The talent pool at the running back and wideout spots, for example, is very youthful. So while this team may not be a total rebuild, there's been a lot more uncertainty this spring than there was in 2017 and '18. Here's a position-by- SPRING STORYLINES | The Lions have a lot of questions to answer as the 2019 season draws nearer TEAM MEETING James Franklin talks to his players follow- ing a practice session March 20 at Holuba Hall. Photo by Nate Bauer