Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1486024
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 2 7 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M receiver, and then get the ball to him in a place where he can catch it. There is much to look forward to here as he prepares to take over the controls next fall. Running Back The pages of this magazine are littered with countless examples of just how good Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have been during the past three months. They make up the only fresh- man duo in Big Ten history to rush for more than 700 yards apiece. Think about that: In a conference that has historically been known for running the ball, no rookie tandem at any other program had accom- plished that feat before this year. It's impressive, and essential for the future. In the age of transfers, this pair clearly has no problem splitting time and pushing each other to thrive. In fact, they might do it too often, as Clifford jokingly shared follow- ing the Lions' 55-10 thumping of Rutgers. "The ceiling is unlimited for those guys," Clif- ford said. "I think with both Nick and Kaytron, they both have exceptional talent. They're both getting better and better. "We were on the sideline, Nick and [Kaytron] were on the sideline, and they were both extremely angry because they just kept on wanting the ball. They want the ball so bad. They keep telling me, even on the field, 'Give me the rock, give me the rock, give me the rock.' I told them, 'Hey, here's the thing, I've got to make my read. But I appreciate how much y'all want the ball.' "That's my two cents on those two. It's been a while since [we've had] that kind of energy, and I appreciate it from both of them. I see them getting better and better, and I can't be more proud of them." Tight Ends/Receivers Before the season began, it was fair to say that there were major question marks at tight end but a strong belief that the receivers would be fine. Twelve games later, that narrative has flipped. Sophomore Parker Washington was lost for the year before the Rutgers game due to an injury. Before that, though, he had only 46 catches for 611 yards and 2 touchdowns. Super senior Mitchell Tinsley had 45 catches for 528 yards and 4 scores. No other wide receiver had more than 21 receptions. Much was expected from assistant coach Taylor Stubblefield's group, and it must take a significant step forward next year. However, the tight ends were terrific as blockers and pass catchers. Redshirt junior Brenton Strange (32 catches for 362 yards and 5 TDs) and sophomore Theo Johnson were both effec- tive route runners who put past drops behind them to become reliable. Sophomore Tyler Warren was in the mix, too. All will likely be back, meaning this group should be in great hands mov- ing forward. Offensive Line Few teams anywhere are starting a freshman at left tackle. That's what Penn State did toward the end of the season, though, plugging former four-star recruit Drew Shelton into the spot that had been occupied by redshirt sophomore Olu Fashanu through eight games. Fashanu went down with an injury against Ohio State and missed the last four games. Even with Fashanu out indefinitely and redshirt freshman guard Landon Tengwall done for the year because of an unspeci- fied injury, PSU managed to keep pushing forward. Redshirt se- nior center Juice Scruggs, redshirt junior right guard Sal Wormley and redshirt senior tackle Bryce Effner all played at a high level in November. Clifford has mostly been upright, and the running backs routinely have plenty of space to get out and gallop. Much credit should be given to the work this unit did in the offseason to improve before upping its game each week during the fall campaign. ■ About to wrap up his one and only season at Penn State after transferring from Western Kentucky, wideout Mitchell Tinsley is second on the team with 45 catches for 528 yards. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE