Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1499919
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 3 19 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M well," he said. "You're so much closer to the neutral zone that everything is right in front of you. It's a change, but it's hon- estly more fun." The changes he's had to undergo are similar to those that Scruggs made af- ter switching from guard to center a year ago. By the end of the year, Scruggs was the Nittany Lions' best run blocker and graded out second on the team in the pass-blocking department according to PFF. Nourzad hopes to make a similar pro- gression this season. "It's a hard change, obvi- ously," he said. "It's more mentally taxing. But I en- joy it because there's a lot of stuff that can happen. "At center, we try to make all the calls, see all the pressures, all that stuff. It's hard, but I was taking center reps in practice last fall, so it's been a smooth transi- tion, I think." Pe n n S ta te n e e d s that to be the case. With sophomore Drew Allar, a for- mer On3 five- star prospect, ex p e c te d to start at quar- terback, tal- ented sopho- more running backs Nicho- las Singleton a n d K ay t ro n Allen leading the backfield, and a deep tight end group returning, the offensive attack is expected to be ver- satile and productive in 2023. There are, however, a few concerns that could put a damper on some of that positivity heading into pre- After starting eight games at left gua rd last seaso n , N o u r za d h as made the transition to center this spring, where he will replace NFL- bound starter Juice Scruggs. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE