Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503568
A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 2 1 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / T H E B I G P I C T U R E / / / / / / / 1. Drew Allar | QB Allar's spot atop this list is not so much a prediction as a necessity. The Nittany Lions need a viable passing threat to balance out the talent they've amassed in their backfield with the rise of sophomore running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Although he's yet to start his first game at the collegiate level, Allar gives every indication that he's got the physical skills required to be a breakout player this fall. The Lions are hoping that he'll continue his quick rise as he accumulates game reps. 2. Dani Dennis-Sutton | DE Penn State's coaching staff has been raving about Dennis-Sutton throughout the offseason. After the Blue-White Game, in which the sophomore defensive end had 2 sacks and a quarterback hurry, coach James Franklin described him as "unblockable." Dennis-Sutton won't start ahead of senior Adisa Isaac or junior Chop Robinson, but he's going to be a big part of the Nittany Lions' rotation and figures to take a step forward after a promising true freshman season in which he played in all 13 games and had 3 sacks. 3. Dante Cephas | WR Receivers were a major priority for Penn State once the transfer portal opened last December. They landed two: junior Malik McClain, formerly of Florida State, and Cephas, a redshirt senior who started out at Kent State. Mc- Clain was the second to sign but the first to arrive, participating in spring practice after enrolling in January. Cephas, however, looks to be the more impactful new- comer after catching 130 passes for 1,984 yards and 12 touchdowns during his last two seasons with the Golden Flashes. 4. Keaton Ellis | S Ellis has been a frequent contributor in Penn State's secondary, having played in 43 games over the past four seasons and started 20. But he hasn't been a take- away machine, totaling just 1 interception to date. That could change heading into his fifth year in the program. He garnered praise as a ball hawk during spring practice and will be a leader in the secondary this fall. 5. Riley Thompson | P For most of the Franklin era, Penn State has had excellent punting — as evidenced by the fact that two former Nittany Lion punters are now starting in the NFL. Thompson could be the next. The Australian averaged 45.4 yards in his first college season at Florida Atlantic. B R E A K O U T C A N D I D A T E S 1. Tony Rojas | LB Rojas is an easy pick in this category. He joined the Penn State program in January and immediately added about 30 pounds of good weight, which only increased his already strong odds of burning his redshirt as a true freshman. Now standing 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Rojas will start on special teams, at the very least. Don't be surprised to see him earn more reps on defense as the season moves along. 2. King Mack | S Mack began turning heads soon after arriving at PSU this summer. He clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash upon arrival and impressed in the team's summer workouts. Is there a role for him as a position player? That's an open question, but he's got the potential to play right away on special teams, and maybe also as a nickel cornerback. 3. Elliot Washington II | CB The best way for a young player to get on the field early is on special teams, and Washington should be a strong candidate to fill one of those roles this fall for Penn State. Listed at 5-11, 192 pounds, he's stocky and very fast in a straight line — exactly what you're looking for in a kick and punt gunner. Making a few splash plays per game on special teams is a great way to stand out at the start of your career. 4. Alex Birchmeier | OL Of the three offensive linemen who enrolled in January, Birchmeier ap- pears to be the most likely to provide immediate help. The Nittany Lions could use him to shore up their depth outside as a fourth tackle, but he might also have an impact at guard. If it's the latter, Penn State would be able to reposition a backup guard like JB Nelson at right tackle. Either way, it wouldn't come as a surprise if Birchmeier were to see action this fall. 5. Andrew Rappleyea | TE The Nittany Lions have two talented, experienced tight ends in juniors Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren, plus an up-and-coming talent in redshirt sophomore Khalil Dinkins. Still, Rappleyea, the No. 3 tight end in the 2023 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, may be too good to keep off the field for long. At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, he's already got prototypical size for the position. T R U E F R E S H M A N I M P A C T Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton had 3 sacks as a true freshman and appears poised for a much bigger role this fall. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE