Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1535618
3 4 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Why he'll play: Sources have tended to tie Aliciene and Troutman together because of their similar approach upon arrival. They're quiet, but their heads went down and they went to work in January. Troutman has a high floor, and he's approaching 300 pounds already. Penn State could throw him out there in limited action and feel confident he could hold his own. Why he'll redshirt: It's been a while since PSU had to rely on true freshmen to fill out the depth chart. There are only two offensive linemen on the current roster — Shelton and sophomore Cooper Cousins — who have not taken a redshirt. Troutman isn't needed right away, and he'll get a year to continue refining his skills before making a run at the center job in 2026. DEFENSE R A N DY A D I R I K A D T | 6 - 3 | 2 9 8 Adirika stuck with his pledge to Penn State after committing last summer and enrolled for the spring semester. The winter was an adjustment period for the Miami (Fla.) Central standout. He ar- rived weighing 285 pounds but is now listed at 298 on the official roster. Why he'll play: Manning a position where it takes a while to settle in after the jump from high school, Adirika held his own this spring. He was noted as a pleasant surprise by James Franklin and defensive line coach Deion Barnes, and he's put on about 15 pounds since he showed up. One source told us Adirika "has shown he can play" if needed. Why he'll redshirt: Adirika did not test well athletically upon arrival and had the Nittany Lions wondering what kind of impact he could have at this level. The spring was a collective exhale, because he looked like he belongs. That said, the athleticism will have to continue to im- prove for him to grow into the player that he can be. L AVA R A R R I N G TO N I I L B | 6 - 3 | 2 1 2 Everyone already knew the name, and by taking jersey No. 11 as a freshman, Arrington got his college career off to a buzzy start. He's in his first year as a full-time linebacker, and he has flashed at times. Why he'll play: Arrington has the kind of freaky athleticism that Penn State could use on special teams right away. He's long, athletic and doesn't seem to mind contact. He has some nat- ural skills as a pass rusher, though he's still learning to play linebacker full-time. Why he'll redshirt: The buzz so far is mostly external. Arrington looks great, and he's impressed in limited exposure to the public, but there's a ton of work to do to get him on the field consistently. Co- ordinator Jim Knowles' defense is com- plex, and this is Arrington's first year playing linebacker full-time, so the ex- pectations should be held in check. DAY S H AU N BU R N E T T D E | 6 - 3 | 2 2 7 Originally recruited as a linebacker, Burnett grew out of that position as he progressed in high school and has been a full-time defensive end since joining the program this winter. He was a two- way standout at Imani Christian in Pitts- burgh and had a really good senior year as a tight end. His future at Penn State is on defense, however. Why he'll play: Burnett impressed right off the bat by testing well upon ar- rival. With a 4.6 40 and a good broad jump, he showed he has the athletic base to contribute at one of Penn State's most athletic positions. He played well in the Tikey Hayes is in contention for the third-team running back spot behind Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS