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E ven though Penn State entered spring practice on March 19 with only 12 starters returning, one got the sense that James Franklin and his as- sistant coaches felt the Nittany Lions had the potential on o=ense, defense and possibly special teams to maintain the team's status as a contender for the Big Ten's East Division title. The staff hadn't directly addressed its hopes and expectations for the coming season, but the coaches exuded a feel- ing of optimism this spring that might have caught some skeptics off-guard considering that the Nittany Lions must replace three career record-hold- ers in running back Saquon Barkley, tight end Mike Gesicki and wide re- ceiver DaeSean Hamilton, along with a fourth offensive starter in right guard Brendan Mahon. The vacancies are even more plentiful on defense, with only three players re- turning from last year's Fiesta Bowl starting lineup: defensive ends Shareef Miller and Ryan Buchholz and Sam out- side linebacker Koa Farmer. Gone are defensive tackles Curtis Cothran and Parker Cothren, linebackers Jason Cabinda and Brandon Smith, corner- backs Christian Campbell and Grant Haley, and safeties Marcus Allen and Troy Apke. Given the Nittany Lions' significant personnel losses, there were important questions surrounding the team that had to be answered this spring and some key position battles on both of- fense and defense that needed to be re- solved. That's particularly true if Penn State honestly believes it has a chance to contend for a division title this com- ing fall. One of the biggest developments of the spring was Tommy Stevens' decision to return for his last two seasons of eli- gibility. Stevens admitted he had been thinking about leaving as a graduate transfer, as he likely won't get a chance to see extensive action with the Nittany Lions until Trace McSorley leaves fol- lowing the 2018 season. But he instead opted to return, citing the friendships he had developed at Penn State. With Stevens in the fold, I'm convinced that the Lions will have the Big Ten's best one-two punch at quarterback this fall. I would even go so far as to say that Mc- Sorley and Stevens provide Penn State with one of the best QB combinations in the country. Stevens didn't take any serious reps during the - cient with his movements as he needs to be, but he's an exciting player," Franklin added. "K.J. is also a very good blocker PHIL'S CORNER PSU makes progress this spring as coaches work to fill key vacancies

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