Position battles, storylines as Penn State football begins preseason practice

Penn State is deep at several key positions with the Nittany Lions set to begin preseason practices this week.

James Franklin, in his 12th season, recently called the 2025 PSU team his most complete, referring to the Lions’ returning cast and a veteran coaching staff led by offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Below are a couple of potential problem areas for the Lions, a trio of position battles to watch and an interesting quote from a veteran Penn State defender.

Depth at DT, DE

The Lions’ front four will be led by a pair of fourth-year seniors, interior lineman Zane Durant and edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.

Durant compiled 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and four quarterback hurries in 2024. But the Lions are replacing All-American end Abdul Carter and tackles Dvon J-Thomas and Coziah Izzard. Penn State will also be without promising second-year edge rusher Max Granville, who is out with a long-term injury.

Franklin said last week the Lions are counting on redshirt senior Alonzo Ford and redshirt freshman Xavier Gilliam at tackle and added redshirt sophomore Ty Blanding, and redshirt freshman Owen Wafle could also contend for rotation spots inside.

On the outside, Penn State will pair redshirt senior Zuriah Fisher with Dennis-Sutton, who totaled 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and nine quarterback hurries. The Lions added veteran edge rusher Enai White (Texas A&M) via the transfer portal, and Penn State will look to develop some unproven but athletic ends — Jaylen Harvey, Mason Robinson and Mylachi Williams.

Position battles of note

With a large group of proven players back, many positions are set.

But Penn State is replacing starting right guard Sal Wormley, and gifted dual-threat backup quarterback Beau Pribula is now at Missouri. Plus, who will be the No. 3 running back behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen?

Sophomore Cooper Cousins and redshirt sophomore TJ Shanahan are contenders to play guard.

Redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer and redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik will compete to be Drew Allar’s backup.

The list of options for the third running back spot include redshirt sophomore Cam Wallace, redshirt freshmen Corey Smith and Quinton Martin Jr. (Belle Vernon) and January enrollee Tikey Hayes (Aliquippa).

Wheatley on one of defensive strengths

Dennis-Sutton and Durant up front; junior Tony Rojas and veteran North Carolina Amare Campbell at linebacker; and a secondary that features juniors A.J. Harris, Zion Tracy and Elliot Washington and redshirt junior Audavion Collins at corner and redshirt senior Zakee Wheatley, sophomore Dejuan Lane and junior King Mack at safety.

What do all these defenders have in common? Talent and speed.

Wheatley, who has appeared in 41 games the past three seasons, was recently asked if the 2025 defense is the fastest one he’s played on.

“That’s a tough question. I’ve been part of some great defenses,” said Wheatley, who finished third on the Lions in tackles last season with 96. “But I will say that this offseason, with (strength and conditioning coach) Chuck Losey, the speed, I’ll definitely say we have a very, very fast team.

“And I can’t wait to see how that unfolds on the football field.”