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James Franklin's depth charts are a Belichickian master class in trolling the opposition and public at-large. Last week, the product on the field hardly resembled the one on the depth chart. As such, overreacting to a press release that Franklin more than likely let his daughters fill out is not advisable. However, you're going to anyway, so let's talk about some of the changes. For the first time so far this year, the depth chart includes major shakeups. Luckily, unlike Rutgers', questions about our changes will not be directed to the authorities.
The first thing to notice with the offense is that Saquon Barkley is listed as the fourth RB on the depth chart, which is hilarious on a number of levels. Barkley was electric last Saturday, and will in all likelihood have plenty of chances to prove his mettle once more this week. The biggest sweeping changes come to the offensive line. Andrew Nelson slides over to left tackle despite a somewhat competent performance from Paris Palmer against Buffalo. Rumors of a Nelson injury sidelining the lineman for extended time have been floating about, but he is, at least seemingly, ready to play. Moving next to him will be Derek Dowrey, as Christian Hackenberg will have a new set of protectors for his blindside. Angelo Mangiro and Brian Gaia stay at center and right guard, with Brendan Mahon officially moving to the now-open right tackle spot he occupied last week. Hopefully the shuffle and some fresh blood inspire more confidence in Penn State's primetime Big Ten opener.
On defense, Jason Cabinda starts at middle linebacker and Troy Reeder on the outside, as he did last week. Reeder had seven tackles against Buffalo, giving him great momentum going into his first No. 1 spot on the depth chart. State High alum Matt Baney is the second man up at Will linebacker in a minor interesting note. Grant Haley and Brandon Bell, both out injured last week, are listed as starting this week, which would be a boon for the defense. On special teams, DeAndre Thompkins moves to the top spot for punt returns after an excellent showing last week.
Whether you love these moves or despise them them, it's Rutgers hate week, and that should be enough for anyone to be excited about Saturday.
Coaches: | HC James Franklin | OC John Donovan | DC Bob Shoop |
---|---|---|---|
Off. | First Team | Second Team | Reserves |
QB | #14 Christian Hackenberg | #9 Trace McSorley | #4 Tommy Stevens |
RB | #22 Akeel Lynch | #8 Mark Allen | #24 Nick Scott/#26 Saquon Barkley |
FB | #34 Dom Salomone | ||
WR-X | #12 Chris Godwin | #13 Saeed Blacknall | #84 Juwan Johnson |
WR-Z | #5 DaeSean Hamilton | #7 Geno Lewis | #80 Matt Zanellato |
TE | #88 Mike Gesicki | #11 Brent Wilkerson | #87 Kyle Carter |
WR-F | #3 DeAndre Thompkins | #10 Brandon Polk | |
LT | #59 Andrew Nelson | #73 Paris Palmer | #58 Chance Sorrell |
LG | #53 Derek Dowrey | #71 Albert Hall | |
C | #66 Angelo Mangiro | #55 Wendy Laurent | |
RG | #72 Brian Gaia | #69 Kevin Reihner | |
RT | #70 Brendan Mahon | #60 Noah Beh | |
Def. | First Team | Second Team | Reserves |
DE | #95 Carl Nassib | #52 Curtis Cothran | #19 Torrence Brown |
DT | #98 Anthony Zettel | #91 Tarow Barney | #93 Antoine White |
DT | #99 Austin Johnson | #41 Parker Cothren | |
DE | #90 Garrett Sickels | #94 Evan Schwan | |
OLB | #11 Brandon Bell | #25 Von Walker | #45 Manny Bowen |
MLB | #40 Jason Cabinda | #8 Gary Wooten | #33 Jake Cooper |
OLB | #42 Troy Reeder | #35 Matt Baney | |
CB | #15 Grant Haley | #29 John Reid | #21 Amani Oruwariye |
FS | #2 Marcus Allen | #28 Troy Apke | |
SS | #9 Jordan Lucas | #6 Malik Golden | #7 Koa Farmer |
CB | #10 Trevor Williams | #1 Christian Campbell | #12 Jordan Smith |
Sp. | First Team | Second Team | Reserves |
K | #99 Joey Julius | #95 Tyler Davis | |
P | #92 Dan Pasquariello | #37 Chris Gulla | |
KR | #7 Koa Farmer | #24 Nick Scott | #26 Saquon Barkley |
PR | #3 DeAndre Thompkins | #8 Mark Allen | #10 Brandon Polk |
LS | #44 Tyler Yazujian | #41 Zach Ladonis | #97 Nick Cox |
H | #37 Chris Gulla | #93 Robby Liebel | #16 Billy Fessler |