Boasting preparation, Penn State could need Vega Ioane

Vega Ioane had already become a factor on Penn State’s offensive line this season. Announced as a group player of the game for the Nittany Lions’ win over Iowa on Sept. 23, head coach James Franklin included the second-year guard to be among the starters recognized.

The designation added up. Starting his first career game at left guard in the week two win over Delaware, Ioane notched a season-high 58 snaps against the Blue Hens. And, he followed it with a career-best showing at Illinois, with 57 snaps against Iowa and another 57 at Northwestern. 

Now, that opportunity is likely to grow further.

First in the absence of Landon Tengwall, and again thanks to the in-game loss of JB Nelson in Evanston, the depth on Penn State’s offensive line interior has suddenly thinned dramatically. And, though Franklin held off on providing any firm update on Nelson at his midweek press conference, the likelihood of needing Ioane for an expanded role against UMass at Beaver Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m., BTN) appears all but assured. 

Given his experience thus far, now in the middle of his second full season as a Nittany Lion, Ioane also appears prepared for it.

“He’s doing well. He’s a guy who we’ve got a ton of confidence in. And, he continues to grow,” Franklin told reporters last week. “He’s a smart guy. He’s a consistent guy. As you guys know, he’s big and strong and powerful. 

“But, he’s played pretty well and he’s getting better each week. So I think he’s going to have a really nice second half of the year and I think he’s got a bright future.”

Penn State could turn to Ioane

Franklin isn’t alone in the sentiment. 

Taking on the responsibility of preparing the Nittany Lions’ young offensive linemen, Sal Wormley has voiced his support for Ioane throughout the 2023 campaign. Even before Nelson’s setback, that rang true as Ioane accumulated more game reps in the first two weeks as he’d gotten through four games during his redshirt debut season.

“I always have been a big fan of Vega ever since he came in. I always try to do the most I can to help him,” Wormley said late last month. Make sure he gets to the level where we all know we can be.” 

Hoping that level is up to speed, Penn State has worked to prepare Ioane for what’s ahead. And, through that experience, his services could be valuable in the immediate term, including the potential for a second career start this weekend against the Minutemen.

“For him to finally be able to get this consistent playing time, get more reps in real game-like situations. Because the game is always different than practice,” Wormley said. “So for him to really get this experience consistently, this is doing nothing but helping him in the end. And I’m extremely proud to see it.”

The post Boasting preparation, Penn State could need Vega Ioane appeared first on On3.