Penn State lineman Vega Ioane, who will ‘be an NFL guy’, is pushing to beat out a starter this offseason

The common perception is that the Penn State offensive line is set entering preseason camp. Olu Fashanu is set to anchor it at left tackle. Caedan Wallace appears poised to beat out Drew Shelton on the right side. And, on the interior, Hunter Nourzad is set to slide to center and be flanked by Landon Tengwall and Saleem Wormley.

One second-year Nittany Lion is aiming to disrupt what seems like the set plan, however: Vega Ioane. The 6-foot-4, 352-pound Washington native played in four games as a true freshman in 2022 and could have burned his redshirt if needed. Now, he hopes to parlay that game experience into a rotational spot at worst and starting spot at best in 2023.

“He’ll be an NFL guy for sure,” Lions offensive line coach Phil Trautwein told BWI. “He’s a guy who’s knocking on the door to play a lot, maybe even beat out someone. That’s just the kid’s mindset. He can play anywhere inside. He can be a guy that plays center or both guards. He’s powerful, he’s a great kid, great person, smart; he’s awesome. I love the kid, love who he is.”

Ioane drew quick rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike last year. His quick acclimation into the program and early success may have stemmed most from a bond formed with a classmate.

“He and Drew Shelton are best friends, so it’s great to see that because a kid that far away from home needs that family,” Trautwein said. “He’s got that here, which is key because that was something that I wanted to make sure he got right. That’s usually when kids leave if they don’t have some of that feeling.”

Penn State coach James Franklin is high on Ioane, too

Back during spring practice, Penn State head coach James Franklin raved about Ioane’s potential. That was so even if he was out of position for much of spring practice.

“He’s the best looking 365 pounds I’ve ever seen in my life,” Franklin said. “He carries it extremely “Because some guys that have been limited or have some injuries he’s had to play center a ton, which I don’t know if it’s necessarily his natural position. But I think there’s value in the fact that he’s been able to create some position flexibility.

“He’s a smart kid, he’s a great kid, he’s been awesome so we’re really really happy we have him. I’ll look forward to when we can get him more reps at guard because I think that’s gonna be more of a natural position for him.”

The post Penn State lineman Vega Ioane, who will ‘be an NFL guy’, is pushing to beat out a starter this offseason appeared first on On3.