Ranking Penn State football’s best players: Nos. 20-16
Which Penn State players can help the Nittany Lions reach their lofty aspirations during the 2023 season? Resetting the rest this week, we’re breaking down what positions and which players will need to be counted upon to deliver that success.
And, we’re doing it counting down the top 25 players on the team.
Whether established and experienced or youthful with bursts of talent, the criteria isn’t an exact science. However, the early impressions of what the Nittany Lions might look like this season, and the players tasked with producing the performances that will lead to that success, are straightforward.
Here, we continue our look ranking Penn State’s top players heading into the 2023 season:
Top Penn State football players: Nos. 20-16
No. 20 – Landon Tengwall
The issue for Landon Tengwall, it seems, is the injury. Forced out of action for the rest of the season due to an injury sustained in pregame warmups at Michigan, the second-year offensive lineman didn’t get the opportunity to improve.
Thus, when entering the 2023 season, the abrupt disappearance makes Tengwall a tough one to place on this list. As a true freshman, Tengwall served as a valuable reserve late in the season and played well in his three games of action. But his follow-up, as graded by PFF, didn’t rise to the same level in his five starts.
Where does that leave him?
In our minds, post-injury, with time to rehabilitate, the optimistic view is that Tengwall, still presumed as a starter this season, is a part of the equation as to why the Nittany Lions are so optimistic about their offensive line this season. The reality, of course, is that Tengwall will need to not just win the job this season, but also put his performance into action in games to properly back up this spot in the rankings.
No. 19 – Zakee Wheatley
In all likelihood, Zakee Wheatley isn’t going to take Keaton Ellis’ starting job at free safety this season. Pitting youthful playmaking against Ellis’ experience, the excellent spring from the State College native ended with an edge to Ellis.
That doesn’t change our perception of Wheatley heading into the 2023 season.
A rising redshirt sophomore with 372 reps under his belt, playing in all 13 games last season, Wheatley delivered ample playmaking to understand his impact and potential for the upcoming campaign. He finished with two interceptions and a forced fumble and made 27 total tackles for the year as a reserve.
With continued progression, Wheatley’s knack for the ball will again show itself this season.
No. 18 – Coziah Izzard
After missing the first four games of the season, then returning to action in a backup role, and finally being forced out for the entirety of the spring due to injury, Coziah Izzard isn’t top of mind for most Penn State fans.
He should be.
James Franklin praised his combination of size, speed, and athleticism through the home stretch of the 2022 season. And, despite the setback this spring, Izzard is likely going to be called upon to plug holes in the middle of that defensive line this year.
He’s talented and positioned to take the next step in his career, filling P.J. Mustipher’s vacancy.
No. 17 – Daequan Hardy
The 2022 season didn’t start remotely the way Daequan Hardy, or the Penn State coaching staff, would have envisioned for the 5-foot-9, 181-pound nickel. Pushing past those issues, though, Hardy eventually turned the corner late in the season to grab an interception in November.
Still touted among teammates and coaches this offseason, Hardy is a big part of Penn State’s strength at the cornerback position and could be in line to add punt returner to his resume this season.
No. 16 – Sal Wormley
After missing the entirety of the 2021 season due to injury, Sal Wormley surprised some by outright winning the right guard position last August. One of the few sure things along the Nittany Lions’ offensive line last season, Wormley started all 13 games and finished second only to Juice Scruggs for total reps on the season, Wormley with 818 to Scruggs’ 886, respectively.
In the process, Wormley picked up All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition by both the conference coaches and media. Then, he followed it up with a spring that, at least internally, was viewed as the best offseason he’s put together in his time at Penn State.
Again expected to lock down the left guard spot in this, his fifth season as a Nittany Lion, Wormley will be a key cog in Penn State’s offensive line success this year.
Tomorrow, we’ll continue our list counting down Penn State football’s Top 25 players.
The post Ranking Penn State football’s best players: Nos. 20-16 appeared first on On3.
