Notes and Observations from Penn State’s Sunday practice on defense
The skies opened up over the Penn State practice fields on Sunday afternoon just as the media was let into the friendly confines. The Nittany Lions, in the fourth practice of preseason camp, were quickly whisked away into the much drier Holuba Hall to continue with the session. The short window of media viewing typically doesn’t offer tremendous insight into the happenings at practice, and going inside further limits those opportunities.
Still, we did get something out of the open portion of practice.
Penn State kicking job still up for grabs
Before going inside, the focus was on the placekicking battle, largely contested between Sander Sahaydak and transfer Alex Felkins. The two worked with a full field goal unit on alternating hashes, with Sahaydak’s attempts coming from a slightly longer distance. Sahaydak was working with battery mates Tyler Duzansky and Riley Thompson while Felkins’ unit consisted of Blaise Sokach-Minnick with Dom Deluca holding. Freshman Ryan Barker also got a couple of kicks in with Will Patton snapping.
The kicks themselves were pretty solid, despite the added distraction of the steadily increasing rain and coaches trying to rattle the participants in the kicker battle. Only one kick, a longer attempt from Sahaydak, sailed wide right during the session. That’s a battle that will continue throughout camp and other than saying they were hitting them well on Sunday, there wasn’t much to take away from it.
As the rain intensified, the horn sounded and the team went inside Holuba. It was a fairly seamless process, which is surprising considering the sudden change. Not much, but notable.
Move it inside
Inside, the Nittany Lions went into their typical media session routine. That meant tackling drills, ball drills and turnover exercises for the group. On back-to-back reps, Abdul Carter grabbed one-handed would-be interceptions. He was right at the front of the line and barking out instructions to teammates and even a few coaches.
Penn State’s defense didn’t get to do any full-team 11-man drills on Sunday while we were there, so personnel was a little difficult to decipher. The only time a full unit was on the field was during field goal block, which featured a melding of units. It was notable that Tyler Elsdon was the first Mike out, flanked by Carter and Curtis Jacobs during those drills. We’re still hearing both Elsdon and King are sharing what the Nittany Lions would consider to be starter’s reps.
Sticking with the linebackers, true freshman Kaveion Keys was active in drills and he’s moving well even with the weight he’s added since arrival. He’s now listed 214 pounds on the official roster. He also snagged a nice interception in drills. Classmate Ta’Mere Robinson also still looks big as he comes along and back from injury.
Penn State’s defensive line shaping up
Penn State’s defensive line was led through drills by the combination of veterans Hakeem Beamon and D’Von Ellies. Sophomore Zane Durant was also high up in the rotation as Deion Barnes put the tackles through drills. Torrence Brown worked with the defensive ends in a routine cycle. Maybe it’s watching closer because Smith Vilbert is out for the season, but Zuriah Fisher looks to be in great shape and showing few ill effects of the leg injury that cost him most of the 2022 season. He’ll push Amin Vanover for that fourth spot and see time in September. Vilbert’s absence really doesn’t change much for the Nittany Lions there.
Speaking of position battles, the fight for the fourth cornerback spot is still in its infancy. Truth be told, Daequan Hardy would be that guy right now if the season started today, but the Nittany Lions are looking for one of the freshman outside guys to step up there. Elliot Washington would probably be a slight favorite right now, but the staff is intrigued by what Zion Tracy brings to the table as well. Still very much up in the air now. Washington was taking reps with the second kick block unit.
At safety, at least beyond the first four, the guy that continues to be in the crosshairs is freshman King Mack. Nate Bauer reported it over the weekend, but he’s a guy that will make the older guys in the room look over their respective shoulders.
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