Penn State's Offensive Line Undergoes More Spring Change
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Penn State's Drew Shelton, the most likely successor to Olu Fashanu at left tackle for the Nittany Lions, has been seen this offseason wearing an upper-body sling. Penn State coach James Franklin confirmed this week that Shelton underwent surgery after the 2023 season and will miss spring practice, which began Tuesday. In addition, Franklin said that freshman tackle Garrett Sexton will miss spring drills for undisclosed reasons. As a result, a Penn State offensive line that already had to replace three starters will confront more change this spring.
In particular, tackle is a fascinating spot for Penn State, with starters Fashanu and Caedan Wallace both headed to the NFL. Transfer lineman Nolan Rucci is up to 315 pounds since arriving in January from Wisconsin, where maintaining weight was a career challenge. Sophomore J’ven Williams is in the fold after taking Fashanu’s No. 74 this season. And sophomore Anthony Donkoh worked at right tackle in the Peach Bowl.
“I don't think [Rucci] broke 300 pounds the entire time he was at the previous school and looks great,” Franklin said before spring drills began. “As you guys know, he's like all of 6-7, if not 6-8, so he is 315 pounds and still looks skinny.”
Freshman Cooper Cousins is a name to watch, as the former 4-star recruit is working at center to start his career. Penn State needs a new starting center to replace Hunter Nourzad. Though fifth-year senior Nick Dawkins is the frontrunner, Cousins will get a look this spring and could find his way onto the depth chart.
"Rarely do you get an offensive lineman coming in here who just fits in from a body-type standpoint and from a mentality and demeanor standpoint," Penn State strength coach Chuck Losey said of Cousins. "Usually it takes big guys a couple of years to really develop and find find their game, but he's positioned himself to where he's going to compete this spring ball."
Cousins is a candidate for other positions as well, though Franklin said the team will keep young players at one spot for now. Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein endorses cross-training, which will be a factor for Penn State's line in the future.
“We have two tackles, just like we have two defensive ends, that were at the combine and will be at our Pro Day, and I think they have bright futures,” Franklin said. “So replacing them and having some young guys that have worked up within our program and then to be able to go out and get more of a veteran guy to come in and compete, I think is helpful.”
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Max Ralph is a Penn State senior studying Broadcast Journalism with minors in sports studies and Japanese. He previously covered Penn State football for two years with The Daily Collegian and has reported with the Associated Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Follow him on Twitter (X) @maxralph_ and Instagram @mralph_59.
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