The wind delivered a cold punch outside of Penn State’s practice facilities on Tuesday. But inside, there was a fire brewing as the Nittany Lions continued into the third week of spring practice.
The doors of Holuba Hall were opened to the local media from Periods 2-8, providing an extended glimpse at the program with just under three weeks remaining before the Blue-White Game on April 26. What stood out at Tuesday’s practice viewing session?
RECEIVERS STANDING OUT
There was an emphasis on cutting and route-running drills for Penn State’s most questionable position group on Tuesday. The team’s two transfer wide receivers, Troy’s Devonte Ross and USC’s Kyron Hudson, continue to be the focus. But there are a few other overlooked contributors who are beginning to impress through a good portion of spring ball.
Koby Howard may be a freshman, but with a 5-foot-11, 197-pound frame, he looks anything but. Howard already made an impression on strength coach Chuck Losey, who called him an “unbelievably strong, powerful guy” during winter conditions workouts. And now, he’s drawing eyes on the practice field.
Howard’s routes look sharp and explosive, especially considering his bulky build. He and Peter Gonzalez, who missed last season’s entirety with an injury, stood out alongside Ross at Tuesday’s practice. Gonzalez, at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, is another big-framed receiver who looks about as good as he can considering the significance of his injury.
NOTABLE ABSENCES
Potential injuries are beginning to pile up as on-field work continues. Here’s the full list of notable absences at Tuesday’s viewing session: tight end Luke Reynolds, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, safety King Mack, cornerback Zion Tracy and offensive linemen Anthony Donkoh and Nolan Rucci.
Rucci and Dennis-Sutton were also absent during last week’s viewing session. James Franklin confirmed that they’re not out with long-term injuries; they’re just “not available right now.” Mack and Tracy, who are expected to compete for the Nittany Lions’ starting nickel position, were also absent during last week’s practice viewing session.
The new name to this list of absentees is tight end Luke Reynolds, who has been anticipated to fill the shoes of projected first-round NFL Draft pick Tyler Warren at tight end. Reynolds was not seen among the tight ends on Tuesday, which, with Andrew Rappleyea already working his way back from an injury, put Khalil Dinkins in the spotlight.
