Matt Campbell's journey of blending two rosters at Penn State is set to be a gradual, but promising, process.
Starting his first spring practice as the Nittany Lions' head coach, Campbell is working with a mixed group. The integration involves several players from his Iowa State tenure, alongside the remaining Penn State squad, though injuries are slowing things down a bit.
Penn State’s roster has seen significant changes, with the NFL draft and transfer portal creating gaps after last October's coaching change. Key players like linebacker Tony Rojas, offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, and tight end Andre Rappleyea are either sidelined or limited as they recover from injuries. Defensive end Max Granville is also making his way back after missing last season.
Similarly, former Cyclones such as quarterback Rocco Becht, receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Esklidsen, safety Jeremiah Cooper, and tight end Gabe Burkle are on the mend. Some are expected to ramp up their activity over the next five weeks, while others may wait until summer. Campbell remains optimistic about their readiness for the upcoming season.
“I’m confident everyone will be at full strength by preseason camp,” Campbell assured. “We’re focused on doing it right, and by fall camp, we should be ready to rock and roll.”
All eyes are on Becht, the senior quarterback who followed Campbell from Iowa State. After undergoing shoulder surgery, Becht is easing back into practice and hopes to be more involved later in the spring.
“Rocco is a bit ahead of schedule,” Campbell noted. “He’s doing drill work and individual exercises.
While he won’t get live reps, he’ll engage in 7-on-7 and other drills, which is great for him. It’s crucial to take it slow and steady with Rocco, ensuring he’s ready when it counts.”
Fans will get their first glimpse of Becht and the revamped team during the Blue-White Weekend. Scheduled for April 25 at Beaver Stadium, the event might not feature a traditional scrimmage, depending on the team’s health.
“We’ll assess what that final practice looks like,” Campbell explained. “We aim to offer some version of practice, hopefully with live reps. It’s about making the most of the day and ensuring we connect with our fans.”
Campbell's approach blends patience with strategic planning, setting the stage for an exciting new era at Penn State.