Spring has officially arrived in Happy Valley, and with it, Penn State kicks off its first day of spring practice. Head Coach Matt Campbell took the stage at Beaver Stadium to share insights into the team's current state and future.
Rocco Becht's Recovery Journey
Rocco Becht, coming off a challenging 2025 season with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, is making notable progress. Initially, the plan was for Becht to be back in full swing by mid-spring, but Campbell is optimistic about his recovery.
“Rocco is ahead of schedule physically,” Campbell noted. “He’s already doing drill work, which is promising. He won't get live reps yet, but participating in 7-on-7 and other routes will be beneficial.”
Becht has been throwing for over three weeks, and while he's not at full strength, his presence on the field is invaluable. Campbell emphasized the importance of a cautious approach: “We need to work slow and right with Rocco. Having him out there, even just for drills, is huge for us and for the young quarterbacks who can learn from his leadership.”
Adjusting to Happy Valley
Reflecting on his move from Iowa State to Penn State, Campbell described the transition as a “whirlwind.” He humorously mentioned initial struggles with facility access but highlighted the importance of building a strong program from day one.
“I feel like we hit the ground running,” Campbell said. “Building a football team is a consistent process, and it doesn’t change.”
He also stressed the importance of settling in with family and staff, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and ready to seize the opportunities ahead.
Welcoming Kashif Moore
With a shake-up in the coaching staff, Kashif Moore steps in as the new wide receivers coach. Moore brings a rich background, having been a captain at UConn and experienced stints with several NFL teams.
Campbell praised Moore’s leadership and journey: “I love his background as a player and his leadership. His coaching journey, especially with Skyler Bell becoming a Biletnikoff finalist, shows what he can bring to our team.”
Health Updates
As spring practice begins, some key players will be missing from the lineup. Wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen will sit out live reps but will participate in individual drills. Other players, including tight ends Andrew Rappleyea and Gabe Burkle, and several others, will also be limited.
Campbell remains unfazed by these absences: “Injuries are part of the game. Our priority is ensuring a slow and correct recovery for those coming off injuries.”
With spring practice underway, Penn State is focused on building a strong foundation for the upcoming season, balancing recovery and growth with strategic leadership and new coaching dynamics.