As the Matt Campbell era kicks off, Penn State's spring practice is buzzing with energy and anticipation. Holuba Hall was alive with activity, packed with recruits, families, and familiar faces like former offensive tackle Drew Shelton and linebacker Mike Hull. The team hit the field with quarterbacks in purple, the offense in blue, and the defense in white, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season.
Injury Updates
One notable absence was Iowa State transfer quarterback Alex Manske, expected to be the backup. According to Sean Fitz of On3, Manske will miss spring ball.
Meanwhile, Rocco Becht is easing back into action after recovering from a torn labrum and an AC joint sprain. While not fully participating, Becht engaged in agility work and short passing drills, offering guidance and encouragement to his teammates.
Elsewhere on the field, wide receivers Chase Sowell, Brett Eskildsen, and Peter Gonzalez, along with defensive end Max Granville and safety Christian Askew, worked under the watchful eye of assistant strength and conditioning coach Jalyn Baker. Sowell and Eskildsen will be limited this spring, and Granville is on the mend from a long-term injury. The status of Gonzalez and Askew remains unclear.
Defensive tackles Siale Taupaki and De’Andre Cook, along with linebacker Tony Rojas and Ethan Black, focused on rehab activities, primarily sprints. Rojas is recovering from a torn ACL and is not expected back for spring, though he remains hopeful for a return. Linebacker Alex Tatsch, sporting a sleeve on his left leg, joined Rojas in a brief walk-through with the defense.
Defensive end Mason Robinson made his comeback after missing last year due to injury, while center Dom Rulli was absent. Tight ends Andrew Rappleyea and Gabe Burkle, offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh, and safety Jeremiah Cooper were also not participating, as expected.
Personnel Notes
With Becht limited and Manske out, Christopher Newport transfer Connor Barry took the first-team quarterback reps. Barry, a left-handed Division III standout, boasts impressive career stats with 5,561 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and 596 rushing yards. Freshman Peyton Falzone, walk-on Jack Lambert, and freshman Kase Evans followed behind him.
In the running back drills, Iowa State transfer Carson Hansen led the pack, with Ohio State transfer James Peoples and Quinton Martin Jr. rotating in. Cam Wallace and freshman D’Antae Sheffey rounded out the group.
On the offensive line, Texas State transfer Brock Riker took the lead at center. Malachi Goodman and Garrett Sexton competed at left tackle, with Owen Aliciene backing up Goodman. Donkoh is expected to secure the right tackle spot upon his return.
Wide receivers Koby Howard and Karon Brookins took first-team reps. Howard, along with Sowell and Eskildsen, is projected to start, though Campbell praised Brookins as a "super talent." Howard, along with cornerbacks Zion Tracy and Xxavier Thomas, also took reps at punt returner.
Drill Work
The practice kicked off with stretching, highlighted by high-fives from Campbell, before breaking into individual drills. Quarterbacks focused on quick throws, simulating pocket drop-backs. Running backs emphasized ball security, dodging a trash can while assistant coaches tested their grip.
Wide receivers ran quick routes and practiced ball security, catching tennis balls with one hand while holding a football in the other. With only four healthy tight ends, they saw plenty of action catching passes. The offensive line rotated positions frequently, ensuring versatility.
The defensive line worked on quick sprints and agility, using yoga balls to enhance their reaction time. Linebackers honed their footwork and catching skills, while the secondary practiced punching the ball out and jumping passing lanes.
With so much potential on display, Penn State's spring practice is setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.