James Franklin has more than enough options at offensive line. In fact, Penn State could play at least eight different linemen in its Aug. 31 season opener at West Virginia. And that’s not to say the front-end talent isn’t there. It is. But that the depth is so strong there may not be a need to play the starters every snap.
In theory, that should only help keep the line fresh and healthy.
“I think we’ll have more than two tackles play. I think we’ll have at least three guards play, and I think we’ll have two centers play. So, how much? We’ll see,” Franklin said on Tuesday. “We’ve still got a ton of work to do between now and then, but I think we have probably a little bit more depth than we’ve had in the past. That’s a good thing.”
Drew Shelton has all but locked up his starting spot at left tackle. There’s a similar confidence that Nick Dawkins, named a team captain on Saturday, will start at center and Sal Wormley will again handle business at right guard. That leaves right tackle, between Nolan Rucci and Anthony Donkoh, and left guard — Vega Ioane against JB Nelson — up for debate.
