Sept. 1, 2015
Depth Chart - Temple Week (8/31/15)
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Head coach James Franklin released a depth chart heading into the season-opener against Temple on Tuesday morning.
The first depth chart of the fall season features five senior starters (one on offense and four on defense). The chart is also filled with youth. In all, there are a total of 15 players on the top line at their respective position who are sophomores or redshirt freshmen on offense, defense and special teams.
On defense, the front seven is stacked with experience, including five starters who are either listed as junior or senior eligibility. All-Big defensive tackle Anthony Zettel and junior Austin Johnson headline the defensive line as returnees at the tackle position. Redshirt senior Carl Nassib and redshirt sophomore Garrett Sickels make up top lines at the end positions.
Junior Nyeem Wartman-White is atop the middle linebacker position, with junior Brandon Bell on the top line at strongside linebacker and true sophomore Jason Cabinda at the weakside linebacker spot.
In the secondary, seniors Jordan Lucas (Strong Safety) and Trevor Williams (Cornerback) are two of the most experienced players in the lineup (73 games of combined experience). Additionally, sophomores Marcus Allen (Free Safety) and Grant Haley (Cornerback) return after strong rookie seasons in 2014.
On offense, 2013 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg will direct the offense for the third-straight season at quarterback. Penn State's running back corps features a host of talent, including junior Akeel Lynch, along with redshirt freshmen Mark Allen and Nick Scott and true freshman Saquon Barkley. Junior Dom Salomone is listed as the fullback.
The projected starting offensive line includes four players with starting experience. Graduate senior Angelo Mangiro (C) will man the middle of the line, with junior Brian Gaia at right guard and sophomore Brendan Mahon at left guard. Redshirt sophomore Andrew Nelson returns at right tackle with junior college transfer Paris Palmer atop the depth chart at left tackle leading up to his first game as a Nittany Lion.
The depth chart features three tight ends/H-backs. The list include true sophomore Mike Gesicki, junior Brent Wilkerson and graduate senior Kyle Carter.
Redshirt sophomore DaeSean Hamilton (Z), sophomore Chris Godwin (X) and DeAndre Thompkins (F) are the starting receivers listed on the depth chart, but look for contributions from a host of players. In addition to Hamilton, Godwin and Thompkins, junior Geno Lewis, sophomore Saeed Blacknall, graduate student Matt Zanellato, along with true freshmen Juwan Johnson and Brandon Polk, are expected to play key roles in the receiver rotation.
Redshirt freshman Joey Julius is listed as the top kicker, while sophomore Daniel Pasquariello is listed as the top punter. Chris Gulla is the top holder, while sophomore Tyler Yazujian is the long snapper. Redshirt freshman Koa Farmer, Barkley and Scott are listed as the top kickoff returners. Allen, Thompkins and Polk are listed as the punt returners.
There are six true freshmen listed on the depth chart. That list includes ââ'¬" Saquon Barkley (RB), Nick Cox (LS), Juwan Johnson (WR), Brandon Polk (WR), John Reid (CB) and Tommy Stevens (QB).
Penn State kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday (ESPN) against the Temple inside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.