blue-white-game
Penn State coach James Franklin said the Nittany Lions laid a foundation for the 2024 season during spring football drills, which culminated Saturday with the Blue-White Game. Though they didn’t reveal much, particularly of coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s offense, during the scrimmage, the Lions managed to get in some fair work at Beaver Stadium.
“I thought we had 15 really physical, competitive practices,” Penn State coach James Franklin said after the game. “I thought today was good. Got a lot of work in and got a bunch of situations covered.”
As is tradition, Penn State named a series of spring award-winners, recognizing the players who set the tone during practice. They were:
Red Worrell Award (most improved offensive player): Receiver Liam Clifford.
Jim O’Hora Award (most improved defensive player): Cornerback Audavion Collins
Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award: Center Nick Dawkins and cornerback Cam Miller
Coaches Special Teams Award: Punter Riley Thompson
Clifford is an underrated player in Penn State’s offense, one who could make a significant contribution this spring. Collins had a strong spring, putting himself into position to play at a very deep position that includes two transfer cornerbacks in Jalen Kimber and A.J. Harris. Dawkins and Miller have ascended into leadership positions, Dawkins in particular, and Thompson gives new special teams coordinator Justin Lustig one less issue to worry about.
Meanwhile, Franklin discussed one of the players he thought made the biggest strides this offseason: defensive end Amin Vanover.
“Vanover is a pretty cool story for us,” Franklin said. “I think he’s going to have a huge year for us. And he’s a guy that in my opinion has done it the right way. It hasn’t always been easy for him or us. Hisjourney has been challenging at times. And he’s really stuck it out and just got better and better and better and better. I think he’s going to have a really good year, and I’m really proud of what he’s done.”
The next time Penn State fans will see the Nittany Lions is Aug. 31, when the team opens the 2024 season at West Virginia.
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