Penn State Practice Observations: Former Players Are Everywhere

There was a common theme among offensive coaches at Penn State’s practice on Thursday. Andy Kotelnicki, Ja’Juan Seider, Danny O’Brien and Marques Hagans were sleeveless. It’s not exactly clear why, but it sure made for a fun gimmick. O’Brien laughed with Seider as the offense ran drills, adding light to what was a gloomy afternoon outside.

James Franklin kept his sleeves intact, but made a fashion statement of his own. He wore a blue and white long sleeve with “Football Heaven” written across the chest as he rotated among position groups, taking a prolonged look at his quarterbacks and wide receivers.

“Let’s go! Where’s my guy?” yelled Kotelnicki, waiting impatiently for the next Nittany Lion to step into line for his ball-security drill. As a player approached, Kotelnicki lightfully shoved them around before each player ran and dove into a crash mat. Ball-security skills are boring to watch, but at least Kotelnicki tries his best to make them entertaining.

It’s not only Kotelnicki who’s made practice viewing sessions fun. The recent incorporation of analysts in on-field coaching has added a new layer and group of characters to keep an eye on. It’s particularly difficult to take your eyes off analyst Frank Leonard, who works with the offensive line, because he’s just so loud. But the players appear to respond well to him.

Mark Dupuis, who joined the Nittany Lions as an analyst this offseason after spending the past four seasons as Old Dominion’s wide receivers coach, is another intriguing watch. He’s been active and vocal throughout every practice viewing this preseason.

Dupuis played his college ball at UConn, and has almost become a novelty among Penn State’s support staff, given that the program has hired so many former players.

The defense cycled between drills led by four assistant coaches, three of which were ex-Nittany Lions. Deion Barnes, entering his second season as the team’s defensive line coach, led one drill with a given position group before they moved on to Thomas Allen (defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s son), former player Jordan Lucas and then wrapped up with Dan Connor.

The defense cycled between drills led by four assistant coaches, three of which were ex-Nittany Lions. Deion Barnes, alongside Torrence Brown, led a drill with a given position group before they moved on to Thomas Allen (defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s son and the lone non-alum) and then wrapped up with former players Jordan Lucas and Dan Connor.

As if there weren't enough alumni in attendance, Jason Cabinda watched from the sideline as his former teammate, Lucas, did his thing.

There are 16 former Penn State players set to work for either the program or athletic department this season.

“Work! Work! Work!” screamed the eldest Allen with his signature scratchy voice. He seemed in high spirits, understandable after landing a commitment from four-star linebacker Cam Smith before practice Thursday. Smith is Penn State’s first commitment from Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep since John Reid in 2014.

Allen must also feel content knowing his pass rush hasn’t lost much steam without defensive end Jameial Lyons who, alongside linebacker Kaveion Keys, was dismissed from the team last week. The Nittany Lions’ burst off the edge looks very strong, especially from freshman defensive end Max Granville, who reclassified from the 2025 signing class to 2024 and joined the program two weeks ago.

Granville appears beyond his years through a unique quickness and athleticism that’s made him stand out among the defensive ends. Without Lyons, six names other than Granville have been primarily asked to carry the load: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Abdul Carter, Amin Vanover, Mason Robinson and Joseph Mupoyi.

The post Penn State Practice Observations: Former Players Are Everywhere appeared first on StateCollege.com .