What We Learned From Penn State Football’s First Depth Chart

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. assuming the starting role opposite seasoned veteran Tariq Castro-Fields. Porter, listed at 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds has all the length and athleticism defensive coordinator Brent Pry is looking for at the position. This comes as a bit of a surprise as he is slated above State College native Keaton Ellis who saw a lot of snaps in 2019.

We know that Pry and Franklin love to rotate players on defense so all these guy will get their shot. However, the secondary was a bit of an issue at times in 2019 and will be tested right out of the gate with Indiana and Ohio State in the first two weeks of the season.

Changes coming along the offensive line?

We heard rumors around camp that redshirt senior Will Fries was experimenting with a potential move inside to LG. It seems, for now anyways, that Fries will remain at Right Tackle where he started 13 games last season. Fries struggled in pass protection at times last season (see Ohio State and Memphis games) but is a solid contributor in the run game. Sitting behind him on the depth chart is redshirt freshman Caeden Walllace, who I would not be at all surprised if he saw action on Saturday.

Wallace is a former 4-star, top 100 recruit out of New Jersey where in high school he starred on both sides of the ball. At  6-foot-5 and 313 pounds he brings big time talent, athleticism and punch for new positon coach, Phil Trautwein.

If Fries struggles early on, it will be interesting to see if Wallace can supplant him as the starter heading into the big week two showdown with the Buckeyes.