How Penn State Football can replace Parker Washington’s production

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 29: Parker Washington #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 29: Parker Washington #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 10: Omari Evans #18 of the Penn State Nittany Lions.  (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 10: Omari Evans #18 of the Penn State Nittany Lions.  (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. Trust the youngsters

Penn State can’t really afford to do nothing with its receiver group this offseason, but it shouldn’t do too much either.

The receivers on the roster were all talented recruits that this staff brought in with the idea that they each could eventually start for this team.

Beyond Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace (17 catches this season) there isn’t a lot of experience, but the talent is there. Guys like Kaden Saunders, Omari Evans, Liam Clifford and Jaden Dottin could all be in line for increased roles.

The extra bowl practices will surely help these guys out, and maybe we start to see the light come on for them in the Rose Bowl or during Spring practice.

While Penn State wants to win in 2023, it cannot just push aside the young talent it has spent years collecting. Saunders was a top 100 recruit, Evans and Clifford were rated 4-stars by at least one recruiting service.

These guys could turn into the same type of impact player that Washington was, they just need a chance.

The Penn State football staff will have to balance adding the right pieces while also not burying future stars on the depth chart.