Three Penn State Football players who will benefit from the bowl practices

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 22: Penn State Nittany Lions sing the Alma Mater after winning the Governors Victory Bell trophy against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Apr 23, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Kaden Saunders (7) looks for a way around safety Zakee Wheatley (6). Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

2. WR Kaden Saunders

Behind Drew Allar and Nick Singleton, wide receiver Kaden Saunders was the third highest ranked offensive player in Penn State’s 2022 recruiting class.

The slot receiver ended up seeing time in only two games this season. Saunders ended up catching two passes for 21 yards.

The youngster has an opportunity now though. Parker Washington, who was the Nittany Lions’ starting slot receiver, is out for the season with an injury and has declared for the NFL Draft.

While it’s an unfortunate end to Washington’s Penn State football career, it could open the door for Saunders in the bowl practices. Penn State may slide Mitchell Tinsley into the slot for the game, but Saunders could see an increase in his workload at practice.

Like Washington, Tinsley will also be headed to the draft after the game. The staff may have him on a pitch count in practice, giving Saunders a few opportunities to practice with the first team.

Penn State will need youngsters like Saunders to step up at wide receiver in 2023. The staff knows this and will give all of the young receivers a chance to grow with Allar in these practices.

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