Penn State Football: Four 2023 signees who could have an instant impact next season

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Elliot Washington II, Venice High footballFbh Top16003 /

2. CB Elliot Washington

Florida native Elliot Washington was a big addition to Penn State’s class when he flipped from Alabama back in July.

The 6-foot cornerback has a chance to be the most impactful true freshman on the Nittany Lion defense in 2023.

Projected first round pick Joey Porter Jr. is off to the NFL. Depth player Jeffery Davis Jr. is in the transfer portal. That leaves Kalen King, Johnny Dixon, Daequan Hardy, Cam Miller and Marquis Wilson as the only returning corners in 2023.

King and Dixon are expected to start, while Hardy should assume his role as the slot corner again in 2023. The starters seem set, the second team does not.

Miller burned his redshirt in 2022, the true freshman played in ten games and recorded five tackles. Wilson also played in ten games and recorded 18 tackles and two pass breakups. These two will have a good chance at being the second team guys to start 2023.

The lack of depth is an opportunity for Washington though. He’s one injury away from being on the two deep as a true freshman. Penn State likes to rotate its corners and Washington should factor into that rotation right away.

Washington being an early enrollee will also help his case to play right away.

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