STATE COLLEGE – Penn State will have an open practice instead of an intrasquad scrimmage April 25 at Beaver Stadium for obvious reasons.
Many Nittany Lions have missed spring football practice or have been limited. For example, only three running backs and three tight ends were in uniform Thursday during a practice that was open to the media.
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So, how does Penn State coach Matt Campbell and his coaching staff gauge progress during their first spring in Happy Valley?
“For me, so much of this is about how we do things, right?” Campbell said. “What’s our ultimate goal of spring practice? It’s how we practice and showing up every day with great consistency.
“Just showing up isn’t good enough. It’s how you study every day, how you prepare, how you take care of your body. All those things have really been our emphasis.”
Among the players missing from practice Thursday were offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, running back Cam Wallace, tight ends Andrew Rappleyea and Gabe Burkle, linebacker Tony Rojas, cornerback Zion Tracy and safety Jamison Patton.
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Quarterback Rocco Becht and wide receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Esklidsen, who are coming off injuries, were limited participants wearing purple jerseys. All three were starters last season at Iowa State.
“Those guys are probably a week or two ahead of where we thought they’d be,” Campbell said. “They’re not there yet in terms of live action, but it’s huge for them to start to get reps together, to start to get back involved.
“Hopefully in the second half of spring ball, we can continue to get them into more and more of the rhythm and the consistency it takes to be a good offense. We’re going to need those guys to get quality reps the rest of the way.”
With spring practice past the halfway point, Campbell wants to see Penn State finish strong over the next two-plus weeks.
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“There’s obviously great room to grow,” he said, “and we’re all going through change together. Can we create that momentum for ourselves leaving spring practice? What does that look like and what does that feel like? It’s the consistency of how we go about our process.”
Extra work for Brahmer: Tight end Ben Brahmer, who led Iowa State last season with six touchdown passes, has been a full participant in spring practice after suffering a scary injury in November against Arizona State.
He absorbed a punishing hit and suffered a bruised sternum, but he returned the following week to catch a touchdown pass against TCU. He finished the season with 37 catches for 446 yards.
Campbell said this is the healthiest offseason the 6-7, 252-pound Brahmer has had since arriving at Iowa State in 2023.
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“Ben has had a really good spring,” Campbell said. “This is the first offseason that Ben has truly had during his collegiate career and I think you see it. He’s as strong and physical as he’s been. He’s had a tremendous spring so far. I think he’s made great strides as a point of attack player.”
Brahmer, fellow Iowa State transfer Cooper Alexander and Penn State returner Finn Furmanek were the only tight ends practicing Thursday.
Strong start for Ford: Former Malvern Prep star Jackson Ford is performing well in his first spring practice at Penn State, according to Campbell.
The 6-4, 252-pound Ford was a four-star prospect at defensive end who signed with Penn State in December before Campbell was hired. He chose the Lions over Michigan, Ohio State, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
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“His physical tools have been really impressive,” Campbell said. “He comes from a really great high school program with a great high school football coach (Dave Gueriera). He’s a gut that stood out in every phase of winter conditioning. He certainly flashes with what his ability looks like.
“As with any young player, can you consistently do those things every day? Can you be trusted enough to find a role on this team? He certainly has the ability to compete as we get to fall camp.”
Brewer moves: Former Wyomissing standout Caleb Brewer, a redshirt sophomore, has moved from the offensive line to the defensive line.
The 6-4 293-pound Brewer decided to remain at Penn State after not seeing game action in his first two seasons. He’s one of nine defensive tackles listed on the roster.
