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Penn State football 2017: Projected Nittany Lions depth chart

By Cody Williams

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania on October 22, 2016. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 22: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania on October 22, 2016. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Offense

Notable Losses: The Nittany Lions offense has firepower still, but they’ll be without their top receiving target from last season, Chris Godwin. He was a true No. 1 for Penn State and a playmaker on the outside. Thus, the wide receivers must step up now that he’s suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

QB: Trace McSorley, junior (RS)

Trace McSorley has the quarterback position locked down, without question. Though his completion rate left a lot to be desired (57.9 percent), he had a nice sophomore season with over 3,600 yards passing, 29 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. He also added seven rushing touchdowns. If he can take a step forward, that will be huge for the Nittany Lions.

RB: Saquon Barkley, junior

This is even less of a question than with McSorley, but Saquon Barkley is the starter here. He’s a Heisman Trophy candidate after rushing for 1,496 yards and 18 scores last season. Barkley is a star and will be the heart of the offense.

WR: DeAndre Thompkins, junior (RS)
WR: Juwan Johnson, sophomore (RS)
Slot: DaeSean Hamilton, senior (RS)

Despite the loss of Godwin, this receiving corps is deep and has real weapons. As a senior, Saeed Blacknall is a deep threat that can take the tops off defenses down the field. He won’t be a starter in this group, but he’s another weapon that we’ll see amongst these pass-catchers

TE: Mike Gesicki, senior

It was a rough spring for Mike Gesicki, but he proved last season that he’s a valuable commodity as he came in as Penn State’s second-leading receiver. With 48 grabs and five scores last season, he’ll again be a weapon.

RT: Chasz Wright, junior (RS)
RG: Stephen Gonzalez, sophomore (RS)
C: Connor McGovern, sophomore
LG: Brendan Mahon, senior (RS)
LT: Ryan Bates, sophomore (RS)

Though the sophomore classification may worry some across the line, this is largely an experienced unit, and every spot is really set coming into the year with the exception of right guard. Brendan Mahon will move inside from tackle, where he may be more effective. Stephen Gonzalez is slotted at right guard, though, as he has the most experience. Yet, Zach Simpson or Michael Miranda could push for the job.

AP: Miles Sanders, sophomore

All reports throughout the spring say that Sanders looks the part of a strong No. 2 running back. He’s put on muscle and could be a nice relief for Barkley in the rushing game, and a force in his own right.

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