5 new faces to watch during Penn State spring football practices
Penn State coach James Franklin hasn’t always utilized the transfer portal the way most coaches do but that has changed and now we see more impact players coming in for the program.
He has always recruited well for the Nittany Lions and has had a great staff that attracts players to come in. This offseason he was able to attract several significant transfer players to pair with a strong 2023 recruiting class for the team.
Get to know just some of the new faces on campus that could be making plays in the Fall inside Beaver Stadium.
Storm Duck, Cornerback
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
[autotag]Joey Porter Jr.[/autotag] is set to take on the NFL and dominate in a similar fashion to what his father did. Filling his role in zone packages this year will be [autotag]Storm Duck[/autotag] who was highly sought after in the transfer portal from North Carolina. His coming to Penn State was somewhat of a surprise but he is someone that [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] can scheme with in many ways to torment opposing offenses.
Dante Cephas, Wide Receiver
Syndication: Kent Ravenna Record-Courier
[autotag]Dante Cephas[/autotag], who joined the program out of the transfer portal from Kent State, is going to bring something to the Nittany Lion offense they haven’t had in some time and that is the raw speed with some special team versatility. Quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] is going to need all the support he can get and Franklin and his staff knew that. Penn State addressed the wide receiver position not once but twice this winter and it will show come the fall.
Malik McClain, Wide Receiver
Syndication: Tallahassee Democrat
For the speed that Cephas brings to the offense, [autotag]Malik McClain[/autotag], who transferred from Florida State, brings the physicality. While he can turn on the burners and outrun defenders, he would much rather use his physical gifts to overpower defenders and win one-on-one. He will be someone Drew Allar turns into a safety blanket target as the season goes on.
Alex Birchmeier, Offensive Line
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
One of the top recruits in Penn State’s 2023 class, [autotag]Alex Birchmeier[/autotag] has a lot of potential and hype already behind him. The interior offensive line is very young and could see a rotation working itself into the mix, Birchmeier could carve out a role early.
J'Ven Williams, Offensive Line
Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
The incoming freshman was a five-star recruit and the sixth-ranked offensive tackle in the country last year, according to 247 Sports. [autotag]J’Ven Williams[/autotag] draws comparisons to Jonah Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals due to his versatility and movement skills. While he won’t be starting over [autotag]Olu Fashanu[/autotag], he could earn some reps inside at guard if called upon similarly to Birchmeier.
