Monday was the first day of the spring semester at University Park, which means it's officially time for the Penn State football program to turn the page to the 2024 season. Nittany Lions The first steps in this direction were taken today, with the release of a new menu. More than just a clerical change, this updated list is full of intrigue, as it helps highlight the condition of several key veterans whose futures were in doubt. Topping the list is the return of several key Nittany Lions stars, including KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Sal Wormley, Coziah Izzard and Tyler Elsdon.
Veterans remain key to updating Penn State football roster
Penn State football has been slowly figuring out its 2024 roster since the 2023 regular season ended on November 24. The Nittany Lions lost nine underclassmen to the NFL Draft, with four additional players exhausting their eligibility after the Peach Bowl. Penn State also loses three scholarship players to the transfer portal, under Dante Cephaswhile many visits are no longer with the program.
On the flip side, several Nittany Lions playmakers announced their return for 2024 before and after the game. Penn State's offense received a major boost when Tyler Warren He announced his plans to return for an additional year. On the defensive side, veteran DTs Hakeem Beamon and Devon Ellies both announced their returns last week.
But there are still many players who have not announced their future plans. List updated for Monday It helps clarify their situations, at least for now. The official deadline to declare for the NFL Draft is January 15, so that could technically change for some. But with the transfer portal window officially closed, it's fair to assume the Nittany Lions will remain with the Penn State football program at least through the spring.
On offense, the most notable returning names are K'Andre Lambert-Smith and Sal Wormley. Lambert Smith The future with Penn State seemed uncertain After the peach bowl. The Nittany Lions' leading WR was almost non-existent over the final month of the season, scoring two goals in the last three games. The return of Sal Wormley will provide veteran leadership to an offensive line that is losing three starters.
Defensively, Penn State football appears to retain a veteran presence among its front seven. In addition to Elise and Beamon, the Nittany Lions are looking to retain DT Coziah Izzard. At DE, the loss of Chubb Robinson and Adisa Isaac will be offset by the return of Amin Vanover and Smith Philbert, the latter of whom missed the 2023 season due to injury. Behind them, MLB reliever Tyler Elsdon is preparing to return for one final season.
Who is absent from the list?
Monday's update will not be the final iteration of Penn State's football roster this winter. In fact, there are still many other updates to be made.
The Nittany Lions' recent transfer portal additions have not been added to this current list. Former Ohio State WR Julian Fleming will join KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the Penn State WR room, while the former five-star Nolan Rucci He will join Sal Wormley on the offensive interior. Penn State football still leads former Georgia CB AJ Harris, who has yet to commit.
Penn State's 16 early enrolling freshmen should also be added to the list. RB Quinton Martion, OL Cooper Cousins, and TE Luke Reynolds are the top early additions on the offensive side of the ball. In defence, Tyler Elsdon, Ameen Vanover and Kozia Izzard will be joined by players such as Liam Andrews, John Mitchell and Ta Cunningham.
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