Penn State Football: 3 Second-Year Players Poised for Stardom in 2023
Penn State football recovered from a dismal 2021 campaign in 2022, finishing close to the top of the Big Ten East.
The Nittany Lions have high hopes for each season, and fans are aiming for a conference championship in 2023 with a new quarterback and after a largely successful season.
These second-year players need to step up if that is to happen.
#3. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Defensive Line
A defensive end like Dani Dennis-Sutton is necessary because Penn State will be losing some important defensive linemen before the 2023 season.
The former five-star defensive tackle had a strong debut season and displayed glimpses of what he may offer Happy Valley over the following couple of seasons. Twenty-ninth-ranked overall in the 2022 recruiting class, the player has 17 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, and a pass breakup by the end of his rookie campaign.
Dennis-Sutton second's year is about to be a significant one since he's going to be the next outstanding defensive lineman at Penn State, and that will begin in the upcoming season.
#2. Kaden Saunders, Wide Receiver
Kaden Saunders didn't play much as a freshman, but the fact that he was able to save his redshirt is crucial for the Penn State offense.
Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley, the top two receivers for the Nittany Lions last season, are both gone, therefore the team will need a new WR1 in 2023. Why not the former receiver in the top 60? His lack of experience may be a problem, but his potential is unquestionably not. He participated in just three games the previous season.
Saunders was the Nittany Lions' top wideout recruit in the previous cycle and the No. 55 prospect overall in the 2022 class. He only managed two receptions for 21 yards.
#1. Drew Allar, Quarterback
Do we find it surprising that James Franklin chose Sean Clifford over five-star freshman Drew Allar? We ought not to be. Clifford in particular has had a lot of loyalty from the head coach at Penn State. With nearly 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, just seven interceptions, and a completion rate of 64 percent, he actually had a good season.
But now that Clifford has left, Allar must take the lead. From his days as an Elite 11 quarterback, Allar has been highly regarded by experts. In my opinion, he might become the top quarterback in the Big Ten as early as the upcoming season. He is that talented.
Allar completed 58 percent of his throws during his rookie season, passing for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Oh, and he didn't intercept any passes. Allar might challenge Taulia Tagovailoa and JJ McCarthy for the title of top Big Ten quarterback in 2023.
