Penn State football began spring practice on Tuesday, but nittany lions They may have to go through the offseason session without two pieces on the offensive front. During his media availability earlier in the day, manager James Franklin confirmed that potential 2024 starter Drew Shelton underwent surgery this winter. Franklin also noted that true freshman Garrett Sexton will also miss playing time this spring.
James Franklin: “Drew Shelton and Garrett Sexton absent from spring practice''
Penn State football has some notable holes to fill along the 2024 offensive line, including missing tackles Ol Fashanu Cayden Wallace and center Hunter Nurzad are heading to the NFL. Now, the Nittany Lions will take the field for the first time in 2024 this week, but they will have to play without junior Drew Shelton, who is widely expected to compete for the starting spot this season.
On Tuesday, James Franklin confirmed that Shelton underwent surgery this offseason for an undisclosed injury sustained last fall. Shelton and true freshman Garrett Sexton will not be available in the spring, according to Franklin.
“Drew had surgery at the end of the season.” franklin said. “It was one of those [types of injuries] Where he can get through the season [without needing surgery].
“It made the most sense to end it as soon as the season was over. Right now, we wish we had him, but in the long run, it's in his best interest.” And it's probably in our best interest. Without Shelton and Sexton, two tackle-type, athletic players who probably won't be available for spring ball. We want to get it back as soon as possible.”
Drew Shelton has spent a significant amount of time in Penn State football's rotation over the past two seasons.As a true freshman, Shelton Made 5 starts When Olu Fashanu was absent due to injury. In 2023, he played in eight of 13 games with the Nittany Lions.
Garrett Sexton likely won't be part of the equation this fall, but is someone Franklin and Penn State are optimistic about moving forward. Sexton, a four-star, ranked him 10th in tackles offensively in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to On3 industry rankings. Sexton, a former quarterback and top overall prospect out of Wisconsin. Nittany Lions have 16 early enrollees in January.
What will Penn State's offensive line room look like going forward?
With about five months until fall training starts, there's still plenty of time for Drew Shelton and Garrett Sexton to get healthy for the 2024 season. James Franklin and Phil Trautwein also have an offensive line room that has developed quite a bit of young talent over the past few recruiting cycles.
Franklin noted in his press conference that starter J.B. Nelson can be flexible at both guard and tackle if needed. He will most likely be used on the left wing in place of Fashanu. Anthony Donko was selected to replace Wallace at right wing after a solid performance in the Peach Bowl.
In addition, the Nittany Lions Former five-star tackle Jeven WilliamsFranklin also highlighted redshirt freshman Chimdi Onoo and freshman Egan Boyer as players who can come out and compete.
The Penn State football team added several more five-star players up front this winter. Nolan Lucci, a former top-ranked recruit from Penn State, transferred from Wisconsin to Happy Valley for the 2021 cycle. The Nittany Lions also added Cooper Cousins as an early enrollee this winter.already stand out among the coaching staffJames Franklin said Tuesday that Cousins will begin his college career at center.
Penn State football returns to action on April 13th for the annual Blue-White Game inside Beaver Stadium.
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