4_13_fball_114_13_fball_11
Craig Houtz

Camp Notebook: What We've Learned

Camp Notebook: What We've Learned
 
The bricks used in building a championship culture continue to be laid for the Penn State football program as week three of fall camp concludes.
 
Here's what stood out this week in University Park, Pennsylvania. 
 
Headline of the Week: Offensive Push
With several position battles still to be decided, the Nittany Lion offense had a big week on the practice field. Going against a defense that led the country in sacks a season ago is no easy task, however, offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne and his unit collectively pushed back and delivered multiple explosive plays throughout the week. From the wideouts to the offensive line, the offensive group is finding its stride with the season approaching. "In my 24 years of coaching, it's usually the defense that's ahead at this point in the season. I think that's pretty much been the case this year as well," Franklin stated during media availability on Wednesday. "The offense, the last two practices, have made some pretty good strides. I'm pleased, the past few days it has been very competitive back and forth."
 
Quote of the Week: James Franklin
"Our conversation as a staff the other day was that we think we have better depth there than we've had in the past," James Franklin said when discussing the safeties position. "I think [Lamont] Wade, [Jonathan] Southerland and [Jaquan] Brisker have had a really good camp. You'll see GT [Garrett Taylor], not only is he a veteran and played a lot of football for us, but you'll see he's changed his body. He's ripped up, his body fat is way down, he is moving really well and playing with a lot of confidence right now. We like the four guys we have."

Standout Player of the Week: Dan Chisena
After earning a scholarship during the 2019 Blue-White Game, Dan Chisena has quickly developed a name for himself on this year's roster. What seems to be an everyday occurrence, Chisena has hauled in numerous deep balls, multiple contested catches and made plenty of eye-opening sideline grabs during fall camp. Something that nearly everyone, including his teammates, have taken strong note of. 
 
"I think a guy a lot of people are going to be talking about this fall is Dan Chisena," Garrett Taylor said following practice on Wednesday. "Watching him so far in camp, he really worked on his craft this summer. You can see he's really fluid going in and out of his routes and he's making tough contested catches." 
 
Although it's hard to predict his exact role, don't be shocked if the senior makes a couple high impact plays during the season. 
 
Content of the Week: @PennStateFball