The Hogs. Hog Mollies. Electric Company. As these historic offensive lines have proven, good offensive line play can easily become legendary and pave the way for a successful offense and successful overall team. The offensive line is the only group on the field that assists on every play. They block for the quarterback on passing plays. They block for running backs on running plays. A successful offensive line can cover the shortcomings of other position groups such as quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and receivers; however, poor offensive line play is hard to overcome for the rest of the offense, and the coaching staff calling plays. That reinforces the importance of the 2024 offensive line preview for Penn State.
Penn State 2024 Offensive Line Preview: Fortifying Strength
Andy Kotelnicki, the new offensive coordinator, is tasked with ensuring the offensive line holds its own. Coming off of a strong few years of offensive line play, the continued development of this unit will be a make-or-break factor for the Nittany Lions in 2024.
Three starters from the 2023 team were drafted. On the surface, that would be a cause for concern. However, Kotelnicki, and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, given past success and a solid youth movement, should be in good shape for continued success in 2024.
Penn State’s Past Offensive Line Standouts
Linebacker U is a well-known nickname for Penn State. However, there have been successful Nittany Lions that played on the offensive line as well. There have been many that have gone on to successful NFL careers. Some of the better-known offensive lineman alumni include Jeff Hartings, Steve Wisniewski, and Dave Joyner.
More recently, players like Juice Scruggs, Connor McGovern, and Michael Menet have represented the Nittany Lions well from the center position. In 2024, three offensive linemen were drafted to the NFL out of Penn State (see below).
While the list of stars from Penn State is well-known and respected, the representatives at linebacker, quarterback, and running back have been best known. Despite that, the offensive linemen have been well-represented, especially recently. They also helped pave the way for those famous quarterbacks and running backs to succeed.
Performance of the Penn State Offensive Line in 2023
Penn State’s offensive line was a strength throughout the season, as Penn State was solid in the trenches during most 2023 games. Under former coordinator Mike Yurcich, Penn State allowed 16 sacks last season. This ranked them second best in the Big Ten and tied for 17th in the nation. Behind the offensive line in 2023, quarterback Drew Allar performed to a rating of 136.9 with 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Getting significant push in the trenches, the Nittany Lions ranked 28th in the nation at 184.8 rushing yards per game.
There were a few particular standouts on the 2023 Penn State offensive line. Tackle Olu Fashanu, in two years as a starter at left tackle, did not allow a sack. His consistent performance earned him the 2023 consensus All-American (first Penn State offensive lineman since Harting in 1995), and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (only the second Penn State player to earn this honor). Caedan Wallace was almost as good, only allowing one sack in 2023 at right tackle. This earned him an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team. Hunter Nourzad continued Penn State’s strong lineage at the center position. After being an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2022 as a guard, he moved to center in 2023 and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection.
Fashanu, Wallace, and Nourzad all moved on from Penn State to the NFL after the 2023 season. The New York Jets drafted Fashanu in the first round. Additionally, the New England Patriots drafted Wallace in the third round. Lastly, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Nourzad in the fifth round.
Fortifying Strength on the Offensive Line in 2024
The coaching staff must continue to develop the next generation of tough linemen. Offensive coordinator Kotelnicki, and offensive line coach Trautwein, will look to maintain the offensive line as a strength in 2024. Kotelnicki joins the staff after being the offensive coordinator at Kansas. Trautwein enters his fifth year as Penn State’s offensive line coach. As mentioned above, the Penn State offensive line allowed only 16 sacks in 2023. In Trautwein’s first two seasons, they allowed 34 sacks in each season. He has a proven track record of remaking the Penn State offensive line. He is also a great recruiter, obviously aided by all the recent NFL Draft picks.
Some solid pieces are returning for 2024 at tackle. Drew Shelton is set to step in at tackle. The junior appeared in 13 games last year, including one start. Nolan Rucci could figure in the equation, as a redshirt senior who appeared in three games for Wisconsin last season before transferring to Penn State. Redshirt freshman Anthony Donkoh could also be a consideration.
At the interior spots, redshirt senior Nick Dawkins, who appeared in all 13 games in 2023 on offense and special teams, should step in at center. He will be a leader on the line. The guard spots can be a rotation, with a few good options. JB Nelson, a redshirt senior, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer in 2023. He appeared in 11 games and made eight starts. Redshirt sophomore Vega Ioane was a 2023 honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree. He appeared in all 13 games while making five starts. Sal Wormley is expected to also contribute at guard. He is a redshirt senior+, who was also an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer. Wormley started all 13 games in 2023 at right guard.
The Bottom Line
As a preview of the 2024 season and the offensive line, the unit should remain a strong point.
The team will be losing a lot of stability and experience with the departures of Fashanu, Wallace, and Nourzad.
There were potential solutions on the roster already coming into 2024 to fortify the line. The addition of Rucci at tackle from Wisconsin should help as well. At the guard position, returning starting-caliber players already outnumber spots so there is inherent depth.
Bringing it all together is new offensive coordinator Kotelnicki. His offenses at Kansas always did well rushing the ball. That fits well with Penn State. Similarly, having running backs like Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen help make the offensive line look a bit better. Kotelnicki’s ability to work with Trautwein to maximize the production of the offensive line will also be an unlock for the continued development of quarterback Drew Allar in 2024.
The ability to stay healthy is also of paramount importance for the offensive line. While there is some inherent depth there already entering the season, some of the starters will be new. Additionally, some will be playing in new areas. While Trautwein has done well on the recruiting front, recruits need time to develop and would do well learning from veterans.
If all goes according to plan, the 2024 Penn State offensive line will be successful. First, the new offense of Kotelnicki must mesh well with Trautwein and his offensive linemen. Additionally, Allar, Singleton, and Allen need to continue their maturation. This is dependent on the play of the line. Next, the line must stay healthy, and if or when there are injuries, the next player must step up. If successful, there will be more Penn State offensive linemen getting their names called in the next few NFL drafts.
