UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State wrapped up spring practice on Saturday in front of an estimated crowd of 71,000 in Beaver Stadium and in the process continued to show flashes of what's ahead.
The Nittany Lions will end the spring semester within the next two weeks and shortly after that the players will be in a next cycle of training, this one taking them all the way up to camp. While Penn State didn't issue a depth chart this spring, it's safe to say these five Nittany Lions were among those who helped themselves most during the 15 practices.
KJ HAMLER
The darling of spring ball impressed since the first workout where he operated out of the slot and beat the defense for a shot play. The good news for Penn State is there are at least two redshirt freshmen who are pushing for time there, with classmate Mac Hippenhammer also turning in a strong spring.
Hamler could also see some work as a potential punt returner during camp, but as Penn State showed during the spring game when Hamler got the reverse when he gets the ball in his hands there's a next level of quickness he accelerates to that is special. Now, there's still a ways to go as his fumble in the spring game proved to be a teachable moment, but Hamler was the player teammates consistently pointed to as the standout of the spring.
ZECH MCPHEARSON
Penn State's secondary is loaded and despite losing both of last years starting cornerbacks to the NFL their strength should again be in the depth that's being built. Count McPhearson, a redshirt sophomore cornerback, among those who impressed especially during the 15th and final practice of spring where he nearly came away with two interceptions.
"The guy that kind of stood out to me was Zech McPhearson," James Franklin said. "I thought he made a bunch of plays and played with a lot of confidence, it was great to see that."
McPhearson should have plenty of opportunities to carve out some type of role either on defense or special teams this season.
MICHAL MENET
Penn State entered spring ball with one starting spot realistically up for grabs along the offensive line and by the end of spring ball it looks like that position will be held by Menet.
Penn State's vacant right guard position was one that Menet was expected to step into at some point, but keeping him healthy all spring is just as important as the progress he's made behind the scenes. It's a process that was held up by injuries, but Menet could impact this team anywhere along the interior of the offensive line, Franklin said.
Staying patient throughout the process wasn't necessarily a challenge, the redshirt sophomore said.
"I think I just needed a little bit more time to develop and to get to where I am but the competition though has really driven me and made me a better player because I know I have to have all my ducks in a row everyday in order to stay where I am and get better," he said.
GARRETT TAYLOR
Penn State moved Lamont Wade from corner to safety this winter but it was Taylor who teamed up with Nick Scott as the projected starting safeties this spring.
Taylor underwent the position switch from corner to safety before and it takes time overcoming the learning curve and figuring out the entire defense, something that Taylor put together this spring while Wade will continue to work to do so this summer. The benefit for the defense is while they continue building depth at safety -- a spot that with two starters gone -- it looks like it won't be much of a drop off next season.
"It was a good spring for me," Taylor said. "I took a lot of good steps forward in terms of development and my safety play. I think I was playing a lot more confident and a lot faster, making plays on the ball, so I think it was a good step for me in terms of stepping into that new role."
And, Penn State has the luxury of knowing Wade can play corner and eventually will settle in at safety too. That gives them valuable position versatility behind Scott and Taylor, whose improved confidence and comfort was on display this spring.
ANTONIO SHELTON
Penn State needs depth at defensive tackle behind Rob Windsor and Kevin Givens and look for Shelton, a redshirt sophomore to be part of those plans this fall. While Franklin said toward the end of spring ball he wasn't ready to settle on who would project where, Penn State made strides toward filling in a spot that lost three seniors.
"Fred Hansard is a twitched-up guy, good movements, good rush ability," defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. "Antonio Shelton is one of maybe our more improved players on defense -- big and strong-- one of our stronger guys. He's learning the position and he's more and more accountable. Of course Ellison Jordan wasn't out there this spring but we're excited about him and the movement and the way he plays the game. Damion Barber is a guy who is still kind of scratching the surface but he's grown tremendously size and strength, his whole body changed. He looks like a Big Ten defensive tackle now."
Penn State's three signees who arrive this summer will come in and push for time as well, Pry said.
