I can't sleep, so why not?
I'm going to list the positions from most talented on down.
1. Cornerbacks/Safeties:
Penn State lost Joey Porter Jr, but this unit has a lot of talent and shouldn't lose a step. There is talent and depth everywhere.
Kalen King outplayed JPJ in the latter half of the year and some consider him the best player on the team. JPJ will be replaced by Johnny Dixon, a redshirt Sr who put up excellent stats in limited playing time last season. Keaton Ellis (rSR) is a returning starter at the safety position. Keaton is likely a mid rounder in the upcoming NFL draft.
2. Linebackers:
As a freshman, Abdul Carter finished 4th in the B1G in sacks, and second on the team in tackles. He was All B1G (2nd Team) and a Freshman All-American. He did this despite not being the starter. Curtis Jacobs returns as well. Jacobs was an All B1G Honorable mention. Keep an eye out for true freshman Tony Rojas, as he was the talk of spring ball. Penn State also returns the third starter, Tyler Elsdon (44 tackles), as well as Kobe King (41 tackles). Depth, talent, and experience everywhere.
3. Running Backs:
You guys already know about the two returning freshmen, but PSU lost a lot of depth as every older guy hit the transfer portal. Fortunately they were able to bring in rSr Trey Potts from Minnesota, as well as a couple of highly touted recruits. The backfield is one of the most talented in the country, but probably only 3rd in their own division.
4. Defensive Line:
As far as defensive ends go, Penn State has an embarrassment of riches. Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac are All-B1G 2nd teamers by most publications, while Dani Dennis-Sutton was a true freshman all American. There is also a ton of depth. However, Penn State's weakest position may be defensive tackle. The starters will likely be redshirt seniors, so at least they will be experienced. Still, this makes PSU vulnerable to a power running game.
5. Offensive Line:
Weirdly, Penn State's offensive line will likely be a strength this year, highlighted by future top 10 draft pick Olu Fashanu. 4/5 starters return, and there is a TON of depth. Penn State's offensive line coach has done wonders in his 3 years at PSU. Again, a case could be made that this unit would be among the best in the country, but will likely be third overall in their own division. Still, this should be one of the strongest PSU O-Lines in recent memory.
6. Tight Ends:
Last year Penn State may have had the best tight end room in the country. They lost Brenton Strange to the NFL draft, but this room is still very good. Theo Johnson was injured to start 2022, but he finished the season averaging 16.4 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns. He will be in the mix for the best TE in the conference--if he plays. He's in the dog house because of pending assault charges stemming from a fraternity fight. He did not participate in spring ball. The depth is mostly underclassman.
7. Wide Receivers:
PSU fired the WR coach in the off season, which should give you an idea of how Franklin felt about the recent performance of this unit. However, they have a lot of highly touted recruits and two of the best available wide receivers transferring in from the portal. Keandre Lambert-Smith is the lone returning starter. Just like last season, I would expect them to be serviceable, but they really lack the superstar that every other position group has.
8. Quarterback:
Yeah, Drew Allar is a five star and he has had more than a year to get used to being a college QB. The potential is there. Potential doesn't amount to a hill of beans piled into a good chili.
