Penn State’s preseason has wrapped. Now the focus shifts to getting off on the right foot vs. West Virginia

As temperatures have suddenly dived in the Northeast, it has seemed almost symbolic for Penn State. The bell has rung — training camp is over.

The Nittany Lions are in preparation mode, and they will begin to look toward their season opener against West Virginia on Aug. 31 (noon, Fox29). After Tuesday’s practice, head coach James Franklin marked the end of the preseason and discussed developments to his offense as he enters his 11th season.

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Drew Allar wasn’t known as a vocal leader in his first season as Penn State’s starting quarterback — which can be concerning at the position. However, he was selected this week as one of Penn State’s team captains for the season.

Not every quarterback is automatically slotted into a captain’s role, so the nod serves as a testament to his progress in the offseason.

“Drew has done everything right since the season ended,” Franklin said. “I think that vote is telling about how his teammates see him.”

In 2023, Allar shined with 25 touchdowns and two interceptions but was unable to galvanize his group in key losses to Ohio State and Michigan and in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss.

Franklin described Allar’s improvement as a “total development” from his junior quarterback.

Penn State’s struggles in key games came in part from a lack of talent in the receiving corps. Those problems seemingly worsened in the offseason with the loss of No. 1 receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith to Auburn. Backups Malik McClain, Carmelo Taylor, and Malick Meiga left the program, too. McClain and Meiga found new homes at Arizona State and Coastal Carolina, respectively.

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Franklin brought in Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming, who he said has been “really good.” Despite the departures, Franklin had praise for returning receivers Harrison Wallace, Liam Clifford, and Omari Evans.

“[Wallace] and Liam have had really good camps,” Franklin said. “They’ve always showed flashes at times, but this camp they’ve been really, really consistent.”

Wallace has played 21 games in the past two seasons and combined for 38 catches, 501 yards, and two touchdowns. Clifford, the brother of longtime Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, has played in 24 contests but recorded just 219 yards on 21 catches. Evans has nine catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns in 23 games across two seasons.

Meanwhile, Penn State’s offensive line is as deep as ever. At the beginning of camp, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said the group had been cross-trained and had gotten to know each position.

There’s plenty of veteran experience in the trenches, but offensive line coach Phil Trautwein has several younger offensive linemen who have performed well so far.

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While freshman Cooper Cousins has received a lot of the buzz, redshirt freshman J’Ven Williams was 247 Sports’ composite No. 1 player in Pennsylvania’s 2023 class and has received ample praise.

Kotelnicki previously said Williams has done “great,” and although he’s primarily a left tackle, he saw time at guard in practice this week. Franklin said Williams has “shown signs that he can do both.”

Cousins also is expected to see reps at center and guard, as positional flexibility is something Franklin has emphasized across the line. Franklin noted Anthony Donkoh’s transition to tackle, despite no experience, in addition to JB Nelson getting reps at tackle.

“I think we have more answers inside,” Franklin said. “We want to make sure we have enough answers outside.”