Penn State is putting all the pieces together on a roster that boasts its best depth in years and continues to accumulate high-end recruits at a quick rate. The Nittany Lions are building toward Big Ten contention as the program continues its ascent out of three years of NCAA sanctions.
Coach James Franklin’s ability to take the next step depends on how he addresses areas of concern, namely the offensive line, but he also might have to find a new quarterback as early as the 2016 season. Christian Hackenberg is a “polarizing” NFL draft prospect who enters his junior season with a potentially big decision to make. But how he plays could be a product of a supporting cast that looks to be improved but is still no sure thing.
If Hackenberg does opt to leave after his junior season, Penn State has two quarterbacks in the system now in Trace McSorley and Tommy Stevens and two more in the way in 2016 recruit Jake Zembiec and 2017 recruit Sean Clifford.
Ross Tucker joined Bob Flounders on the Keystone Kickoff Show this week to talk about Hackenberg and which of his backups is best-positioned to start when he moves on. Check out audio of the show in this post and be sure to check back in to KeystoneSportsNetwork.com for plenty more Penn State podcasts and analysis.