LAS VEGAS – When James Franklin took over at Penn Statebefore the 2014 season began, Big Ten media had much to say about the Nittany Lions’ offensive line.
None of it was satisfactory.
The unit was exhausted, and PSU quarterback Christian Hackenberg endured significant pressure during his last two seasons in State College.
The rushing attack at Penn State was also unpredictable, even during Saquon Barkley’s first year in 2015.
It required some time, a considerable amount of it, but the Lions’ offensive line has now become a team’s strength.
The 2025 squad, headed by guard Vega Ioane, faces off against Drew Shelton, Nolan Rucci, and Anthony Donkoh along with center Nick Dawkins, might bethe strength.
Dawkins, one of three experienced Lions who attended Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, was questioned regarding the offensive line’s improvement and the recognition the players have received during the off-season.
Dawkins was also questioned about how the line “A game” might appear in the fall.
“It’s amazing that we’re receiving this recognition,” said Dawkins, a redshirt senior.
It’s really impressive. However, we don’t care. It’s about us, it’s about our thoughts on each other.
You claim, when we are performing at our peak, where do we envision ourselves? As the top.
Dawkins stated, “If someone in college football is asked whether they’re performing at their peak, do they believe they’re the best? They should definitely respond with yes.”
We’ve had the standard set since (offensive line) coach Phil Trautwein arrived. … We’ve always aimed to be the best.
That’s why I say, others might ask, ‘Are you going to show people you’re wrong?’ I approach it from the perspective that we will demonstrate our correctness.
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