Most Important Players - The Offense

Every player on every team is important. Let’s get that out of the way now. There are, however, certain players on every team that can make a big difference from game to game. Some teams have more than others, but every team has them. Penn State is no different. The 2022 team features a handful of players on both sides of the ball that will make a difference, but these three are my pick to be the biggest difference makers on offense.

 

(Photo: Mitchell Tinsley Twitter)

Western Kentucky transfer Mitchell Tinsley had over 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and while he’s not expected to replicate that in 2022, his importance cannot be overstated. Losing a first-round pick in the NFL Draft like Jahan Dotson is tough, Dotson was Mr. Reliable for Sean Clifford over the last two seasons, but someone like Tinsley coming in and having the experience and maybe becoming another reliable receiver along with Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith can only help the Penn State offense. Penn State fans know what Washington and Lambert-Smith can do, but the depth and names behind them is still a mystery. While we’ve never seen Tinsley in the blue and white all you have to do is put on the tape and you’ll see what he’s capable of. It’s another weapon for offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich to have on his offense.

 

You can get a lot of offensive production from your wide receivers and running backs but having that extra production at the tight end position can really take your offense to the next level. Penn State has that potential. Theo Johnson is my next important player. The 6’6” 260-pound junior has made some plays, but that lackluster offensive line play I’ve alluded to over the last few seasons since Johnson has been on campus has hampered us from seeing what he can really do. I’ve mentioned before that this tight end group can really take this offense to the next level, but I think Johnson can be the one who leads the pack. He had 19 catches for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2022 and will much, much more than that. But that goes without saying. Johnson’s impact on this offense is something to keep an eye on. Penn State fans were frustrated last season as the season progressed because the three tight ends weren’t getting involved and we weren’t able to showcase that group. They were used a lot in the run game as blockers to try and get something going on the ground and it took away from their involvement in the pass game, but this season should provide fans that excitement we’ve see at times.

 

James Franklin has mentioned a handful of times this offseason regarding the 2022 recruiting class that there are more players in that class that can come in and play right away, or at least make some sort of impact, than in previous years. That only adds to the depth I’ve talked about before. (Shameless plug: go listen to the Quick Slants podcast on Spotify). One of those incoming freshmen is 5-star running back and National High School Gatorade Player of the Year, Nick Singleton. While it’s not overly important that he gets thrown into the fire because of how many backs Penn State has, his skill level and readiness is hard to ignore. The Reading, PA native comes in at 6’0” and already 219 pounds. He looks the part as well. He’s got all the tools necessary to not only make an impact at the college level but make that impact right away. We don’t know how things will shake out with the running backs as it could be a rotation to start the season and then whoever has the hot hand will take the reps. But like I mentioned, Singleton doesn’t HAVE to play right away, but there is pressure on him to some degree. Penn State has had some success over the last 5 years not only bringing in great running backs from high school but developing them into top tier NFL players and there’s no reason to believe that Singleton won’t be next on that list in 3-4 years. I can’t stress enough that the former 5-star playing right away is NOT important, however, him getting off to a hot start and leading that running back room would be extremely important to this offense.

 

(Photo: StateCollege.com)

Three other names that are as important to Penn State as any other: Christian Veilleux, Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. In the case of Veilleux his progression from last season to this year is something that likely won’t be talked about but if Clifford goes down and Penn State would like to keep their Big Ten title hopes and future trip to the playoffs alive, the sophomore quarterback would need to come in and not miss a beat. Allar and Pribula are important additions to the depth of the position but ultimately, whether they play this year or not, their progress from the time they arrived on campus in January until now and on into the season cannot be overstated enough for the future of Penn State.

 This offense has the potential to keep up with anyone this year and the trio of Tinsley, Johnson and Singleton are small but significant pieces of that long-term puzzle this season.