Official depth chart shows new look offense, new names in secondary
Coach Bill O’Brien’s first official depth chart is out for Saturday’s opener against Ohio University.
The chart shows O’Brien’s stamp on the offense, which is likely to look very different from what Nittany Lion fans have seen for almost a half century. Famed for his use of the two-tight end set with the New England Patriots, O’Brien is bringing that to Penn State.
Senior Gary Gilliam and sophomore Kyle Carter are the two starters, and if the Patriots are any guide, we can expect to see a number of balls going each of their ways Saturday. Bill Belton is the starting running back, with Derek Day a surprise at number two at this position. Michael Zordich is listed as the fullback, but three wide receivers are also listed as #1 on the depth chart. Along with numerous two-tight end sets, it’s likely the fullback won’t be used that much.
All four starters are gone from last year’s secondary, so the new group will no doubt be the focus of opposing offensive coordinators’ game plans, at least until this group proves their mettle. The good news on defense is the D line should be okay, and the linebackers, despite the transfer loss of Khari Fortt, should still be pretty good.
Of local interest, Central’s Kyle Baublitz is on the second team depth chart at his new position of defensive tackle, and Dallastown’s Ben Kline is #2 at an outside linebacker spot, behind Michael Mauti.
For PSU faithful, the kickoff that couldn’t get here fast enough has almost arrived.
