Rocco Becht on growing Penn State football unity under Matt Campbell
Rocco Becht talks about the importance of Penn State football grew unity during the first spring practices under head coach Matt Campbell.
- Penn State football is undergoing a massive roster overhaul under new coach Matt Campbell.
- The team’s success may depend on unproven players and high-profile transfers.
- Key young players to watch include linemen Malachi Goodman and Max Granville.
Penn State football, featuring its most massive roster overhaul, will continue working the offseason on building leadership and team cohesion.
Certainly, there are still tentative expectations to meld into a Top 25 team that contends for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
But how good can the Nittany Lions, revamped like never before, truly be under new coach Matt Campbell?
While the foundational success, at least early on, will be focused around proven returning players (linebacker Tony Rojas) and high-profile transfers (quarterback Rocco Becht, tight end Ben Brahmer) the team’s ultimate success may be driven by those who’ve not yet made their true college marks.
Here the seven most intriguing Nittany Lions heading into the preseason camp and the season:
Malachi Goodman, offensive tackle
Redshirt freshman Malachi Goodman is ready to fulfill the steepest learning curve − from never taking a game snap in a college game to becoming the ever-crucial starting left tackle.
Certainly, the former 5-star recruit owns the talent expectations and size requirements (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) for the position. But what, exactly, will the on-field product look like with so much ability and so little experience?
“He can glide. He’s long, he’s aggressive and he’s smart. And he does a good job of retaining information and putting it out there on the field,” offensive line coach Ryan Clanton said during spring practice. “He plays confident, you forget how young he is sometimes.”
Koby Howard, wide receiver
Penn State needs a reliable fixture at wide receiver for the first time in at least three years.
While Koby Howard has been more about expectations and praise than production, the elite ability and work ethic are reportedly in in place for a breakthrough this season. The sophomore flashed impressively in making just seven receptions as a rookie last year.
James Peoples, running back
James Peoples may not be a bell cow starter right away, but the Ohio State transfer possesses unique skills in Penn State’s remade running back room.
He owns the shiftiness, elusiveness and speed to be a game-breaker − the kind of big-play ability they got from Nick Singleton through his first three seasons. Peoples also is proficient pass catcher, as are his running back teammates Carson Hanson and Quinton Martin.
Brock Riker, center
Brock Riker, a Texas State transfer, will be tasked with being the starting center and lynchpin of the offensive line.
It’s quite a competition jump for the redshirt sophomore, but he’s received early rave reviews from coaches and teammates. He didn’t allow a sack through a dozen games last season, and PSU offensive line coach Ryan Clanton called him the top center prospect in the transfer portal.
Armstrong Nnodim, defensive tackle
Armstrong Nnodim, one of several defensive line transfers, is reportedly one of the strongest players − and maybe the most outgoing − on the entire team.
The redshirt sophomore from Oklahoma State (6-foot-2, 320 pounds) impressed new teammates in spring practice and figures to be an immediate contributor, if not a starter.
“He’s dominant, nasty and physical,” said offensive lineman Cooper Cousins. “He’s done an outstanding job getting the d-line room together. As a young guy, really just getting the whole defense together.
“He’s an absolute bruiser. He’s hard to move. … He’s got like 18 percent body fat. He’s a freak.”
Max Granville, defensive end
Redshirt sophomore Max Granville is being counted on as a pass-rushing force after missing all of last season to injury.
The promise comes after he impressed down the stretch of Penn State’s 2024 playoff season − as a rookie who had skipped his senior season of high school. The former 4-star recruit must return to form quickly to help bolster one of the team’s thinnest, most unproven positions.
Zion Tracy, cornerback
How impactful can senior Zion Tracy be? After contributing for three seasons with flashpoint moments, he appears ready to be a headliner in what should be an excellent PSU secondary.
Campbell lavished high praise − and motivation − on him this spring, surprisingly calling him one of the most talented players he’s ever coached. Watch for Tracy to possibly revisit his promise as a punt returner to go along with big-play coverage skills at cornerback.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
