Penn State's approach to depth chart construction and player development played a crucial role in the team's successful 2024 campaign. Under head coach James Franklin's leadership and with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles implementing a new defensive scheme, the Nittany Lions strategically positioned talent across the roster to maximize performance and maintain depth. This comprehensive analysis examines the key players, position battles, and strategic decisions that defined Penn State's depth chart throughout the historic 13-3 season.
James Franklin's Depth Chart Philosophy
Unlike many college football programs that release official depth charts weekly, James Franklin has maintained his policy of not publishing official depth charts since spring 2020. Franklin has consistently stated that he doesn't "see the value in it," believing that public depth charts provide opponents with unnecessary information and can create unnecessary controversy within the program.
This approach requires media, fans, and opposing coaches to rely on practice observations, injury reports, and Franklin's own comments to understand personnel groupings. While this strategy occasionally frustrates outside observers seeking clarity, it provides Franklin with maximum flexibility in game planning and personnel deployment. The lack of a public depth chart also prevents opponents from gaining insights into potential lineup changes or position battles during the week leading up to games.
The philosophy reflects Franklin's belief in competition and his desire to keep players focused on performing rather than worrying about their standing on a public depth chart. It also allows the coaching staff to manage player egos and expectations more effectively, as players compete daily for playing time rather than relying on a published hierarchy.
Offensive Depth Chart Analysis
Quarterback: Drew Allar's Command
Drew Allar entered the 2024 season as the unquestioned starter at quarterback, and his performance throughout the year validated the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities. Behind Allar, Penn State maintained experienced depth with backup quarterbacks who could step in if needed, though the depth chart clearly positioned Allar as the franchise quarterback around whom the offense was built.
The quarterback room's development under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki proved crucial to Penn State's success. Allar's ability to master the offensive system, combined with the coaching staff's game-planning acumen, created an offense capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways. The depth at quarterback, while not tested extensively during the season, provided insurance against injury and allowed the staff to operate without constant concern about what would happen if Allar went down.
Running Backs: Elite Depth and Versatility
The running back position showcased Penn State's talent depth and strategic positioning better than any other offensive position. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen formed one of the nation's premier backfield tandems, with both players capable of serving as featured backs while also excelling in complementary roles.
The depth chart strategy at running back emphasized keeping both players fresh and healthy throughout the season while maximizing their unique skill sets. Singleton's explosive speed and elusiveness made him particularly dangerous in space, while Allen's power and patience between the tackles provided a different dimension to the running game. The coaching staff's willingness to feature both backs equally, rather than establishing a clear starter, prevented defenses from keying on either player and maintained competition that elevated both players' performance.
Beyond the top two backs, Penn State maintained quality depth that allowed the team to weather minor injuries and give the starters rest in blowout victories. This depth proved essential over the course of a long season that extended into the College Football Playoff, as fresh legs late in the year provided an advantage over opponents whose featured backs had absorbed more punishment throughout the campaign.
Offensive Line: The Foundation of Success
Zane Durant emerged as a leader along the offensive line, anchoring a unit that provided exceptional protection and opened running lanes throughout the season. The offensive line depth chart reflected a veteran group that had played together extensively, creating the kind of cohesion and communication necessary for championship-level line play.
The coaching staff's decisions regarding offensive line positioning and rotation proved crucial to the unit's success. The ability to develop quality depth along the offensive line, a perennial challenge for college programs, gave Penn State the luxury of managing injuries and fatigue without significant drop-off in performance. The veteran presence and leadership within the offensive line room created a culture of accountability and excellence that raised the entire unit's performance.
The success of the offensive line in allowing just 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks over the entire season demonstrated the value of maintaining experienced depth and building continuity along the line. The combination of physical talent, technical coaching, and years of experience playing together created an offensive line capable of dominating opponents at the line of scrimmage.
Tight End: Tyler Warren's Historic Season
Tyler Warren's positioning as the featured tight end and his subsequent historic production exemplified the impact that elite talent at a single position can have on an entire offense. Warren's versatility allowed the coaching staff to move him around the formation, creating matchup problems that defenses struggled to solve throughout the season.
The depth behind Warren included capable backups who could contribute in multiple-tight end sets and provide relief when Warren needed rest. However, the depth chart clearly established Warren as the featured weapon, and the offense increasingly ran through him as the season progressed and his dominance became apparent.
Warren's unique skill set and production made him nearly impossible to replace, which created some vulnerability if injury had struck. However, the coaching staff's management of his workload and his own durability allowed him to stay healthy throughout the season and produce at a historic level.
Wide Receivers: Committee Approach
The wide receiver depth chart reflected a committee approach, with multiple receivers rotating through the lineup based on down, distance, and defensive alignment. Trey Wallace emerged as the most productive receiver, but the distribution of targets among several capable pass-catchers prevented defenses from focusing too heavily on any single player.
This depth chart strategy provided benefits and challenges. The lack of a true No. 1 receiver occasionally created problems in crucial third-down situations where having an elite separator could have made a difference. However, the depth and versatility of the group allowed the offense to attack defenses across the formation and maintain fresh receivers throughout games.
The coaching staff's willingness to play multiple receivers and distribute opportunities based on performance rather than recruiting rankings created internal competition that elevated the entire position group. While the group never featured a dominant star, their collective production contributed significantly to the offense's success.
Defensive Depth Chart Under Jim Knowles
The 4-2-5 Base Defense
Jim Knowles' arrival as defensive coordinator brought significant changes to Penn State's defensive philosophy and depth chart construction. Operating primarily from a 4-2-5 base defense, Knowles emphasized speed and versatility over traditional size, particularly at the linebacker and safety positions.
The 4-2-5 base requires specific player types to execute effectively. The defensive line must generate pressure with four rushers while maintaining gap integrity against the run. The linebackers need to be athletic enough to cover in space while also being physical enough to take on blockers and make tackles in the box. The five defensive backs must combine the coverage skills of traditional cornerbacks and safeties with the willingness to support against the run.
Knowles' scheme demands that players understand multiple positions and be capable of aligning in various spots based on offensive formation and down-and-distance. This versatility requirement influenced depth chart decisions throughout the roster, as players who could only play one role had less value than those who could fill multiple positions within the defense.
Defensive Line: Generating Pressure
The defensive line depth chart featured a rotation designed to keep players fresh while maintaining consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The departure of Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys before the season created opportunities for players like Joseph Mupoyi and Mason Robinson, along with true freshmen Jaylen Harvey and Max Granville.
The coaching staff's willingness to play multiple defensive linemen and trust younger players reflected confidence in the depth and quality of talent available. The rotation strategy proved effective, as Penn State's defensive line consistently disrupted opposing offenses while players stayed relatively fresh late in games and late in the season.
Dani Dennis-Sutton emerged as a key defensive starter, providing consistent edge pressure and run defense throughout the season. His presence anchored one edge position while Abdul Carter's unique versatility allowed the coaching staff to deploy him in multiple roles.
Abdul Carter: The Swiss Army Knife
Abdul Carter's positioning on the depth chart exemplified Knowles' creative approach to player deployment. Listed as both a linebacker and defensive end, Carter's exceptional athleticism and versatility allowed the coaching staff to move him around the formation and create matchup problems for opposing offenses.
Carter's ability to rush the passer from multiple positions, drop into coverage when needed, and defend the run from various alignments made him one of Penn State's most valuable defensive players. The depth chart flexibility to use Carter in multiple roles reflected Knowles' understanding of how to maximize elite talent within his scheme.
The coaching staff's willingness to move Carter around rather than simply plugging him into one position demonstrated sophisticated defensive thinking and a commitment to putting players in positions where they could succeed. This approach required Carter to master multiple aspects of the defense, but his intelligence and work ethic allowed him to excel in the role.
Linebacker: Youth and Opportunity
The linebacker depth chart featured a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, with true freshman Kari Jackson earning expanded opportunities due to his rapid development and athletic ability. The coaching staff's decision to play Jackson significant snaps as a true freshman reflected both his exceptional talent and the depth chart's openness to merit-based playing time regardless of class year.
The linebacker position in Knowles' 4-2-5 base requires exceptional athleticism and coverage ability, as linebackers frequently find themselves matched up against slot receivers and running backs in space. The depth chart construction prioritized players who could excel in coverage while also maintaining the physical presence necessary to defend the run.
The development of linebacker depth proved crucial to Penn State's defensive success, as the position group stayed relatively healthy and maintained consistent performance throughout the season. The competition for playing time elevated the entire unit's performance and ensured that players who weren't performing at a high level faced pressure from younger players pushing for opportunities.
Secondary: Elite Safety Play
The secondary depth chart featured standout safety play from Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley, who formed one of the nation's premier safety tandems. The coaching staff positioned both safeties as foundational pieces of the defense, building schemes around their range, ball skills, and run support abilities.
Reed's team-leading 98 tackles demonstrated his involvement in all aspects of the defense, while his three interceptions, 2.5 sacks, forced fumble, and fumble recovery showcased his playmaking versatility. Wheatley's similar production (96 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, one sack) provided balance and prevented opposing offenses from attacking away from Reed.
The cornerback depth chart featured a rotation designed to maintain fresh legs in coverage while managing the physical demands of defending against elite receivers. The position group's depth proved valuable throughout the season, particularly as the schedule included several opponents with talented receiving corps.
Special Teams Depth Chart
Punter and Kicker: Game-Changing Weapons
Riley Thompson's positioning as the starting punter reflected his exceptional ability to flip field position and pin opponents deep in their own territory. His 42.93-yard average ranked 17th nationally and consistently provided Penn State's defense with favorable field position situations.
Ryan Barker's role as the place-kicker included responsibility for field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. His 15-for-18 field goal performance, including the game-winner against USC, demonstrated the reliability necessary for championship-level special teams. The coaching staff's confidence in Barker's abilities allowed Franklin to be aggressive with fourth-down decisions in field goal range, knowing that Barker could convert from various distances.
The special teams depth chart extended beyond the kickers and punter to include returners, coverage specialists, and long snappers. The coaching staff's attention to special teams detail and willingness to feature quality players in special teams roles contributed to Penn State's overall success throughout the season.
Depth Chart Management Through Injuries
One of the coaching staff's most important responsibilities involves managing the depth chart through injuries and other personnel challenges that inevitably arise during a long season. Penn State's relatively healthy 2024 season allowed the depth chart to remain relatively stable, but the preparation for potential injuries influenced roster construction and practice organization throughout the year.
The emphasis on developing depth at every position, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, provided insurance against the injury bug that devastates so many college football teams. The coaching staff's decision to play multiple players in rotation at certain positions kept players fresh while also ensuring that backups gained valuable experience that prepared them to step into larger roles if needed.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Depth Chart Projections
The departure of key seniors and early draft declarations will require significant depth chart adjustments for the 2025 season. Tyler Warren's graduation leaves a massive void at tight end, though the arrival of five-star recruit Andrew Olesh provides an elite prospect to fill that role. The secondary will need to replace key contributors, though the returning talent and incoming recruits suggest the unit should remain strong.
The offensive line's experience and continuity should carry over into 2025, providing stability in the trenches. Drew Allar's return at quarterback gives Penn State continuity at the most important position, while the running back tandem of Singleton and Allen (depending on NFL decisions) could return for another season of elite production.
The defensive depth chart will benefit from the return of key players who gained valuable experience during the 2024 playoff run. The arrival of elite recruits at cornerback and other positions should maintain the defense's talent level and potentially elevate it further.
Conclusion
Penn State's depth chart strategy and player positioning contributed significantly to the team's historic 13-3 season and top-five national finish. James Franklin's philosophical approach to depth charts, combined with strategic positioning of elite talent and the development of quality depth, created a roster capable of competing with anyone in college football. As the program moves forward, the lessons learned from the 2024 season's depth chart management will inform future roster construction and player development decisions.