Offensive line will play key role in Penn State's quest for success

STATE COLLEGE — The spotlight has been on Penn State’s offensive line since James Franklin arrived before the 2014 season. It remains there because the unit has been a problem area for long stretches.

The play of the offensive line was a major issue last season, and Penn State will not go very far in the Big Ten this year if the group doesn’t show marked improvement.

Phil Trautwein, in his third season with the Nittany Lions, is the man charged with getting more (much more) out of the offensive line, and, Wednesday night, he offered thoughts on the line’s progress early in camp.

Olu Fashanu is Penn State’s new left tackle, and Trautwein believes he is the right man for the job.

Fashanu takes over for Rasheed Walker at left tackle, and Fashanu’s 2021 audition for the job, in the Outback Bowl loss to Arkansas, was solid.

“I think those 15 practices were really key in the bowl game (prep) and (Fashanu) getting that (left tackle) spot since Rasheed wasn’t in and him just kinda taking over and it built confidence,” Trautwein said.

“He’s doing a heck of a job. Him and Caedan (Wallace) are probably two of the best tackles that I’ve coached.”

Penn State center Juice Scruggs has the necessary knowledge of the Lions’ offense to be a difference-maker up front.

“He’ll be a leader,” Trautwein said of Scruggs.

“That’s great for him because now he knows the offense. He’s a leader, and he knows how to communicate and get us on the same page.

“Centers, they usually have to make the calls and get everyone on the same page. We have all the trust in the world in him, and I want him to be all-conference this year.”

Cornell transfer Hunter Nourzad has turned heads in August, and Trautwein is counting on him at more than one position.

“He’s smart,” Trautwein said of Nourzad.

“He played multiple positions today. He played right guard, center and left guard. He knows it all. He’s smart … he is willing to learn, do whatever I ask him to do. It’s great to have him in the room. It’s great for the guys.”