Three Penn State Newcomers to Watch This Year

Story by Yinzer Crazy College Sports Contributor Lamarr Fields

Penn State is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season, and they will look to rebound in 2022. The Nittany Lions struggled on the offense last season. Penn State finished 82nd in total yards, 90th in scoring, 94th in sacks allowed, 96th in red-zone offense, 106th in tackles for loss allowed, and 118th in rushing. Yikes.

Most of the Nittany Lions' offensive problems came from poor offensive line play. For Penn State to succeed, they will need that group to be solid. Also, the Nittany Lions will need excellent play from newcomers Mitchell Tinsley and Hunter Nourzad. Can new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz push this offense in spring practice to become more prepared for the BIG 10 season? That and more:

Mitchell Tinsley - Wide Receiver

Tinsley is a transfer from Western Kentucky; they will need him to replace the production of receiver Jahan Dotson, who left for the NFL. At Western Kentucky last year, Tinsley caught 87 passes for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the FBS in touchdowns and eighth in receiving yards. In the Blue and White game, Tinsley caught two passes and had one Touchdown; he should be an excellent addition to the Nittany Lions roster. 

Hunter Nourzad - Offensive Line

Penn state addressed the offensive line with recruiting and in the transfer portal. Adding Nourzad, a graduate transfer from Cornell, will help Penn State immediately. Nourzad plays right tackle, where he made 20 consecutive starts. He was named a 2019 second-team All-Ivy League selection, a 2021 second-team FCS All-American pick, and Phil Steele’s 2021 Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the Year. Nourzad will help stabilize the Nittany Lions' offensive line.

Manny Diaz - Defensive Coordinator

Here he is again! Penn State's defense only gave up 17.3 points and 199.8 passing yards per game. However, they struggled with sacking the quarterback and tackles for loss. In comes Diaz, whose defenses are known for sacking the QB consistently and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Also, Diaz's defenses create turnovers.

With newcomers on offense, and Diaz growing an already sound defense, Penn State should be much better in the 2022 season. The Nittany Lions should win more than seven games. But we’ve said that before.