Analyzing the Penn State Depth Chart for the Kent State Game

Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton (5) celebrates with wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Buffalo 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

The first official depth chart for the Nittany Lions has been released for the game against Kent State on September 3.

With the start of the new season just a few days away, Penn State has released the official depth chart for the first game of the year. Of course, there have been times in the past when James Franklin has completely blown up the official depth chat come Saturday.

This year's first depth chart has some interesting things that stand out.

First, after some speculation this offseason, Brendan Mahon is listed as the starting defensive tackle. Paris Palmer, who saw extensive time there last year, is listed second.

Speaking of the offensive line, it's a very experienced group. Returning players Brian Gaia , Derek Dowrey, and Andrew Nelson are all listed as starters. Redshirt freshman Ryan Bates is listed as the starter at left guard ahead of true freshman Michal Menet.

In all, three true freshmen (Menet, Connor McGovern, and Will Fries) are listed on the offensive line depth chart.

There are no real surprises at wide receiver or tight end, but it is interesting to see that top running back recruit Miles Sanders is listed fourth behind Saquon Barkley, Andre Robinson, and Mark Allen.

The biggest question on defense was who would take the open spots on the line. Defensive end Garrett Sickels was the only sure shot to be named a starter this year. The other end position has Evan Schwan listed as the starter. Parker Cothren and Kevin Givens, who had a very impressive offseason, will take over as the new starting defensive tackles.

After switching from running back Nick Scott is third at strong safety behind Koa Farmer and starter Malik Golden.

As for the omissions from the depth chart, a few stand out. Offensive guard Noah Beh and freshman defensive end Shane Simmons are not listed. Redshirt freshman tight end Nick Bowers was also left off, but that's because it was announced that he won't play this season.

There are a few points of interest from the special teams depth chart. Listed first at punter is freshman Blake Gillikin. He edged out both Daniel Pasquariello and Chris Gulla. Also on special teams, the second-listed kick returner is none other than running back Saquon Barkley.

Check out the entire depth chart for this week's game against Kent State below.

OFFENSE

Quarterback
9 Trace McSorley (6-0, 205, Jr./So.)
2 Tommy Stevens (6-4, 218, So./Fr.)
7 Jake Zembiec (6-3, 205, Fr./Fr.)

Running Back
26 Saquon Barkley (5-11, 223, So./So.)
6 Andre Robinson (5-9, 216, So./Fr.)
8 Mark Allen (5-6, 181, Jr../So.)
24 Miles Sanders (5-11, 205, Fr./Fr.)

Wide Receiver (X)
12 Chris Godwin (6-1, 205, Jr./Jr..)
84 Juwan Johnson (6-4, 213, So./Fr.)
31 Gordon Bentley Polk (6-0, 198, Sr../Jr.)

Wide Receiver (H)
12 DaeSean Hamilton (6-1, 205, Sr./Jr.)
3 DeAndre Thompkins (5-11, 185, Jr./So.)

OR
10 Brandon Polk (5-9, 175, So./So.)
19 Gregg Garrity (5-10, 170, Sr./Sr.)

Wide Receiver (Z)

13 Saeed Blacknall (6-3, 212, Jr./Jr.)
3 DeAndre Thompkins (5-11, 185, Jr./So.)
11 Irvin Charles (6-4, 219, So./Fr.)

Tight End/H-Back
88 Mike Gesicki (6-6, 252, Jr./Jr.)
89 Tom Pancoast (6-3, 235, Sr./Jr.)
18 Jonathan Holland (6-4, 245, So./Fr.)

Left Tackle
70 Brendan Mahon (6-4, 320, Sr../Jr.)
73 Paris Palmer (6-7, 300, Sr./Sr.)
71 Will Fries (6-6, 295, Fr../Fr.)

Left Guard
52 Ryan Bates (6-4, 305, So./Fr.)
62 Michal Menet (6-4, 296, Fr./Fr.)

Center
72 Brian Gaia (6-3, 295, Gr./Sr.)
55 Wendy Laurent (6-2, 297, Gr./Sr.)
64 Zach Simpson (6-3, 292, So./Fr.)

Right Guard
53 Derek Dowrey (6-3, 323, Gr./Sr.)
66 Connor McGovern (6-5, 310, Fr./Fr.)

Right Tackle
59 Andrew Nelson (6-6, 306, Sr./Jr.)
77 Chasz Wright (6-7, 343, Jr./So.)

DEFENSE

Defensive End
94 Evan Schwan (6-6, 263, Gr./Sr.)
19 Torrence Brown (6-3, 257, Jr./So.)
48 Shareef Miller (6-5, 255, So./Fr.)

Defensive Tackle
30 Kevin Givens (6-1, 275, So./Fr.)
93 Antoine White (6-2, 290, Jr./So.)
56 Tyrell Chavis (6-3, 298, Jr./Jr.)

Defensive Tackle
41 Parker Cothren (6-4, 295, Sr./Jr.)
54 Robert Windsor (6-4, 305, So./Fr.)
91 Ryan Monk (6-1, 290, So./Fr.)

Defensive End
90 Garrett Sickels (6-4, 260, Sr./Jr.)
97 Ryan Buchholz (6-6, 270, So./Fr.)
46 Colin Castagna (6-4, 253, So./So)

Will Linebacker
5 Nyeem Wartman-White (6-1, 240, Gr./Sr.)
11 Brandon Bell (6-1, 233, Sr./Sr.)
33 Jake Cooper (6-1, 230, So./So.)
20 Johnathan Thomas (5-11, 220, Jr./So.)

Middle Linebacker
40 Jason Cabinda (6-1, 232, Jr./Jr.)
5 Nyeem Wartman-White (6-1, 240, Gr./Sr.)
47 Brandon Smith (6-0, 220, Sr./Jr.)

Sam Linebacker
11 Brandon Bell (6-1, 233, Sr./Sr.)
43 Manny Bowen (6-1, 220, So./So.)
25 Von Walker (5-11, 213, Sr./Sr.)

Boundary Cornerback
29 John Reid (5-10, 191, So./So.)
1 Christian Campbell (6-1, 194, Jr./Jr.)
17 Garrett Taylor (6-0, 193, So./Fr.)

Free Safety
2 Marcus Allen (6-2, 202, Jr./Jr.)
28 Troy Apke (6-1, 206, Jr./Jr.)

Strong Safety
6 Malik Golden (6-0, 205, Gr./Sr.)
7 Koa Farmer (6-1, 222, Jr./So.)
4 Nick Scott (5-11, 200, Jr./So.)

Field Cornerback
15 Grant Haley (5-9, 185, Jr./Jr.)
21 Amani Oruwariye (6-1, 201, Jr./So.)
12 Jordan Smith (5-10, 185, Sr./Sr.)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter
93 Blake Gillikin (6-2, 182, Fr./Fr.)
92 Daniel Pasquariello (6-1, 197, Jr./Jr.)
37 Chris Gulla (6-1, 196, Sr./Jr.)

Kicker

95 Tyler Davis (5-11, 18o, Sr./Jr.)
99 Joey Julius (5-10, 258, Jr./So.)
90 Alex Barbir (5-9, 195, Fr./Fr.)

Holder
37 Chris Gulla (6-1, 196, Sr./Jr.)
16 Billy Fessler (5-11, 188, Jr./So.)
93 Blake Gillikin (6-2, 182, Fr./Fr.)

Long Snapper
44 Tyler Yazujian (5-11, 235, 5th/Sr.)
41 Zach Ladonis (6-2, 236, Sr./Jr.)
96 Kyle Vasey (6-2, 242, Jr./Sr.)

Kickoff Returners
4 Nick Scott (5-11, 200, Jr./So.)
26 Saquon Barkley (5-11, 223, So./So.)
10 Brandon Polk (5-9, 175, So./So.)
24 Miles Sanders (5-11, 205, Fr./Fr.)

Punt Returners
19 Gregg Garrity (5-10, 170, Sr./Sr.)
3 DeAndre Thompkins (5-11, 185, Jr./So.)
8 Mark Allen (5-6, 181, Jr./So.)

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