James Franklin: Projected Penn State football starter setback with offseason surgery

Penn State football kicked off spring practices Tuesday, but the Nittany Lions may have to go through the offseason sessions without two pieces of its offensive front. During media availability earlier in the day, James Franklin confirmed that Drew Shelton, a projected starter for the 2024 season, underwent surgery this winter. Franklin also noted that true freshman Garrett Sexton will also miss time this spring.

James Franklin: Drew Shelton, Garrett Sexton to miss spring practice

Penn State football has several notable holes to fill along the offensive line in 2024, losing tackles Olu Fashanu and Caeden Wallace, as well as center Hunter Nourzad, to the NFL. Now as the Nittany Lions take the field for the first time in 2024 this week, they will have to do so without junior Drew Shelton, who is widely expected to compete for a starting role this season.

On Tuesday, James Franklin confirmed that Shelton had surgery this offseason for an undisclosed injury sustained last fall. According to Franklin, Shelton and true freshman Garrett Sexton will not be available for the spring.

“Drew did have surgery at the end of the season,” Franklin said. “It was one of those [types of injuries] where he could get through the season [without needing surgery].

“It made the most sense to get it done as soon as the season ended. Right now, we wish we had him, but long term, it will be in his best interest and our best interest, as well. Not having Shelton or Sexton are two tackle body types and athletic guys that we probably won’t have for spring ball. We’d like to get those guys back as soon as we can.”

Drew Shelton has seen significant time in the rotation for Penn State football in the last two seasons. As a true freshman, Shelton made five starts when Olu Fashanu was sidelined due to injury. He appeared in eight of 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2023.

While likely not factoring into the equation this fall, Garrett Sexton is a piece that Franklin and Penn State are optimistic about moving forward. A four-star, Sexton was the No. 10 offensive tackle in the 2024 recruiting cycle per the On3 Industry Rankings. A former quarterback and the top overall prospect out of Wisconsin, Sexton was one of the Nittany Lions’ 16 early enrollees in January.

What does the Penn State offensive line room look like moving forward?

Roughly five months away from the start of fall camp, there’s still plenty of time for Drew Shelton and Garrett Sexton to get healthy for the 2024 season. James Franklin and Phil Trautwein also have an offensive line room that has built up significant young talent over the last several recruiting cycles.

In his press conference, Franklin noted that starter JB Nelson could flex at both guard and tackle if needed. This would most likely occur on the left side to replace Fashanu. Anthony Donkoh has been penciled in as Wallace’s replacement on the right side after a solid Peach Bowl performance.

Additionally, the Nittany Lions have former five-star tackle J’ven Williams, who was a backup in 2023. Franklin also highlighted redshirt freshman Chimdy Onoh and freshman Eagan Boyer as players who can come in and compete.

Penn State football has added some extra five-star talent up front this winter, as well. Nolan Rucci, the former top-ranked recruit in Pennsylvania for the 2021 cycle, transferred to Happy Valley from Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions also added Cooper Cousins as an early enrollee this winter. Already standing out to the coaching staff, James Franklin noted Tuesday that Cousins will begin his college career at center.

Penn State football will be back in action inside Beaver Stadium for the annual Blue-White Game on April 13.