3 things Tom Dienhart will be watching at Penn State practice

For the most part, James Franklin?s debut in State College was a success. But, this program remains a work in progress as it looks to build quality depth in the aftermath of NCAA probation. Scholarship numbers are back at 85, but youth is still prominent on the roster.

Here are three things I?ll be watching at Penn State.

1. How does Christian Hackenberg look? The guy is an uber talent, but he was under constant duress last season playing behind a spotty line. How bad was it? Hackenberg was sacked 44 times as a sophomore. And he was pressured numerous others. He?s a special talent who will work with a promising corps of wideouts and a deep pool of tight ends. The Nittany Lions will go as far as Hackenberg takes them.

2. Is the offensive line better? This was a soft spot last season. As mentioned above, Hackenberg was pressured time and again, which hurt his confidence and psyche while also frustrating the talented signal-caller. The best player from last year?s front-left tackle Donovan Smith-is gone. But four starters are back, plus the Nittany Lions added JC star and behemoth Paris Palmer. This unit must develop chemistry around senior center Angelo Mangiro, sophomore guard Brendan Mahon, junior guard Brian Gaia and sophomore tackle Andrew Nelson.

3. Can LB Mike Hull be replaced? James Franklin thinks he leaves the biggest shoes to fill among the Nittany Lion departees. And, he?s correct. Hull was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2014, a true heart-and-soul player who just produced. Hull also was a leader. Junior Nayeem Wartman-White is the new man penciled in for Hull. He is smart, physical and strong. Perfect. This could be a nice LB corps with junior Brandon Bell on the strong side and maybe sophomore Jason Cabinda on the other.

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