Penn State Football Potential Starting OT to Miss Spring Practice

Penn State Football head coach James Franklin announced Tuesday that presumed starting left tackle Drew Shelton will likely miss spring ball after having undisclosed surgery following the 2023 season.

Franklin noted that Shelton played through an undisclosed injury last season (did not mention the timing of the injury) and chose to have surgery following the season.

Franklin on Drew Shelton availability: Had surgery at the end of the season, played through the injury last season. Long term, having the surgery will be in both PSU and Shelton’s best interest. Won’t be available for spring ball.

— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) March 12, 2024

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While the injury was something Shelton could have played through, Franklin mentioned that it will be in Penn State and Shelton’s best interest to have the surgery.

At the press conference, Franklin mentioned that the staff considered Shelton a starter along the offensive line last season, despite him coming off the bench as Penn State’s third tackle. Shelton played in relief of Olu Fashanu at left tackle over the past two seasons, stepping in as the starter when Shelton missed time due to an injury in 2022 and for the Peach Bowl after Fashanu sat out ahead of the NFL draft process.

While discussing Shelton’s availability, Franklin mentioned that fellow offensive lineman Garrett Sexton will also not be available for spring practice. In Shelton’s absence, Jven Williams, Nolan Rucci, and Chimdy Onoh will be available and competing at tackle. Franklin also mentioned that both JB Nelson and Anthony Donkoh have position flexibility to play both guard and tackle.

Franklin on OT: Sexton and Shelton will not be available for spring ball. JB Nelson and Anthony Donkoh have flexibility to play guard and tackle.

— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) March 12, 2024

Donkoh had an extended run at tackle in the Peach Bowl after working at guard for the 2023 regular season. Franklin mentioned that Shelton should be available for fall camp and compete for the starting position at left tackle for the 2024 season.