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Associated Press 10y

Penn St. holds annual spring game

College Football, Missouri Tigers, Penn State Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- As he has been since he was hired as Penn State's head football coach in January, James Franklin was front and center Saturday during the Nittany Lions' Blue White Game, the scrimmage that marks the end of spring drills.

He positioned himself behind the offensive formation throughout the game "basically to control the quarterback" and between the first and second quarters addressed the crowd and led a We Are . Penn State cheer in front of a crowd announced at more than 72,000.

The Blue defeated the White, 37-0, which was no surprise since most of the expected starters were assigned to the Blue squad.

"I think the defense is ahead (of the offense)," Franklin said. "We have a little bit better depth, right now, on the defensive side of the ball, especially up front."

Because of that, and a lack of depth along the offensive line, offensive linemen donned gray jerseys and played for both offenses. It's probably the biggest concern, Franklin said, the team has moving forward.

"I think this is probably unique. I'm not sure I've ever been in a situation where you don't even have a scholarship two-deep," Franklins said. "We're going to find a way to make it work. We're going to have to rely on some freshmen, maybe at positions you don't typically rely on them at. That's going to be across the board."

With most of the starters limited to a handful of series, it was a day for backups, such as running back Cole Chiappialle.

The sophomore from Beaver Falls, Pa., was the game's leading rusher with nine carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 17 yards.

While he doesn't figure to see the field a lot with Bill Belton, Zach Zwinak and Akeel Lynch ahead of him on the depth chart, Franklin said he thinks he will be a contributor.

"He's got great vision, great toughness and balance. I think there's a role for him in this football program. He needs to be a huge contributor on special teams," the coach said.

"He showed up from Day 1 with his attitude, with his attention to detail. He showed up every single day in practice making plays. I've been very, very impressed with him. I want there to be more guys like him."

Part of finding more contributors like Chiappialle, and figuring out every player's role in the fall, starts Monday, Franklin said.

"I will meet with every single player on the team. It might take two weeks, it might take three weeks. Then the coaches will hit the road to dominate . the state. And then we'll dominate the states."

Franklin said he and his staff are trying to identify the best players, regardless of their status.

"If you're the best player, you will play," he said. "I don't care if you're a senior or a freshman, we're going to play the best guy."

AWARD WINNERS

Each spring Penn State coaches vote on three awards based on performances during spring drills. This year Franklin and his staff added a fourth award -- the Coaches Special Teams Award, which went to senior kicker Sam Ficken.

The Red Worrell Award, given to the most improved offensive player, went to sophomore guard Brian Gaia, who was moved from the defensive line this spring.

The Jim O'Hora Award, presented to the most improved defensive player, went to junior defensive tackle Anthony Zettel.

The Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award went to junior defensive end Deion Barnes.

ALOSI OUT

Part of Penn State's offensive line woes are a result of a couple of upperclassmen not being available this spring.

Senior guard Miles Dieffenbach reportedly suffered a torn ACL during spring drills.

Franklin revealed Saturday junior guard Anthony Alosi has been indefinitely suspended.

Alosi was charged with simple assault and harassment in March.

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