As has always been the case during James Franklin’s tenure, Penn State fans are not sure what to expect of the offensive line heading into the season. While they made strides pass blocking in 2017, their run blocking faltered. Then in 2018, while the run blocking improved, the pass blocking regressed. Heading into 2019, it’s an enigmatic group highlighted by a good level of experience and talent, but also underscored by the level of expectations that previous units have failed to reach.
Perhaps no player exemplifies the enigmatic nature of this offensive line more than Will Fries. As a true freshman in 2016, he pushed very hard to have his redshirt pulled, but alas, the staff elected to roll with Chasz Wright and Ryan Bates at offensive tackle, preserving Fries’ redshirt.