When we talk about Penn State's offense, we rarely choose to point out the offensive linemen up front. However, this season is a bit different in Happy Valley, as while the team has a bunch of veterans up front, one player in particular has stood out...sometimes not in the best way. True freshman Malachi Goodman has been tasked with protecting QB Rocco Becht's blindside this season. It hasn't often worked out for him, but he remains a core pillar for Penn State.
This year, Goodman did not necessarily have the chance to ease into the role right away. As a part of a young core of talent, most importantly as a 5 star recruit, he was seen as someone who could be plugged into the lineup right away. Especially considering all the turmoil with transfers
in an out of the program, it was expected that Goodman would carry a heavy burden to start his career. The results through six weeks are about what you would expect from a freshman.
His overall PFF grade hovers in the mid-60s while his run blocking and pass blocking grades are not much better. Still, in the first three games of the season, he was solid enough, not giving up a sack or hit of any kind against Marshall. While he has done a solid job of settling in, there are still some developmental problems that he will have to overcome with time.
Now, facing perhaps the Big Ten's most daunting defense in Michigan, Goodman will have a chance to prove he is someone worth investing time into for Matt Campbell throughout his rebuild of the program. If he does not succeed however, what looked to be a promising start to his career could quickly take a turn.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Malachi Goodman settling in to his role up front for Penn State
