Penn State Football: Week 2 Spring Practice Stock Report

Media access since the initial practice session on March 17 has been scarce for Penn State football, and not much has been leaking out since then. 

Fortunately, there is some information floating around, and James Franklin opened the doors to the media for a brief period on Saturday and the Twitter world lit up.

"

At football practice, the team is working hard pic.twitter.com/sEIpNAPncj

— Brian Sanvido (@Vido27) March 29, 2014"

Recruits on Hand 

In what appears to be a trend, Penn State is hosting several recruits this weekend, and they've taken to Twitter about it.

According to a (protected) tweet, 4-star offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez was wandering around campus early Saturday morning, taking in the sights.

He announced his commitment to Penn State later in the day, via Twitter.

Also tweeting that they were en route were 3-star dual-threat quarterback Elijah Robinson...

"

On the road again. #PennState

— Elijah Robinson (@e_rob08) March 29, 2014"

...and unrated running back Troy Shorts:

"

On my way to penn state

— Troy Shorts (@tshorts_) March 29, 2014"

Four-star linebacker Manny Bowen was also on hand and received an offer from the staff:

"

Got the Penn state offer on my visit today #WeAre

— OverlyDedicated (@mannybowens3) March 29, 2014"

Offensive Line Adjustments

"

Didn't see Miles Dieffenbach and Andrew Nelson while the team worked through early drills. PSU spokesman says we have to ask CJF later. 1/2

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) March 29, 2014"

A unit that can't afford injuries has seen one of its most dynamic, experienced players go down as starting guard Miles Dieffenbach has been seen around campus wearing a leg brace while Andrew Nelson has missed significant snaps due to a knee issue. 

"

CJF on Dowrey & Gaia: "I feel for them. We put them in a tough position two days b4 spring ball starts I say, 'Hey, ur o-linemen. Go at it"

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) March 29, 2014"

Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, Derek Dowrey recently made a seamless transition from defensive tackle to offensive guard and could push for a starting job even once Dieffenbach is healthy again. At right tackle, Chasz Wright is getting much-needed reps in place of Nelson.

"

OL coach Herb Hand working with the linemen at #PennState practice pic.twitter.com/Uy46AB9Joq

— Mark Wogenrich (@MarkWogenrich) March 29, 2014"

Hackenberg Getting Comfortable

The young quarterback has taken over more of a leadership role this year and is said to be picking up the new playbook relatively easy.

"

Hackenberg warming up here at the 8th practice of the spring, and a little crowd - media and recruits - is watching pic.twitter.com/1mcwGDfylc

— Josh Moyer (@ESPNJoshMoyer) March 29, 2014"

Unlike last year when he had two senior wide receivers to lean on, Christian Hackenberg will need to bring along a stable of capable but young wideouts in 2015. 

Lions247 put together a really nice photo gallery from Saturday's practice.

All recruit ratings reference 247Sports' Composite ratings.