All 105 is a Nittany Sports Now series profiling each Penn State football player. This edition will look at redshirt senior offensive lineman Bryce Effner.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 287 pounds
Hometown: Aurora, Illinois
Before Penn State: Effner lettered three years at Metea Valley High School, becoming a captain, team MVP and second-team USA Today All-Illinois as a senior. 247 Sports, Rivals and ESPN all had Effner as a three-star recruit, and he committed to Penn State in May of 2017
At Penn State
2018: Effner redshirted and didn’t play in any games.
2019: Effner played in four of Penn State’s 13 games.
2020: Effner played in eight of Penn State’s nine games in an pandemic-shortened season, being used primarily on special teams.
2021: Effner’s role expanded.
He played in 11 of Penn State’s 13 games and started two at left tackle. Against Michigan, he helped Keyvone Lee to 88 yards rushing, albeit in a loss.
As Penn State’s sixth offensive lineman, Effner proved to be versatile, playing both guard and tackle, and showed flashes of quality play in a season where Penn State lacked it up front for the most part.
Where he stands: Effner could be for Penn State’s offensive line what Jonathan Sutherland used to be for Penn State defensive backs before he moved to linebacker.
Sutherland didn’t become a regular starter for four seasons, but provided depth and leadership that proved vital for Penn State’s safeties.
Effner is experienced, he’s versatile and he’s shown that he can do the job.
Although he’s not expected to start for Penn State, Effner has a big role with the offensive line in a year where it has a lot to prove.
A quote about Effner: “He’s a jack of all trades,” offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said at Penn State’s media day earlier this month. “He can do everything. He can play any position. So for us to have that guy and to have a chance to— it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ends up a starter.”
