New Penn State special teams coordinator Justin Lustig is no stranger to Central Pennsylvania.
A former four-year starter at defensive back for Bucknell and a captain his senior year, Lustig brings 20 years of coaching experience to Happy Valley.
One month away from the season opener at West Virginia, Penn State put the pads on for the first time on Saturday at local media day.
A three-man kicker competition highlights one of the biggest camp battles of the season. Tulsa transfer Chase Meyer is the presumptive favorite and was named to the Lou Garza Award watch list, honoring the nation’s top placekicker.
Meyer is battling Sander Sahaydak and Ryan Barker for the top kicker spot and remains an open competition into August.
Lustig said Meyer took some time to get going, but has done a good job of late.
“We’re in a really good spot right now, Lustig said.” Those three guys are really competing. Chase it right there with them. He’s found a grove. The spring was a little of a transition for him. He’s dealing with some minor injuries. We have a good problem to have in that room.”
A junior from Los Angeles, Meyer played his freshman year at Penn before transferring to Tulsa and, ultimately, Penn State for the 2024 season. Last season, Meyer connected on kicks of 44 and 47 yards (a career high) and converted three field goals in a game twice. The Nittany Lions will select the most efficient kicker, but the veteran Meyer is in prime position.
“We’re charting every kick. Those guys know that,” Lustig said. “They know we’re going to look at the data and see who’s at the top. If it’s close, a guy that’s a veteran and can handle the stress of the situation might get the nod.”
The Buffalo Bills drafted star punt returner Daequan Hardy in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, creating an opening to return punts on special teams. Penn State has utilized wide receiver Kaden Saunders on returns in the past and plans for Saunders to inherit the job in the event he earns the starting spot.
“Kaden Saunders is the clear leader in the clubhouse,” Lustig said. “It starts with catching the football, having range and not allowing a ball to bounce down the field. Kaden gives us both of those. He’s solid as can be in those two areas.”
Anthony Ivey, Quinton Martin, Josiah Brown, and Tyseer Denmark are also receiving reps at the position.
Lustig mentioned being “dynamic” with the ball in your hands as a key factor in being a punt returner.
Nicholas Singleton will remain returning kicks.
“Nick’s back there. Similar to Kaden, a veteran guy,” Lustig said. “We got a good stable of young guys. Wouldn’t be surprised to see some other guys back there but Nick’s got the lead right now.”
Penn State opens the 2024 season at West Virginia on Saturday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.
