In advance of James Franklin's first press conference of the season, the Nittany Lions have released their first depth chart of the season. With the majority of last year's Big Ten title winning squad back this season, there are only a few surprises.

Along the offensive line, Ryan Bates will stay at left tackle after moving from guard late in 2016 due to a rash of injuries. Brendan Mahon is back from injury, but will slide back in at right guard, where he played his first two years in Happy Valley. Mike Miranda appears like he could play as a freshman as well, earning the backup left guard spot.

Sean Clifford has won the "break in case of emergency" quarterback spot behind starter Trace McSorley and backup Tommy Stevens. He beats out Jake Zembiec, who does not appear.

Miles Sanders will once again be the primary option returning kickoffs, with DeAndre Thompkins taking over for the injured John Reid on punt returns.

Tariq Castro-Fields gets the nod just ahead of Lamont Wade as the No. 2 option at the boundary cornerback spot. Expect to see plenty of the latter, however, when the Lions go to a nickel look.

It is good to see Brandon Polk back as DaeSean Hamilton's backup at H receiver. The redshirt sophomore struggled through injuries last year, but his speed could be a real weapon in Joe Moorhead's offense.

Colin Castagna beats out Shane Simmons as Torrence Brown's primary backup. Expect the former five-star prospect to still see plenty of action, however, as Sean Spencer rotates players throughout the season.

Offense

Pos. First Team Second Team Third Team/Reserves QB Trace McSorley Tommy Stevens Sean Clifford RB Saquon Barkley Mark Allen OR Andre Robinson OR Miles Sanders WR-X Juwan Johnson Irvin Charles Dae'lun Darien WR-Z DeAndre Thompkins Saeed Blacknall Mac Hippenhammer WR-H DaeSean Hamilton Brandon Polk K.J. Hamler TE Mike Gesicki Jonathan Holland Nick Bowers OR Tom Pancoast LT Ryan Bates Will Fries Sterling Jenkins LG Steven Gonzalez Mike Miranda C.J. Thorpe C Connor McGovern Zach Simpson Mike Miranda RG Brendan Mahon Michal Menet Charlie Shuman RT Chasz Wright OR Andrew Nelson Alex Gellerstedt

Defense

Pos. First Team Second Team Third Team/Reserves DE Shareef Miller Ryan Buchholz Shaka Toney DT Curtis Cothran Kevin Givens Ellison Jordan OR Antonio Shelton DT Parker Cothren Robert Windsor Tyrell Chavis DE Torrence Brown Colin Castagna Shane Simmons WLB Manny Bowen Cam Brown Brandon Smith MLB Jason Cabinda Brandon Smith Jake Cooper SLB Koa Farmer Jarvis Miller Cam Brown B-CB Christian Campbell Tariq Castro-Fields Lamont Wade FS Marcus Allen Nick Scott SS Troy Apke Ayron Monroe Garrett Taylor F-CB Grant Haley Amani Oruwariye Zech McPhearson

Special Teams