TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette Penn State offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad poses for a photo during media day on Sunday at Beaver Stadium. Nourzad, a redshirt senior, returns for the Nittany Lions.

The following is part of a position-by-position preview for Penn State’s football team.

Returning starters: There is a ton of experience on an offensive line that plowed the way for the third-most total yards in the Big Ten last year, behind only Ohio State and Michigan. The unit is led by left tackle Olu Fashanu, who surprisingly chose to return to State College this year, even though he was projected to be a first round pick in the NFL this past April.

Sal Wormley started every game at right guard and was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick. Redshirt sophomore Landon Tengwall also returns at left guard after missing the second half of last season with injury. Hunter Nourzad made eight starts at guard and center, while Caedan Wallace started seven games at right tackle, and Drew Shelton made five starts.

Key losses: Juice Scruggs started every game at center and was drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans. Bryce Effner also had one year of eligibility left, but chose to step away from football after last season.

Keep an eye on: It will be interesting to see who gets the bulk of the time at right tackle between Shelton and Caedan Wallace, and a healthy Tengwall can make a world of difference this season. Vega Loane got some time last season and may see more this year.

Statistically speaking: There obviously are no stats for offensive linemen, but a look at the numbers for running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kayton Allen is all you need. Singleton rushed for over 1,000 yards and Allen rushed for 867 more. Not bad for a pair of true freshmen, and it can’t be done without a solid offensive line.

Fashanu: “We know that at our best, there isn’t an offensive line in the country that can match our play. For us, it’s all about being consistent.”

What to expect: James Franklin has talked about depth being a key factor this season, and offensive line is certainly one of those spots where Penn State is deeper than usual. The offense as a whole returns quite a bit, and as with any team, an explosive offense needs to start with a solid offensive line. Fashanu is still projected to be a first round pick, maybe even top 10 in next year’s draft. There should be high expectations with that kind of talent.

— By ANDY STINE