Penn State’s offensive line is experiencing a transformative offseason. With starters Olu Fashanu, Caedan Wallace, and Hunter Nourzad heading to the NFL Draft, the Nittany Lions have spots to fill.

James Franklin began assembling his new offensive line when former five-star lineman Nolan Rucci transferred to Penn State in early January. Along with the talent infusion that comes with Rucci, Nick Dawkins and Drew Shelton will most likely have an increased role on the line come August.

While the spring practice window will allow Franklin to get a look at the offseason skill development of his new line, it also gives a look at the new locker room culture.

Among the returning players is Sal Wormley, a two-year starter who’s returning for his final year of eligibility this season.

“Sal was pretty open and transparent with us that he was coming back, and there wasn’t a whole lot of drama associated with it,” Franklin said. “He felt like he needed another year to do what he wanted to do and for us to do what we want to do as a team.”

With the three departing seniors critical to the leadership on the offensive line last season, Wormley has taken it upon himself to become a role model and support system for the younger linemen.

Wormley is entering his sixth year as a Nittany Lion, giving him a lot of time to soak in what it means to be a leader. Being in a room with a top prospect such as Fashanu has been key to his development as a leader, and Wormley is trying to replicate their process as best he can.

Franklin praised Wormley for his rapid ascension to leader in the locker room, but it hasn’t been easy for the veteran. He’s not the most vocal person and he doesn’t like to yell. Instead, he likes to lead through action.

“Since I started this semester, coaches were telling me I need to step up,” Wormley said. “This whole semester, one of my goals is really building up my leadership traits and trying to talk more and be outgoing for the whole team.”

Being a better leader isn’t Wormley’s only goal, though. He decided to come back to Penn State to get better in every aspect of the game and believes the coaches around him are more than capable of getting him prepared for the next level.

Along with proving himself to the next generation of Penn State linemen, Wormley wants to become bigger, faster, and stronger before the upcoming campaign.

“I have to be more physical in all aspects,” Wormley said. “I really just want to put on tape me finishing guys and just being more physical as a whole.”

Wormley remains confident in his decision to remain at Penn State but admits seeing his friends leave for the NFL is a bittersweet experience.

Wormley watched as his roommates Wallace and kicker Alex Felkins declared for the draft and felt their absence both at home and at practice. Nonetheless, he’s ready for his final season in the blue and white.

“The guys you came in with, worked every day with, went on trips together. It’s a little lonely being here by yourself,” Wormley said. “But that’s the plan. Everybody’s got their own rules and everybody goes their own direction.”