Who will take over Penn State's Blue-White Game and what does it mean?

York Daily Record

Mark Allen (8) learned from Saquon Barkley (26) and has one more season to make his own name. Will Saturday's Blue-White Game be a springboard in 2018?

This is the last chance to impress on the field before August camp.

So up-and-comers are always the big draw for the free-watching public during Saturday's Blue-White Game in Beaver Stadium.

The proven and most valuable players, from quarterback Trace McSorley to cornerback John Reid to tailback Miles Sanders, will get little if any work in the scrimmage. Why risk losing them to unnecessary injury in April?

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Rather, this will be a time for the youngest and those on the margins who are pushing for playing time.

Here are some of the top storylines Saturday ... and all of the info needed to plan your day:

A new day for tight ends, tailbacks

Football life moves on without Saquon Barkley and Mike Gesicki.

Are any future All-Americans ready to start proving their worth for all to see?

Figure that Sanders, the expected starter at running back, will get few touches. Rather, key on the second-tier prospects, from diminutive senior Mark Allen to national-caliber sprinter Journey Brown to forgotten Johnathan Thomas. Someone hopes to take hold of the No. 2 spot before Ricky Slade arrives in June.

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At tight end, the lead to replace Gesicki seems to be up for grabs between Nick Bowers, Jonathan Holland and Danny Dalton. All have been in the system for at least two years. But their development and even health status is uncertain. James Franklin has been vague whenever asked about, which is a bit worrisome.

Big debuts at Linebacker U.

It's about time we see Micah Parsons in action.

Saturday will be the Central Dauphin/Harrisburg High product's first public display in blue and white, and we should see flashes of his speed and athleticism, even though hitting quarterbacks is off-limits. But just as important is new middle linebacker Ellis Brooks, who looks to be pushing Parsons to an outside spot.

Does Brooks, a redshirt freshman, look like he belongs?

It's always worth monitoring Cam Brown, the most unusual 6-foot-5 linebacker. He's looking to nail down a starting spot as he tries to build his frame and hone his instincts. Rave potential reviews only go so far.

Penn State's Garrett Taylor celebrates his team's victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, in Indianapolis. Penn State won 38-31.

Sizing up the safeties

The Lions may own the deepest and most intimidating defensive backfield in the Big Ten. Cornerback already is a significant strength.

But the staff has been juggling personnel at safety, and Saturday could be a key gauge in the progress of Lamont Wade (shifted from cornerback), Garrett Taylor (anointed as an early leader), Jonathan Sutherland (called "the assassin" for his hard hitting) and newcomer Isaiah Humphries.

Senior Nick Scott may get a pass on Saturday. But what about junior Ayron Monroe? His time is beginning to run out.

No matter who plays, these guys must be better at forcing turnovers.

Penn State's Lamont Wade breaks up a pass intended for Akron's Nate Stewart in the second half of last September's season-opener. Wade, an elite recruit, is trying out a move to safety this spring.

What: Blue-White Game (team scrimmage to conclude spring practice)

When: 3 p.m., Saturday April 21

Admission: Free

TV: Big Ten Network

Forecast: Partly cloudy, high of 56 degrees, 5-10 mph breeze.

Parking: Free in white and yellow lots with 2018 Blue-White Game permit (season parking holders received with last season's ticket booklet) ... $20 without ticket, cash only ... $60 for Friday overnight RV arrival with a white 2018 Blue White permit; $100 for Friday overnight RV arrival with no permit ... Free for Saturday RV arrival with an RV permit; $40 for Saturday RV arrival with no permit.

Fan arrival: The overnight RV lot opens at 8 a.m. Friday. Beaver Stadium parking lots will open on game day at 8 a.m. Stadium gates will open at 1:30 p.m.

Team arrival: The Nittany Lion blue buses are scheduled to pull up at the corner of Curtin and Porter Roads at 11:30 a.m.

Autograph session: 12:15 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. at Beaver Stadium gates A, B, C, E and F. Players will sign one item per person.

Festivities: Vendors and interactive events for kids along Curtin Road (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) ... Blue-White Family Fun Zone in Holuba Hall and the Pegula Ice Arena parking lot (9 to 11 a.m.). Free game stations, live entertainment and giveaways.

All-star game: LaVar Arrington will lead a game of eighth-grade all-stars in Beaver Stadium (10 a.m., free to public).