Sal Wormley, IOL, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’3” (v) | Weight: 319 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten honorable mention (2023, 2022)
“Sal Wormley is a vertical mover with the explosiveness to quickly work into the chest of opposing linemen. In time, refining his technique in both phases should see him challenge for rotational snaps along a front five.”
Strengths:
Anchor
ID vs. stunts/twists
Physicality in the run game
Explodes out of stance
Concerns:
Pop in hands
Lateral quickness
Hand counters
Plays over toes
Film Analysis:
Sal Wormley started all 13 games at right guard in 2023 for the Nittany Lions. He’s a strong, powerful mover but lacks the movement skills and technique to consistently displace bodies from the line of scrimmage. Most of his success comes as a run blocker, where Wormley’s ability to explode off the football helps him win the leverage point quickly. Aggressive blocker that has some nastiness to his game.
In the ground game, Wormley lives best on a vertical plane. He has experience pulling but is often slow in working around the edge, allowing defenders to close distance. Very average athlete with limited athleticism in space. Would like to see a higher utilization of his hands when approaching contact. Wormley does a nice job of getting off the ball and into striking range of defensive linemen, but he will often lead with his chest/helmet instead of latching and redirecting with his hands.
In pass pro, Wormley flashes good footwork and technique (one sack allowed in 2023). Solid anchor but can be beaten with speed or violent hand counters. Sits in his hips well to keep linemen in front. Equilibrium will, at times, shift heavily to one side of his body, leaving an opening for linemen to redirect to either shoulder (Ohio State). Quick to ID stunts/twists as well as free runners if he is working alone.
Concerns remain about his overall athleticism and technique. Speed rushers that can mix rushes with power will give him issues. He has room to get stronger, as well. Occasionally will play over his toes. Explosiveness is a positive trait, but improving hand usage and latch strength will improve Wormley’s ceiling specifically as a run blocker.
Overall, Wormley projects as a rotational offensive guard with his biggest strength coming as a run blocker.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Illinois (2023), Ohio State (2023), Iowa (2023)
