FOOTBALL

How is Penn State’s tight end room coming along during spring practice?

Watch out for the Nittany Lions’ tight end room heading into the 2023 season.

Published

2 months ago

April 12, 2023

Penn State football, Penn State tight end, James Franklin

Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Nittany Lions saw some incredible performances from their tight ends as Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson became core members of the offense. Now, heading into the 2023 season, the Penn State tight end room is looking to improve despite losing some talent. From blocking to pass-catching, here is how the Penn State football tight end room is getting better throughout the spring and heading into the 2023 season according to head coach James Franklin.

James Franklin comments on the younger members of the Penn State tight end room

Losing Brenton Strange — a Penn State football standout in 2022 — is going to be hard on the Nittany Lions’ young offense this fall; however, it is not a loss that Penn State cannot afford. Heading into the Blue-White game and beyond, head coach James Franklin is quite high on his tight ends, though there is still work to be done with the younger players.

“I think that position (the tight ends), you could make the argument is probably the biggest transition, obviously taking quarterback out of it,” James Franklin stated following the Nittany Lions’ practice on Tuesday. “You could make the argument that tight end is the biggest transition for guys to make from high school to college, and the reason I say that is that most high school tight ends never block.

“It is a challenge, it has growing pains, but we try to challenge these guys because the reality is that West Virginia (Penn State’s Week 1 opponent) won’t feel sorry for us if one of those guys is on the field … they’ll be way ahead come summer camp by going through it, but it’s not a whole lot of fun for them right now. It’s like they’ve been dropped on another planet.”

The older tight ends are standing out

When asked about some of the older members of the Penn State tight end room, head coach James Franklin had more praise of their development and skill heading into the 2023 season.

“Khalil [Dinkins] has really done some nice things,” James Franklin said. “[He has] taken some strides. Like a lot of inexperienced players, he has gotta be more consistent — he does some great things one day, or one play, and there’s others where he is not as consistent as he needs to be. But he’s got a ton of potential and a ton of talent; I’m proud of him, he has come a long way in the past year, but we need him to grow.

“We had three really good tight ends last year — we need to make sure we have three really good tight ends this year.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation; we are proud to be a student and alumni-owned and operated media outlet covering all things Penn State athletics! Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State teams. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

Where will new 4-star Penn State football commit play on defense?

Penn State football landed a new four-star safety/linebacker. Where will he play in the Blue and White?

Published

24 mins ago

June 5, 2023

Chris Mangum

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) is surrounded by teammates following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, the Nittany Lions had an impressive day on the recruiting front, securing commitments from three highly-touted prospects. Among these new additions, one player who stands out is Dejaun Lane, a talented four-star Penn State football commit. While Lane is listed as both a safety and linebacker, he has expressed confidence in knowing where the coaching staff plans to utilize him.

Where will Dejaun Lane play for Penn State football?

Lane’s commitment to Penn State football is significant for several reasons. Firstly, his addition brings a substantial boost to the team’s talent pool, as securing a player of his caliber is always a positive outcome for any program.

Furthermore, Lane’s versatility as a player allows him to be deployed in various positions, providing the coaching staff with flexibility and strategic options. Despite this flexibility, Lane himself has stated that he is already aware of the specific role envisioned for him by James Franklin and the Penn State football coaching staff during his time in State College.

“They like me at the safety position and I also like myself at the safety position because they incorporate many different blitzes, coverages and packages that would allow me to maximize my playmaker effect on the field,” he told Brian Dohn after his commitment. “The main takeaway that I got was that I was a priority and would really fit into the scheme.”

Lane can be flexed, but looking to take over the defensive backfield

While ON3 lists Lane as a linebacker, the 247 Sports rankings have him listed as a safety and are highly optimistic about his potential in this new position. They have recognized his talent by ranking him as a four-star recruit, placing him at the No. 21 spot among safeties in his recruiting class, and identifying him as the sixth-best recruit in the state of Maryland.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

FOOTBALL

New Penn State football commit says PSU can win national title

The newest Penn State football commit is gunning for a national title.

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, Deryc Plazz, national title, 2024 recruiting class

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Today, Penn State football made an exciting addition to its 2024 recruiting class by securing the commitment of three-star offensive tackle Deryc Plazz from Florida. Shortly after joining the team, Plazz expressed his bold aspirations for Penn State’s future, confidently proclaiming that the program is poised to claim a future national title and more.

A future national title for Penn State football?

Freshly committed to Penn State football, Deryc Plazz wasted no time in immersing himself in the pursuit of the team’s first national championship since 1986. This promising three-star prospect from Florida showcased his ambitious mindset by sharing his optimistic vision for the future of football in Happy Valley.

“The current class is amazing and it’s truly a blessing to be a part of something this special,” Plazz said, according to Steve Wiltfong. “Looking to load this class up and bring a Natty to Happy Valley.”

Deryc Plazz, Penn State gunning to go above and beyond in the years to come

Plazz doesn’t just want to win a national title during his time at Penn State football, he believes that the Nittany Lions are on track to do so in the near future.

“What’s most exciting about the program is that we’re on track to win a National Championship and that’s the purpose of playing,” Plazz continued. “The opportunity to win a National Championship was the biggest thing. Just knowing that we will constantly be competitive in the college football playoff while and with this 24 class loading up I know we will definitely win it.”

A glass ceiling that needs to break

Currently, Penn State football is showing promising signs of being a strong contender for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff this upcoming season. Preseason polls from various outlets consistently rank the Nittany Lions within the range of No. 5-10, which is well-deserved considering their impressive 11-2 record and Rose Bowl victory under the leadership of James Franklin last year.

However, many projections still anticipate Penn State falling short against formidable opponents like Michigan and Ohio State, which would likely result in another New Year’s Six bowl appearance for the team.

While such a season would still be commendable, as being a top 10 program is an achievement in itself, it is encouraging to see the aspirations of Deryc Plazz and the rest of the 2024 recruiting class. Their desire to strive for greater success in the Blue and White during their tenure is a positive indicator of the program’s ambitions and the determination of its players, commits, and the team’s culture in the years to come.

FOOTBALL

Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith joins PA-based sports talent firm

The Penn State WR is the third Nittany Lion to sign with the firm since May.

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2023

Matt Thomas

Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State Football, PA sports talent firm

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, it was announced that Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith had signed with Inch & Co. Sports, a new PA-based sports talent firm. Lambert-Smith becomes the third Penn State football player to sign with the firm in the last month. The founders of Inch & Co. Sports, John and Jeff Inch, and their larger network of PA-based companies, have become increasingly involved in Penn State’s NIL and athlete representation landscape over the last year.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith signs with PA-based sports talent firm

On Saturday evening, Inch & Co. Sports announced via its social media pages that the organization had signed KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The Penn State WR is coming off a budding end to the 2022 season, where he hauled in 8 catches for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Nittany Lions’ final two games. Reporting out of spring practice indicated that Lambert-Smith had separated himself from the pack of Penn State receivers.

“He’s been really good so far this spring,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We need him to be THE guy, a true number one [receiver], not just at Penn State but really in the [Big Ten] and a guy that people are talking about nationally.”

Welcome @drelambertt ! pic.twitter.com/KzF4jkbo1H

— Inch & Co. Sports (@inchandcosports) June 3, 2023

Inch & Co. Sports establishes itself in the Penn State football NIL landscape

Inch & Co. Sports is a York County, PA-based sports talent firm. The company’s founders, brothers John and Jeff Inch, are credited with starting “one of the fastest growing real estate construction companies in the U.S.” According to the firm’s website, its mission is “Representing our athletes with integrity and originality…Whether it’s giving back to the underprivileged, monetizing their image, or guiding them through a professional decision; building trust through honesty is our goal.”

KeAndre Lambert-Smith is the third Penn State football player to sign with the organization since May. The firm first signed QB Beau Pribula, who was a standout at York Central High School, on May 16. Inch & Co. added CB Johnny Dixon later in the month.

Over the last several months, the Inch & Co. network of companies has been establishing itself in the Penn State NIL landscape. In December, the company made headlines when it provided Teslas via a NIL partnership to four Nittany Lions – QB Drew Allar, LB Abdul Carter, CB Kalen King, and OT Olu Fashanu. Pribula was added to the partnership several weeks later.