Penn State football: CB Kalen King is ready for the spotlight in 2023

With the loss of CB Joey Porter Jr to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Penn State football team will look for Kalen King to become the number one cornerback on their roster this fall. This is arguably one of if not the most difficult positions to play on the defensive side of the ball. Not only are tasked with following the number one wide receiver for the opposing team, but you are also supposed to be the vocal leader of the secondary. But after the 2022 season, Kalen King proved that he is ready for the spotlight.

Kalen King had a massive sophomore season

During the 2022 season, Kalen King spent time between the first and second cornerback roles for Penn State. He rotated in those positions due to Joey Porter Jr’s availability due to an injury he suffered mid-season. King took advantage of the reps he was given as a full-time starter. He finished his sophomore season with 30 tackles, 18 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. He led the Big Ten and was 3rd in the nation for passes defended with 21 for the season. He has rightfully earned the offseason hype he has received around the college football community and if he can put together another massive statistical season he could hear his name called in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Penn State football has a confident player on their hands

Recently, Kalen King was asked if he believed he was the best cornerback in college football, to which he said “Yes, definitely” according to PFF.

Is Kalen King your CB1?🔒 pic.twitter.com/dJwHNVsUSX

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 16, 2023

I love the confidence that Kalen King brings to the table. As a cornerback, you need to have that self-belief because every play is so different, cornerbacks need to have a short memory. One play you can give up a catch or a touchdown, and in the next play you could be in a position to make the game-winning interception.

The Penn State football team will need King to deliver on his word if they want to accomplish their team goals in 2023. If he can live on an island this season, the secondary for the Nittany Lions has the potential to be scary good this fall.

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