Tyler Warren ready to step into the spotlight for Penn State football

There are many question marks surrounding Penn State football heading into 2024, but one area where there is relatively little doubt is tight end. The Nittany Lions have produced a seemingly continuous stream of NFL-worthy talent at the position for the better part of the last decade. Now, after spending the majority of his career in a supporting role, it’s time for Tyler Warren to step into the spotlight. The senior pass catcher opened up this week following spring practice about how he is working to expand his role both on and off the field.

Spring practice updates: Tyler Warren is looking to become a more dynamic threat in Nittany Lion passing attack

Tyler Warren is already highly accomplished heading into his senior season with the Nittany Lions. The Mechanicsville, Virginia, native is fourth all-time in Penn State football history for touchdowns among tight ends, 18th for all pass catchers. Warren had a breakout season in 2023, ranking second on the team in receiving yards with 422, and tied fellow tight end Theo Johnson for a team-high seven touchdown receptions.

The former high school quarterback has already proven enough as a tight end to make the leap to the NFL. But Tyler Warren is back for one more season, a move he has described as driven by his affection for the Penn State football program.

And now, after spending his Nittany Lion career in a supporting role behind Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren is ready to become the leading man. Warren knows that more will be asked of him in 2024, and spoke this week after spring practice No. 7 about how he is looking to become a more dynamic threat in Penn State’s passing game.

“I think something [I’ve worked on this offseason], you know, run after the catch is a big thing. Tight ends need a bigger body, so making sure we can break tackles and stuff like that,” said Warren, who comes in at 6-6, 259 pounds on the latest Penn State football roster. “And I’ve been trying to get separation in my routes. [Instead of] just being a catch and tackle guy, being able to catch and run in the open field.”

We already got glimpses of this the last time Warren took the field, breaking off a 75-yard catch-and-run in December’s Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. Warren went for 127 yards on five receptions in the game, a bright spot in an otherwise relatively dull performance for the Penn State offense.

Such a bummer #PennState TE Tyler Warren is going back to school and bypassing the 2024 NFL Draft (great for Penn State though).

I think Warren would've been a top-3 drafted TE in this class. pic.twitter.com/UL4YN7O2G2

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 30, 2023

Penn State senior working to increase vocal presence this spring

Just as important as Warren’s work on the field are his efforts in the locker room. Penn State football lost a commanding presence in Theo Johnson, who was an outspoken leader behind closed doors and in front of the cameras last fall.

Much like his production on the field, Johnson’s leadership is a void that Tyler Warren hopes to fill. Being vocal doesn’t come naturally to the typically tight-lipped tight end, but Warren is working to make strides in this area during spring practice.

“I think that’s something I’ve tried to work on,” Warren said when asked about leadership. “So, I have this spring and through the summer and all that. [I’m] just trying to be a more vocal guy, because I’ve been more of a quiet guy, lead by example [kind of player]. So, I think stepping out of my comfort zone is important. I’m trying to be a vocal guy.”

Both in scheme and in mentality, the identity of the 2024 Penn State football team is still taking shape. We won’t truly know what that looks like until this fall. But over the coming months, Tyler Warren will be a foundational piece of the Nittany Lions roster.

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