FOOTBALL

Penn State football star defensive back ranked in top-3 by Pro Football Focus

Penn State football star Kalen King is being talked about as a top-3 cornerback this fall.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2023

Penn State football star defensive back, Kalen King

Kalen King is gearing up for a season filled with monumental expectations, mirroring the high hopes placed upon the entire Nittany Lion football team. Despite playing as CB2 in State College last season, King emerged as one of the nation’s premier defenders, leaving no doubt that he is poised to take another stride in his collegiate development this fall. As a testament to his skills, the Penn State football star defensive back has already secured a pre-season All-American title and was recently ranked as one of the top three returning cornerbacks in the country by Pro Football Focus.

Kalen King named a preseason All-American, facing massive expectations in 2023

As the 2023 college football season approaches, Kalen King is generating significant buzz in the national media. Numerous outlets project King to be the top cornerback in the Big Ten, a preseason All-American, and one of the most formidable defensive players in the nation.

Despite shining brightly during the Nittany Lions’ triumphant 11-2 Rose Bowl-winning campaign in 2022, King’s performance seemed to be overshadowed by the dominant presence of All-American Joey Porter Jr., who was recently drafted by the Steelers in the NFL Draft.

That being said, as we enter 2023, the spotlight and accolades are poised for King’s rise to prominence within the defense and across the nation.

Penn State CB Kalen King is a technician. Patient at the line, stab with the off-hand and does a great job of cutting off vertical routes.

King is excellent at closing space. He gets chest to chest to prevent the back shoulder fade and locates the football. pic.twitter.com/rMAuO2TbxA

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) May 9, 2023

“It’s preseason for a reason,” Kalen King told the media earlier this spring when asked about his preseason All-American status. “It’s like before anything happens — predictions and stuff — I don’t really get into predictions. But, it’s definitely a good accolade to have, just people noticing the work that you put in, everything that I did last year is finally coming [into the] light. I am grateful for all of the accomplishments, but the work is definitely not done, because now I have to actually BE an All-American. I can’t just be a preseason [All-American].”

Pro Football Focus ranked King among the top-3 returning cornerbacks nationally

In the latest Pro Football Focus rankings of the top 10 returning cornerbacks, Kalen King of Penn State football finds himself trailing only Kool-Aid McKinstry from the Alabama Crimson Tide. King, a Big Ten standout and major Nittany Lion defensive contributor, secures an impressive second-place ranking in the recent release of the rankings earlier this month.

Throughout his tenure at Penn State, star cornerback Kalen King has demonstrated his exceptional skills in 26 games, amassing an impressive record that includes 53 tackles, three interceptions, 26 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and four tackles for loss.

His remarkable performance in the previous season garnered him well-deserved recognition on the All-America teams of both the Walter Camp Foundation and Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he received the distinction of being selected as an All-Big Ten player and was honored with the team’s Keystone State Award.

This is played so well by Kalen King (@KalenKing21__) on this play he

•Uses the sideline as leverage against his man
•Turns his head to locate the ball
•Breaks up the pass (while getting his face mask pulled)

Each week he keeps putting clinical DB tape out there. 4 is a dog! pic.twitter.com/vZvBEd54rY

— The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) September 20, 2022

Head coach James Franklin says that King is in for a huge year with Penn State football this fall

Earlier this year, during the 2023 Penn State football spring ball practices, Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin couldn’t stop praising his new star cornerback. Following a year of receiving numerous accolades, King is emerging as a true CB1 — not only for Penn State but also within the highly competitive Big Ten and beyond.

“He is very similar to who he was when he stepped on campus,” head coach James Franklin told the media during spring practice this year. “He is a guy that did not play like a freshman as a true freshman, he obviously took a significant step as a sophomore, and he is continuing to trend like that. He comes out, he has got the right mindset and competes like crazy every single day and I think he is trending to have another really good year for us.

“[Kalen King] is more of a leader through his actions and things like that,” head coach James Franklin continued. “but he has done a really nice job.”

I don't think people understand how impressive this is. Like I don't care that the guy caught the ball. He is on an island. Gives up the shallow curl and then makes the tackle. Like this is NFL stuff from Kalen King. pic.twitter.com/M0FB59ok9d

— Hardcore Penn State Football (@HardcorePSUFB) January 4, 2023

This upcoming season, the Penn State football star defensive back will aim to cement his position as a bona fide All-American, capitalizing on the pre-season buzz surrounding him. King will actively seek to contribute guidance and mentorship, and continue in his own personal growth as he navigates the challenges of the 2023 season alongside the Manny Diaz-led defense.

Thus far, he has displayed commendable adaptability and resilience in facing these tasks head-on. Given the team’s aspirations for a national title and beyond, King’s pivotal role and ability to exceed expectations will be crucial to Penn State’s success.

Something 'bout that guy Kalen King. 👀🤫#WeAre | @KalenKing21__ pic.twitter.com/wBY3O7ChcH

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 9, 2023

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

8 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

15 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

23 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).