Tyler Warren explains how he uses Travis Kelce, George Kittle to try to improve as a tight end

tyler-warren-penn-state-football-on3 — Tight end Tyler Warren (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren has gradually seen his production increase in each of the last two seasons, and now he’s eyeing an even bigger breakout campaign with the Nittany Lions.

Warren has been hard at work studying the game of two NFL greats, hoping to incorporate different elements of their playing style into his own game.

“I think obviously (Travis) Kelce and (George) Kittle are probably two of the best, and I think Kelce as a receiving guy does a lot of good stuff, and then Kittle does a little bit of both and the way he blocks is really impressive to watch,” Warren said at Big Ten Media Days.

The two tight ends have a grand total of six first-team All-Pro honors, as well as 14 Pro Bowl appearances. Kelce has won three Super Bowl rings, while Kittle has been close.

Modeling his game after those two could be the key to Tyler Warren unlocking even more of his own talent.

He’s already coming off something of a breakout campaign in 2023, having racked up 34 catches for 422 yards and seven touchdowns. The goal in watching the pros is to begin mirroring what they do a little more closely.

“I try and watch them because they’re as high as it gets on the talent and like how good you can be as a tight end, so trying to learn from them as much as I can is important,” Warren said.

Tyler Warren motivated to play for new coordinator

One thing that could also help Warren in his quest for a breakout campaign is the addition of new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.

So far, Tyler Warren has been impressed by what Kotelnicki has brought to the table.

“I think Coach K came in, did a great job,” Warren said at Big Ten Media Days. “I think he gelled with us really well. We look forward to playing for him and we’re motivated to play for him and he’s brought us close as an offense. I think it’s gone really well and I’m excited to get that going during camp.”

Kotelnicki is coming off three very successful seasons as Kansas‘ offensive coordinator. He will take over for departed offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, who was fired during the 2023 season.