Get to know Penn State football's defensive walk-ons in the Class of 2022

Penn State signed 25 scholarship players in its Class of 2022, good for seventh-best according to the On3 Consensus. However, they’re not the only players set to join the team this summer.

Currently, the Nittany Lions are up to 14 preferred walk-ons following the addition of North Allegheny Ath. Kolin Dinkins last week. Long snapper Blaise Sokach-Minnick was the first preferred walk-on to join the class, committing back in July.

Get to know some of the newest Nittany Lions with our breakdown below. This update focuses on the defense. You can recap the offense by clicking the link below.

Link: Penn State Class of 2022 Walk-Ons – Offense

Saf. Trace Brown

A native of Reading, Pa., Trace Brown played at Berks Catholic. An all-conference linebacker this past season, he totaled 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss and an interception. Listed at 5-foot-11, 160 pounds, he’s been clocked at running a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and a 4.50-second shuttle. Brown was also a regular visitor to Penn State over the past year. After camping with the staff in June, he attended at least three games this past season, as well as a trip on Jan. 22. Brown is the younger cousin of Kaleb Brown, who’s currently a freshman at Penn State.

“I wanted to commit to Penn State because I knew what kind of opportunity I was getting playing elite football in the B1G. I also wanted to commit to play with my cousin on the team. We both grew up watching,” Brown said.

Kutztown, IUP, Millersville and West Chester all showed interest.

Ath. Xavier Copening

Xavier Copening spent this past season at Feltrim Academy in Florida. Prior to that, he was a Class of 2021 prospect at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. He actually claimed a few scholarship offers early on in his recruitment from Boston College and UConn. Copening played quarterback mainly in high school, but we expect him to be a defensive back for the Nittany Lions. He’s been clocked at running a 4.55-second 40-yard dash.

“I chose Penn State because when I was there for a camp, it was a great experience,” said Copening. “After taking a tour of the campus, being able to talk to Coach [James] Franklin, it was a place I really enjoyed. when I was given the opportunity to be a part of what they have there, there was no hesitation. That was the place I wanted to be.”

Navy and Morgan State were also interested this year.

Link: Should Penn State target three corners in the Class of 2023?

LS Will Patton

Will Patton is from Shenango High School in New Castle, Pa. He attended games against Ball State and Michigan this past season after camping with the staff in the summer. Ohio State was also interested, but he ultimately chose Penn State. He’s currently checking in around 6-foot-4, 230 pounds.

“I have been a Penn State fan for as long as I can remember and it has been a dream of mine since elementary school to play football at Penn State. It was a no brainer. It’s great to be able to stay in PA and be close to home, too. All the coaches and staff are great people and I’m looking forward to playing for them.”

Patton received interest from Army, Rutgers and Wisconsin.

LB Jackson Pryts

Jackson Pryts is the younger brother of former 2016 recruit Andrew Pryts. They’re both the son of Ed Pryts, who played for the Lions in the late-70s, early-80s. Andrew actually committed to Penn State at one point but ended up signing with Stanford. As for Jackson, he totaled 113 tackles and two interceptions this past season at Hickory in Hermitage, Pa., earning all-state honors.

“I wanted to commit to Penn State because I grew up going to all the games,” Pryts said. “My dad played there. It’s just an awesome atmosphere to be around that also felt like another home. What really sold me was the visit and being able to talk to the coaches.”

Pryts also had interest from Cornell, Lehigh and Pitt.

DE Andrew Sharga

A native of Northampton, Pa., Andrew Sharga totaled 11 sacks last season and was an all-conference player. Listed at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he has some impressive measurables, running a 4.7-second 40-yard dash and a 4.4-second shuttle. Sharga attended two games this past season against Illinois and Rutgers.

Mailbag: RPM predictions and who deserves to move up in the Class of 2023 rankings?

LS Balise Sokach-Minnick

Blaise Sokach-Minnick played at Wyoming Area in Plymouth, Pa. He was actually his team’s quarterback this past season and is a pretty good athlete, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. Rubio Long Snapping ranks him fourth in the nation.

“I chose Penn State because of the overall atmosphere of the school and the support that was ensured to me from the coaches and players,” he said. “On the education side of it, Penn State is ranked very highly in my major which was a huge part of my decision. As I got to know the coaches and players, it was obvious to me that they would bring out the best in me both academically and athletically. From the massive fan base to everyone that will surround me when I arrive in the summer, Penn State is a huge family that is determined to make me successful and I couldn’t ask for anything else as I transition to college.”

Albany offered Sokach-Minnick a full scholarship. He also had preferred walk-on offers from Boston College, Oregon State, Pitt and Stanford.