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Penn State safety called one of nation’s best ahead of 2024 season; Lions land walk-on: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•04/01/24•

GregPickel

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Penn State safety KJ Winston. (Pickel/BWI)

Penn State news, notes, and updates for April 1 include a look at the Lions’ safeties room, headlines of the day, and more.

It’s time to dive into Monday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.

Tweets of the day

We start with a look at the last line of defense for the Nittany Lions’ defense. Pro Football Focus has ranked the nation’s top returning safeties ahead of the 2024 season. Penn State veteran Kevin Winston Jr., made the cut. He is at No. 5 on the outlet’s top 10 list.

“Winston has no such issues as a tackler,” Mac Chadwick writes. “The sophomore posted just a 2% missed-tackle rate last year, which was second among all safeties in the country. His 90.6 run-defense grade was third among FBS safeties as well.

“Winston was far more than just a safety who excelled at stopping the run. In fact, he was the only safety in the nation who posted 85-plus PFF grades both as a run defender and in coverage last year. His well-rounded game will likely evoke some comparisons to another great Penn State safety in Jaquan Brisker.”

PFF also notes that the Lions have the most linebackers ever taken in the NFL Draft. They have 64. USC is second with 60. And, Ohio State is a distant third with just 54.

In other news, Penn State has landed a walk-on commitment. Manheim Central Class of 2024 senior standout Aaron Enterline will join the Lions. He was offered in December.

The 2022 all-state pick had 80 receptions for 1,508 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. He also had five interceptions, including a pair of pick sixes. 

Headlines of the day

Which 2025 offensive prospects could still be added to Penn State’s official visit schedule?: Snyder, BWI

Could TE Tyler Warren be an All-American in 2024? Penn State star poised to ‘take off’: McGonigal, PennLive

Penn State locks in official visit with four-star edge rusher: Snyder, BWI

Franklin Searching for Separation, and Fleming Could Provide Answer: Jones, Statecollege.com

What impact does Jaxon Smolik absence have on Penn State football?: Bauer, BWI

Penn State earns walk-on commitment from WR Aaron Enterline: Daily Collegian

What did we learn about Penn State in March?: Pickel, BWI

Quote of the day

“Loved it. I watched practice and sat in on meetings. After all of that at the end of the day I had a meeting with coach Franklin and he offered me. They said that they were really excited about what I can bring to them and they are really looking forward to what’s to come.”

—Belmont (Mass.) Belmont Hill defensive lineman Tommy Rupley to BWI after his PSU visit.

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