Penn State CB Tariq Castro-Fields sees bright future for position

Appearing in 52 games in his Penn State career, with 30 starts, Tariq Castro-Fields hopes he’s leaving behind a legacy. 

Completing his Penn State Pro Day on March 24, he’s also hoping it’s just beginning. Turning heads at the pre-draft combine in Indianapolis earlier this month, then following it at Penn State’s Pro Day Thursday, Castro-Fields is expecting to build on it with a forthcoming opportunity in the NFL. 

Meeting with the media following his Pro Day activities, Castro-Fields discussed his time as a Nittany Lion and what’s ahead in the NFL. 

With the Penn State football program in its first week of spring practices, and hopes high for a rebound season in Happy Valley after the disappointment of 2021, he also detailed what he sees from the Nittany Lions’ cornerbacks room as it moves on without him.

“I think the room is in great shape,” Castro-Fields said. “Obviously, we’re gonna have some people who have to step up like Joey (Porter Jr.), like DaeQuan (Hardy), Marquis Wilson, they gotta be more vocal. 

“I think that’s the hardest part. Leading by example is kind of easy because you’re supposed to work hard. But to be vocal and not overdo it is the happy medium. I think I got good at that.”

How that takes shape will be shepherded by corners coach Terry Smith leading into the April 23 Blue-White Game.

During the time in between, here are some of Castro-Fields’ other assessments of Penn State’s corner and a key returning piece in the secondary:

Joey Porter Jr.:

The opportunity existed for Joey Porter Jr. to follow Castro-Fields’ same path this offseason.

A steady presence starting opposite Castro-Fields at corner for Penn State, Porter finished eighth on the defense in tackles with 51. He also notched an interception, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 13 games. 

Identifying the areas of improvement that can help lift a player to the next level, Castro-Fields pointed to one important piece for Porter Jr. to attack this offseason.

“I would say more just the mental side of things. Just diving into the playbook, diving into film,” he said. “Obviously, he’s a smart guy, but for him to be where he wants to be, which is that first-round type of category, we all know he has all the physical tools and everything like that. 

“When he puts it all together, he’s gonna be the number one corner coming out next year. So he just has to keep his head down. I went through this process before he did, so he can ask me anything about how I dealt with it.”

Kalen King: 

Kalen King was the story of Penn State’s 2021 spring session, bursting into the program’s consciousness as an immediate standout among the early enrollees.

Following through to the regular season, King became a rotational piece at corner for the Nittany Lions. Appearing in every game on defense and special teams, King finished behind only Joey Porter Jr. (769), Castro-Fields (708), and Daequan Hardy (314) in snaps among the Lions’ corners.

Coming out of the experience, Castro-Fields said he’s seen a distinctive change in King’s comfort level and approach to the game.

“I think he’s just relaxed now,” Castro-Fields said. “Because as a freshman, especially for him, he came in highly touted, he was on some lists. So while he was my roommate, I just tried to tell him, ‘Listen, those lists are just eye candy. Don’t get too up, too down about those things. You still got to produce on that field.’ 

“So I think he’s finally understanding that. He’s maturing. Obviously, he has to learn a new defense. But I mean, once he puts that package all together, he’s a special talent.”

Pointing to King’s competitiveness as the young corner’s best attribute, Castro-Fields painted a picture of tremendous potential in future seasons.

“He matched up with (Jahan Dotson) a lot last year, and that’s a lot to ask for a freshman coming straight out of high school,” he said. “I always say this, but the sky’s the limit for him.

“He has no fear. The boy could do it all. For a freshman to tackle like he does, I mean, that’s not really something that’s normal.”

Johnny Dixon:

Coming over from two seasons spent at South Carolina last spring, Johnny Dixon provided an immediate safety net to Penn State’s corners room last season.

He finished fourth in total snaps at the position and offered special teams support in 12 games. Missing the Rutgers game due to illness, Dixon tallied 11 tackles, assisted on a TFL, and picked up two pass breakups.

A year at Penn State under his belt, Dixon’s opportunity to contribute will depend – like all of his defensive teammates – on his ability to pick up the direction of new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz this offseason.

“Johnny, I think he’s starting to get comfortable. Last year towards the end, he started playing really well,” Castro-Fields said. “I think he’s gonna have a great season as well. 

“Obviously, they all have to learn a new system. I went to practice the other day and it was weird not to hear, Coach Pry’s voice yelling. There’s a lot of new analysts, a lot of new just everybody. So Happy Valley definitely looks a little bit different now.”

Tig Brown:

Penn State’s potential in the secondary next season isn’t limited to the contributions of the corners TCF leaves behind.

Rather, with a critical returning piece in super senior Ji’Ayir Brown, coming back for a fifth and final season, the Nittany Lions have something special.

“He’s a stand-up dude. He’s a down-to-earth dude. And I think he’s gonna be the best safety,” Castro-Fields said. “I just told him the other day, ‘Bro, you’re gonna really go crazy,’ because I know the work he puts in. I know the talent he has. He finds the football like nobody else. He led the country in picks. So Tig is gonna be crazy.”

Penn State reflections:

His career as a Nittany Lion now wrapped, the question for Castro-Fields was a natural one.

Among the handful of Penn State players who opted to take advantage of the first iteration of the NCAA’s bonus year of eligibility, was it worth it? Had he made the right decision?

“I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Castro-Fields said. “Just being able to spend more time in Happy Valley. This place made me who I am. I got to leave with Brizzy, with Han, with Jesse, AK, me, you name it. I got to leave out with my guys, which was super important for me. 

“So I wouldn’t change that decision for the world. Even though the season went however it went, I had a lot of fun last season.”