Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins making most of opportunities in 2023

In most offenses, being the third-string tight end might mean a few first-team snaps here and there but mostly garbage time work in the second half of a blow out. In the Penn State offense, however, the player in that position holds a key, if not always oft-used, role in the team’s attack. This year, that spot on the depth chart is being filled by third-year Nittany Lion Khalil Dinkins. One week, his role may be to work almost exclusively as a blocker, either in the team’s traditional heavy third down package or in its ‘T’ short yardage set of play calls. Another week, he may be used more as a pass catcher. Either way, the Wexford, Pa., native has to be ready at a moment’s notice for a potentially big moment.

Dinkins has just two catches on the season heading into Saturday’s meeting with Maryland. Both have resulted in Nittany Lion touchdowns. And, he’s had his hand in some other scores, too, in the aforementioned ‘T’ package. After eight weeks, Dinkins has played just 80 snaps. But, he’s been ready to take advantage of all of them.

“I think just going out there and executing the play, and just being able to catch the ball in the big time moment, is a key factor for me to just keep playing and being on the field,” Dinkins said this week. “Me going out there, I can just easily read that call, and I know if I’m about to get the ball or not. So, it’s good to know that Drew [Allar] can trust me to catch the ball when he’s making that throw.”

Dinkins continues to progress for Penn State

Dinkins has not had as quick of a path to the field as some of his fellow Class of 2021 signees have. He redshirted in during his first year on campus. In year two, he played offense and special teams, finishing with four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. He was the team’s fourth tight end then behind Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson, and Tyler Warren. The Penn State tight end has learned plenty from all three. When Strange left early for the NFL after last season, it offered a chance for Dinkins, and the other two, to all move up the depth chart.

“Tyler and Theo have been great mentors all throughout my sophomore year,” Dinkins said. “Especially Theo, he’s always been taking me under his wing and coaching me up. Same thing with [Brenton].

“[Brenton] did the same thing. Tyler is the same way. Even though I don’t get that much playing time, it’s nice to see them play, and when big-time moments come, they’re going to make that play.”

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Dinkins has made his plays, too, even if his opportunities are fewer and further between. It’s something not lost on position coach Ty Howle.

“He’s been really fun to watch,” Howle said. “Really from the time he was a freshman to now. He’s grown from a physical standpoint. He’s athletic and can do some really good things. I’ve been happy that, when his number is called, he’s stepped up and made some really big plays. He’s grown from freshman year to now and from spring to now.”

A big reason for his success so far this fall is the work he put in this offseason. It made him ready for the moments when he is on the field. And, it’s why he’s thrived in them so far.

“I think [Khalil] has done a tremendous job with strength and conditioning and nutrition,” Howle said. “He’s added weight, [and] he’s grown from a football IQ standpoint. He’s very talented, and has a lot of gifts.

“A big thing I saw this summer [was him] spending a lot of time with Theo and Tyler and picking their brains and going through his process. Those were the big things you saw in spring and summer. He continues to grow.”