Penn State tight end Tyler Warren has specific focuses in mind for final season with the Lions
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren made clear late last year that unfinished business is part of the reason he’s back for a fifth and final season in State College. The 6-foot-6, 259-pound Mechanicsville, Va., native has played a lot for the Lions’ offense during the majority of his time in blue and white. At the same time, his time on the field has always been shared with players like Brenton Strange and Theo Johnson.
In 2024, Warren will split snaps at his position, too. But, after leading the Lions’ tight ends in reps a year ago, he will likely do so again. However, he will now be seen as the position’s leading man. It’s a fact that’s true even if he tied Johnson in receptions (34) and touchdowns (seven) last season without the same amount of acclaim his now-former teammate received.
“I think it really just comes down to me stepping up and then the younger guys realizing it’s their time to step up as well,” Warren said during spring practice. “And, you know, we’re gonna miss him for sure. He’s a great teammate and a great guy to be around. But it’s also, we can’t we can’t sit around and miss him too much, because we got we got a job to do too. So it’s been good. And I think I think we’re improving.”
Who will fill the Penn State snap count void at tight end?
Warren is now the unquestioned leader of Penn State position coach Ty Howle’s room. He is the veteran among a group of players who all hope to have a larger rep count in 2024. That list includes redshirt junior Khalil Dinkins, redshirt sophomore Jerry Cross, redshirt freshmen Andrew Rappleyea and Joey Schlaffer, and newcomer Luke Reynolds, who is a former four-star and early enrollee.
“I think Rap’s got to step up a lot [for us in his second year to help fill the snap count void],
Warren said. “Joey, I’ve seen a lot of improvement, and then I’ve been really impressed with Luke Reynolds. He’s come in as a freshman, and obviously, it’s tough coming in as a freshman tight end with the weights. That’s one thing he knows he’s got to work on it. And, he’s doing a good job. But, I think he’s been really good in the passing game. And, he shows the aggression and the want-to to be a good blocker. So I’m excited for him as well.”
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It’s not yet clear how first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will use the tight end position compared to his predecessors. But with Lions coach James Franklin stating that the former Kansas play caller will mix his scheme with the one that exists in State College and focus on utilizing the strengths of his players and roster, the group should not have a drop in chances for production. How all the pieces come together, though, remains to be seen.
With that said, it goes without saying that Warren will have a big role. And, he’s ready for it as his final spring practice winds to a close.
He said it
Warren, on his focus to improve as a leader and his overall goals for 2024:
“I’m more of a quiet guy and lead by example. So I think stepping out of my comfort zone is important and trying to be a vocal guy.
I came back for this program and the coaching staff and Coach Howle. So, I think just being the best tight end that I can be, being the best teammate, and letting everything else take care of itself [is the goal for 2024]. I’m really just focused on this team. And, making sure we’re good of an offense as we can be. And, then, being the best team we can be when it comes to the season.”
