Which Penn State freshman is a 'great surprise' to strength coach Chuck Losey?
Penn State welcomed 24 high school players onto its roster ahead of the 2023 season. Some arrived in January. Others made it to campus in May or June. Four players from the class have already used a year of eligibility. Three others have played in two games, and a total of 11 have seen time in a game. And, one of the former heralded recruits is a “great surprise” to head strength coach Chuck Losey.
First-year defensive end Jamieal Lyons is that player. He did not make it to State College until the summer. But, he quickly added weight and got in tune with the on- and off-field elements that make this program hum. It has paid quick dividends. He’s played in two games. The Philadelphia native was ruled out for last weekend’s Penn State win over Northwestern. But, he will be back at some point and is among a group of players who will see more time this fall even if they preserve a year of eligibility by playing in four or fewer regular season games.
“Jameial has been a great surprise,” Losey said. “I always knew Jameial was talented coming out of high school. Obviously, that’s why he’s here. But his strength, his overall strength, his total body strength, is surprisingly very, very good for his build. Because, he does have a long lankier build at this point. He’s got a ton of room for mass. He weighs 251 pounds. Which you look at him, and he looks like a 240-pound defensive end.
“He’s going to be able to carry as much as 265-270 pounds if we want him to, if it doesn’t come at the expense of his movement. Really happy with Jameial in all areas. Super mature handles his business, comes in the building, loves to train. I’m excited to have an offseason with him after the year. Because, I think he’s going to absolutely explode. He’s going to be in the mix next year and I’m really happy with Jameial.”
What does the future hold for Jameial Lyons at Penn State?
Lyons was a four-star recruit and member of the On300. He has long been viewed as a recruit who could out play his ranking in college. Losey’s praise doesn’t deter that way of thinking. But, his comments about the defensive end’s frame and potential for adding weight does make one wonder if Penn State will keep him at end long term or possibly move him to defensive tackle.
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After missing out on winter workouts in 2023, Lyons will get to go through them in 2024. How that changes his body will go a long way toward determining his future home on the field. But, Penn State has a plan for now.
“He’s one of those gifted guys where, genetically he could go either way,” Losey sad. “But we recruited him here to be an end. So we’re going to plan on him to be an end. But his growth potential is it’s high. He’s going o be able to put on a ton of mass. So, I’m excited for him.
“I think diet is the biggest area that we’re going to dial in for him. I just think like most high school kids, when they come out, they’re not used to eating the way that a high-level athlete needs to. And he’s learning that. He’s taken to that. And he’s put 15 pounds on since he’s been here already in a short amount. of time. And that’s while we’re playing football, so he’s going to explode in the offseason.”
