The tight end position is a dynamic one. On one play, a tight end can be as smash mouth as smash mouth can be, sealing the edge of the line on a short yardage situation. Alternatively, on the next play, he can run a passing route up the seam of a defense, beating a linebacker or safety for a long gain. As a preview of the tight ends for Penn State in 2024, a strong tight end position and game planning can be key to providing optionality.
Penn State 2024 Tight Ends Preview: Optionality is Key
New offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will be able to be creative when it comes to the tight end position at Penn State in 2024. The tight end spot has been strong for the Nittany Lions, and the continued development of this unit will be an important factor in Kotelnicki’s offense this season. As a 2024 preview, the optionality provided by a creative use of tight ends could be a competitive advantage.
The top tight end from the 2023 squad is gone, to the NFL. However, there is returning strength at the position. Kotelnicki, and tight ends coach Ty Howle, should be able to continue the strong momentum from the tight end position in 2024.
Penn State’s Past Tight End Standouts
While Penn State has historically been known as Linebacker U, and for defensive prowess, there have been successful Nittany Lions that played on the offensive side of the ball as well. There have been many that have gone on to successful NFL careers. Some of the better-known alumni at the tight end position include Kyle Brady, Andrew Quarless, and Ted Kwalick.
More recently, players like Jesse James, Pat Friermuth, Brenton Strange, and Mike Gesicki have represented the Nittany Lions well from the tight end position. In 2024, a tight end was drafted to the NFL out of Penn State (see below).
Performance of the Tight Ends in 2023
Penn State’s tight ends played well in 2023. Under coordinator Mike Yurcich, the tight end was an important part of the offense. This can stem from one of two things. First, the tight ends on the roster were just that good. Alternatively, the tight ends compensated for the wide receivers and running backs. The answer is a bit of both.
In 2023, quarterback Drew Allar threw for 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. The tight ends were solid contributors, representing significant percentages. The one-two punch detailed below was formidable, particularly in the red zone. In yards receiving, tight ends ranked second, third, and 12th on the team. The total Penn State passing offense generated 2,795 yards, on 246 receptions, with 30 touchdowns. Tight ends represented 820 yards (29% of the total) on 73 receptions (30%) and 16 touchdowns (53%).
Theo Johnson, in four years at Penn State, caught 77 passes for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns. He started all 13 games in 2023 and was third on the team with 341 receiving yards. He tied for second on the team with 34 catches and tied for first with seven touchdowns. He was rewarded as an All-Big Ten honorable mention honoree. Johnson was selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Tyler Warren returns to the team in 2024 as a senior. He has played in 40 games so far. Over that span, he has caught 49 passes for 606 yards and 11 touchdowns (to go with two rushing touchdowns in 2021). Warren’s stats were similar to Johnson’s. He played in all 13 games. Warren caught 34 passes, tied with Johnson for second on the team. His 422 receiving yards were second on the team, and seven touchdowns tied him with Johnson for first on the squad. He was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches for 2023.
Optionality is Key in 2024
Normally, graduating the top tight end from the program leaves a gaping hole. That is likely not the case for Penn State entering 2024. Warren, arguably the best tight end on the 2023 roster, steps into the undisputed leadership role for the tight ends.
Warren played well for Allar last season, and their continued maturation both individually, and as a tandem, will be an unlock for the offense. His continued red zone contributions will be important, especially as the wide receiver position looks to develop its own identity. Warren is a great competitor who does well in contested pass situations. While he did have six drops in 2023, that is an area for continued development this season.
The pipeline of developing players is also solid. In addition to Johnson and Warren, Khalil Dinkins showed up on the 2023 stat sheet. He will be relied on to continue to develop and contribute in 2024. The redshirt junior appeared in 12 games in 2023, delivering five catches for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Jerry Cross (redshirt sophomore) and true freshman Luke Reynolds could also factor into game planning.
Weaving the tight ends into the overall offense and contributing will be tight ends coach Howle. Howle enters his fifth season as a coach at Penn State and fourth as a tight end coach. He was an offensive lineman for Penn State during his college years. Following a few different roles, including at North Carolina State and Western Illinois, Howle returned to Penn State and has become one of the country’s best tight end coaches.
Kotelnicki is creative, and multiple tight ends will likely be a continuing component of the Penn State offense. The ability for Warren to contribute at or above his 2023 level is paramount. Additionally, players like Dinkins will have ample opportunities to show their value to the team. For the Penn State 2024 tight ends, optionality is key.
The Bottom Line
As a preview for the Penn State tight ends in 2024, despite losing a key piece, the unit should remain a strong point for the overall offense and team.
The team loses production and experience with the departure of Johnson via the NFL Draft.
Warren slots in as the undisputed leader at the tight end position. He was arguably the best tight end on the roster in 2023 and should continue to improve in a year of continuity working with Allar.
Bringing it all together is new offensive coordinator Kotelnicki. His offenses at Kansas had strong running games opening big plays in the passing game. The tight ends should be primed to take advantage of that and contribute. Of course, having a talent like Warren on the roster will give Kotelnicki optionality within the offense. Kotelnicki’s ability to work with Howle to maximize the production of the tight ends will also be an unlock for the continued development of quarterback Drew Allar in 2024. More attention from the defense to the tight ends also means less attention to the wide receivers and running backs, opening up potential for them. They can also block and support the offensive line.
The ability to stay healthy is also of paramount importance for the tight ends. While there is some inherent depth there already entering the season, beyond Warren there is not a ton of experience.
If all goes according to plan, the 2024 Penn State tight ends will be a strong point. First, the new offense of Kotelnicki must mesh well with Howle and his tight ends. Additionally, Allar and Warren need to continue their growth. Next, the unit must stay healthy, and if or when there are injuries, the next player must step up. If those factors are satisfied, Warren should be a player to watch nationally, and the next generation of Nittany Lions tight ends should begin to show themselves as worthy of playing time. Overall, optionality is key as a preview for the Penn State tight ends in 2024.
