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but like other Division I coaches, James Franklin and his sta7 saw his potential at tight end immediately. They actually had Warren run some routes before he headed home. Because he was just entering his soph- omore year, Penn State decided that it was best to monitor his progress the fol- lowing season. Virginia Tech, however, had seen him up close a few times by then. A9er watching some early-season 6lm, the Hokies not only extended an o7er that fall, they went on to earn a commitment from Warren to play quar- terback in August 2018. He thought his recruitment was over, but it picked up again during basketball season. That's when 6lm began to spread of Warren jumping out of the gym, and it didn't take long for some of the nation's best programs to become even more in- terested in his potential at tight end. Gray said that Alabama, Clemson and Michi- gan were just a few of the schools that began contacting him more o9en. Fortunately for Penn State, the sta7 had already been in contact, which helped Warren feel comfortable with them. About a month a9er the coaches were able to get him and his family on campus for an uno8cial visit this past April, he decided to open up his recruitment. War- ren o8cially switched his commitment to the Nittany Lions on July 3. "Throughout the whole process, all three coaches [Franklin, Tyler Bowen and Ricky Rahne] were open and honest with us," Warren said. "I think that says a lot about the culture and the type of people who are at Penn State. That's what ex- cited me and my parents about the op- portunity." For his senior season, Warren threw for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 677 yards rushing and another 10 touchdowns on the ground, and 10 catches for 208 yards and two TDs. Atlee 6nished just 4-5, but it was arguably Warren's best season. "He did so much for us this year," Gray said. "It wasn't even just about what he did on the field. He helped lead some of our younger guys and really showed them how it's done for the future. He was an example for our young quarter- back and just went about everything the right way. "Tyler has the chance to be a special player for Penn State." Just don't expect him to talk about his accomplishments much in the Beaver Stadium press room. ■ THE WARREN FILE STATS Played quarterback, running back and tight end for Atlee High... Completed 65 of 118 passes (55 per- cent) for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns in nine games as a senior... Rushed 94 times for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns... Caught 10 passes for 208 yards and two scores HONORS Named a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, as well as the No. 20 prospect in Virginia... Received All-State, All-Metro and All-Region honors following junior season

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