Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1430714
1 2 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State has figured out its plan for freshman safety Jaylen Reed. Speaking at his weekly news conference prior to the Nittany Lions' matchup with Michigan, head coach James Franklin said that the first-year defender from Detroit will continue to see the field in the team's remaining games. In other words, Reed is not redshirt- ing this year. When he saw action against the Wolverines — his fifth game of the season — he lost the opportunity to have the season not count against his collegiate eligibility. "We're going to play him," Franklin said ahead of the Michigan game. "He wants to play. He's ready to play. We need him on special teams. We need him in some of our defensive packages, as well. I think that will help him moving forward for next year." Reed became the second true fresh- man player to burn his redshirt this sea- son, joining cornerback Kalen King, who played in each of the Nittany Lions' first 10 games. Prior to the Lions' home finale against Rutgers on Nov. 20, Reed had four tack- les while playing primarily on special teams in addition to earning some snaps at safety. Franklin said Reed's understanding of the game enabled him to make a quick transition to the college level. "Football makes sense to him," the coach said. "He's a football-smart guy. He's obviously a physical guy. You guys have seen flashes of that, as well, and he can run. So, we're very high on Jaylen." There are several other members of Penn State's 2021 recruiting class who could follow the lead of Reed and King and forsake their opportunity to redshirt. The Nittany Lions have been fortunate that injuries and other issues have not forced them to play many first-year players this season, but a handful of freshmen had played in two or more games heading into Rutgers' visit to Beaver Stadium. Linebacker Kobe King is at the thresh- old after playing four games, but he hadn't taken a snap since the Indiana game in early October. His absence signals that Penn State would likely prefer to redshirt him if it can. From there, linebacker Jamari Bud- din can still play in one more contest before a decision must be made on his status. Receiver Harrison Wallace has two games to go, while safety Zakee Wheat- ley has three. All other Penn State freshmen could play in every remaining game and still redshirt. "There are some other guys who can fall into that category, but they're not right now," Franklin said. "[Reed] is probably the main one in terms of a conversation that needs to be had with [the media]. … He's probably the one that jumps out the most to me, and we discussed it in a staff meeting" in the week leading up to the Michigan game. There is a factor that could change the plan moving forward: injuries. Penn State clearly has a plan in place, but that plan can change if someone gets hurt late in the season or if other issues pop up. "Obviously, we have some injuries," Franklin said. "Some of those things could change, but we do try to, obviously, keep track and be aware of where they're at in terms of number of games." — Greg Pickel Seven Lions Nominated For National Honors As a team, Penn State hasn't enjoyed the kind of season it hoped to have in 2021. But a number of Nittany Lions players have turned in outstanding individual efforts and have been named as finalists or semifinalists for a variety of postseason awards. With the season winding down, here's a list of the Penn State players who are in contention for some of college football's most noteworthy individual honors: NAME POS. YR. AWARD(S) AWARD RECOGNIZES Jaquan Brisker S Sr. Bednarik Award Nation's top defensive player Thorpe Award Nation's top defensive back Noah Cain RB Jr. Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Overcoming injury or illness Sean Clifford QB Sr. Jason Whitten Collegiate Man of the Year Leadership, sportsmanship Wuerffel Trophy Community service William V. Campbell Trophy Academic/athletic performance Jahan Dotson WR Sr. Walter Camp Player of the Year Nation's top college player Brandon Smith LB Jr. Butkus Award Nation's top linebacker Chris Stoll LS Sr. Burlsworth Trophy Nation's top former walk-on Jordan Stout P/K Sr. Ray Guy Award Nation's best punter Safety Jaylen Reed To Forgo Redshirt, Other Freshmen May Follow Reed, a true freshman from Detroit, has played on spe- cial teams and at safety during his first season with the Nittany Lions. PHOTO BY THOMAS FRANK CARR