Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1454229
3 6 M A R C H 2 0 2 2 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M M ehki Flowers has long been a two-way standout on the football field. That was true both before and during his time at Steelton-Highspire (Pa.) High, and also was the case at the school where he finished his prep career, Central Dau- phin East in Harrisburg. Flowers committed to Penn State on New Year's Day 2021, and he signed with the Nittany Lions in December. When he picked PSU, he explained that he could see himself as a receiver at the next level as opposed to a defensive back. But by the time his name tag was fas- tened to the "big board" of official mem- bers of the class of 2022 inside the Lasch Building two months ago, it was clear that his career would start on defense. "I grew up playing both sides of the ball, so to me it comes naturally," said Flowers, the nation's 183rd-ranked overall pros- pect according to the On3 Consensus. "Looking at their situation, both [position groups] play fast, and that's what I love to do, so I just feel like I'll be a perfect fit." It's not out of the question to think that the 6-foot, 185-pounder could one day play on both sides of the ball. Current Nittany Lion senior Marquis Wilson, the only player on the current roster listed as an "athlete," is a good example of that. However, Penn State prefers that its freshmen focus on one spot as they ad- just to college life. The transition includes living away from home and doing college- level academic work in addition to the many athletic responsibilities. So, the Li- ons decided that Flowers would suit up on the defensive side of the ball for now. Penn State actually has two potential two-way players in its 2022 class. Texas athlete Cristian Driver, the son of for- mer Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl receiver Donald Driver, also will begin on defense despite having a strong high school re- sume as an offensive player. They could both eventually do other things, though. "We want as many defensive backs with ball skills and length as we can pos- sibly find, and I think these two guys fit those characteristics perfectly," Penn State coach James Franklin said. "I'm ex- cited about their future and what they're going to do. "I think you could see those guys do- ing other things, too — returning kicks, returning punts, and maybe even playing some wide receiver down the road." Flowers, who was offered by Penn State following a 7-on-7 camp early in his prep career, has long dreamed of playing for his home state school. Now, he's just months away from starting to do so. "Home is where the heart is," Flowers told BWI. "Staying home means a lot to me. I like having family be able to come out whenever. The second reason is the coaches. They just made me feel special, made me feel at home when I first stepped onto campus." ■ Flowers was pursued by Virginia Tech, Kentucky and Pitt but wanted to stay closer to his home in Harrisburg, Pa. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER Mehki Flowers Looks To Excel In Nittany Lions' Secondary G R E G P I C K E L | G P I C 9 2 @ G M A I L . C O M MEHKI FLOWERS S | 6-0 | 185 CENTRAL DAUPHIN EAST HIGH HARRISBURG, PA. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE consensus ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 183 5 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 8 8 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 170 11 6 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 149 9 4 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 241 13 7 STATISTICS • Recorded 65 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions in his senior season. • Made 62 catches for 1,089 yards on offense and had a four-interception game on defense to help Central Dauphin East win the District III title during his junior season. • Had 56 receptions during a sophomore sea- son in which he played primarily on offense. • Had 50 catches as a freshman at Steelton- Highspire High. NOTABLE • Was a four-time team captain. • Named Player of the Year by PA Football News, EasternPAFootball.com and PennLive. com in 2020. • Was a two-time all-state pick and Mr. Penn- sylvania Football semifinalist. RECRUITMENT • Committed to Penn State on Jan. 1, 2021. • Recruited former defensive coordinator Brent Pry and former safeties coach Tim Banks. • Picked Penn State over Virginia Tech, Ken- tucky and Pitt. • Officially visited on June 25, 2021. 2022 PROJECTION Flowers is likely to redshirt, but Penn State has needs at safety and on special teams, and that means he could see action in at least four games. THEY SAID IT Lance Deane, Central Dauphin East head coach: "One of the best things about Mehki is his true desire to help others, especially younger kids, and he wants to impact others' lives. He wants to make his family proud. He made an immediate impact as a leader in our program, fo- cusing on accountability and wanting to win and making that the standard. Overall, he's very tal- ented and can play multiple positions. Everything he is does is physical, but he's explosive and is always ready to make a big play." BWI analyst Thomas Frank Carr: "Flowers doesn't always seem like he's the fastest player on the field, but he's elusive and can run by most defenders. When you combine this with his frame and growth potential, it's easy to see why he would make a very appealing safety prospect."