Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1462941
1 8 A P R I L 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 Having appeared in 52 games in his Penn State career, including 30 starts, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields hopes he has left a legacy with the Nittany Li- ons. And now that his college career is complete, he's hoping to build on those experiences in the NFL. At Penn State's Pro Day on March 24, Castro-Fields talked about his ups and downs as a collegiate player, what's in store as he looks ahead to the draft, and what Penn State followers can expect from the defensive backs who will be returning in 2022. QUESTION: What kind of shape did you leave the cornerbacks room in? And what kind of legacy do you think you'll leave? CASTRO-FIELDS: "Hopefully, I left my mark. I feel like each year, I just tried to lead by example and also lead vocally. So, I think I left a lot of gems. I played a lot of football here. "I think the room is in great shape. We're going to have some people who will have to step up like Joey [Porter Jr.], like DaeQuan [Hardy], Marquis [Wil- son]. They've got to be more vocal. "I think that's the hardest part. Lead- ing by example is kind of easy because you're supposed to work hard. But to be vocal and not overdo it is the happy medium. I think I got good at that." QUESTION: What have you seen in Kalen King's growth as cornerback from his freshman season a year ago to now? CASTRO-FIELDS: "I just think he's just relaxed. As a freshman, he came in highly touted. He was on some lists [of freshmen to watch]. He was my room- mate, and I tried to tell him, listen, those lists are just eye candy. Don't get too up, too down about those things. You've still got to produce on that field. "I think he's finally understanding that. He's maturing. He has to learn a new defense. But once he puts that package all together, he's a special tal- ent. He has no fear. The boy could do it all. For a freshman to tackle like he does, I mean, that's not something that's nor- mal." QUESTION: Is that his best attribute? CASTRO-FIELDS: "I would say his best attribute is probably just his com- petitiveness. He matched up with Jahan [Dotson] a lot last year, and that's a lot to ask for a freshman coming straight out of high school. I always say this, but the sky's the limit for him." QUESTION: What do you think is the next step in Joey Porter's develop- ment as he enters his third year as a starter at cornerback? CASTRO-FIELDS: "I would say more just the mental side of things. Just diving into the playbook, diving into the film. He's a smart guy, but for him to be where he wants to be, which is that first-round type of category, we all know he has all the physical tools and everything like that. "Same as [King]. When he puts it all together, he's going to be like the No. 1 corner coming out next year. So, he just has to keep his head down. I went through this process before he did, so he can ask me anything about how I dealt with it." QUESTION: When you reflect on your decision to return for a fifth year, how did you think it turned out? CASTRO-FIELDS: "I wouldn't change it for the world. … This place made me who I am. I got to leave with Jaquan [Brisker], with Jahan [Dotson], with Jesse [Luketa], AK [Arnold Ebik- etie], you name it. I got to leave out with my guys, which was super important for me. "So, I wouldn't change that decision for the world. Even though the season went however it went, I had a lot of fun last season." QUESTION: Have NFL teams told you where they want you? Have any teams surprised you in how they view you? CASTRO-FIELDS: "I would say some teams brought up the nickel. I didn't play the star like that here. I played the dime. So, a couple of teams liked me at nickel just because I'm smart and I'm able to tackle, and things like that. I think outside corner [is the most likely position], but I'm down to do anything, honestly. You know how it is. I feel like I can do a whole lot that I wasn't able to show here, but I'm ex- cited." ■ Sitting Down With Cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields Coming off two seasons in which he was hindered by injuries, Castro-Fields played in 12 games last year and led the Nittany Lions with six pass breakups. PHOTO BY THOMAS FRANK CARR