Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1476228
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 3 9 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M tor this fall even if he doesn't win the starting spot. Rodney McGraw | DE | McGraw redshirted in 2021. He could factor into the defensive line rotation as a reserve this fall. Jaylen Reed | S | Reed showcased his potential while racking up 6 tackles and quarterback hurry in eight games last year. He's bat- tling junior Keaton Ellis, redshirt fresh- man Zakee Wheatley and others for the vacancy at safety that opened up with the graduation of Jaquan Brisker. No matter who wins that competition in preseason camp, Reed will likely see plenty of action. Sander Sahaydak | K | Sahaydak saw no game action in 2021. He is battling redshirt senior Jake Pin- egar to be the Nittany Lions' placement kicker and/or kickoff specialist in 2022. Landon Tengwall | OL | One of the highest-rated signees in his class, Tengwall played guard and tackle for Penn State in 2021. He is expected to start at one of the interior offensive line positions in 2022. Davon Townley Jr. | DE | Townley was the scout team's defen- sive player of the week before the Ohio State game last October. However, he redshirted and saw no game action as a true freshman. He hopes to crack the defensive end rotation this fall. Jordan van den Berg | DT | — A late addition to the class from Iowa Western Community College, van den Berg put plenty of size and strength on display in 2021, along with a little bit of speed. He had 6 tackles (2 for loss) and a forced fumble in four games and shared the scout team's defensive player of the year honor. Christian Veilleux | QB | Veilleux saw action as a true freshman when starter Sean Clifford was ailing. He entered the Rutgers game in the first half and led the Lions to a victory, throwing for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns. He will be the backup quarterback in 2022. Harrison Wallace III | WR | Known for his extreme athleticism, Wallace saw action in three games last year but did not record any statistics. He could be the first receiver off the bench in 2022. Zakee Wheatley | S | Wheatley came to Penn State as a cor- nerback and saw action in three games. He won the scout team's player of the week award twice on special teams and once on defense. Wheatley moved to safety this offseason and has thrived at his new position. If he's not the starter, he'll still play often in 2022. ■ R E P O R T C A R D : Players In Class: 16 On3 Team Ranking: No. 19 Players Still At Penn State: 15 We liked what we saw from the handful of players who found their way to the field in Year 1. This class figures to see many players take a big step forward this offseason before moving into prime roles or at the very least key reserve ones in the fall. B+ Top Contributor To Date CB Kalen King: Right from the start, King im- pressed observers with how smooth he was in coverage. He's also not afraid to hit and has a nose for the football. Expect big things from the Detroit prospect in 2022. Unsung Hero DT Jordan van den Berg: There are few exam- ples of a defensive lineman joining a program late in the summer and then playing a bit while turning heads in the fall. That's exactly what the South Africa native did, however, and he ap - pears ready for a bigger reserve role in Year 2. Ready To Make An Impact This Fall LBs Kobe King and Jamari Buddin: Both of these defenders got their feet wet a year ago. Now, Penn State needs both to step up and con - tribute at a position group where the numbers are thin. Expect to see both playing often this fall and making an impact while doing so. Christian Veilleux emerged as Penn State's second-team quarterback late last season and is expected to back up super senior Sean Clifford again in 2022. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL