Penn State Sports Magazine
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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 2 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Ten championship team. Freiermuth is with the Steelers, Strange with the Jag- uars and Gesicki with the Patriots. An- other PSU alum, Nick Bowers, is on the Dolphins' practice squad after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. Johnson and Warren will have a chance to join those players someday, but for now they're focused on getting the most out of a partnership that has already been highly productive. "Having a guy like that next to me, on the field with me, it makes me a better player," Johnson said. "And I'd like to think that I make him a better player by pushing him and communicating with him and making sure we're all doing the right things at the same time. Playing with Tyler for all these years has been really great, and I have a friend in him for sure." ■ In most college offenses, being the third-string tight end might mean a few first-team snaps here and there but mostly garbage time work in the second half of a blowout. In the Penn State offense, however, the player in that position holds a key, if not oft-used, role in the team's attack. This year, that spot on the depth chart belongs to third-year sophomore Khalil Dinkins. One week, his role may be to work almost exclusively as a blocker, either in the team's traditional heavy third-down package or in its short-yardage T-for- mation set of play calls. Another week, he may be used more as a pass catcher. Either way, the Wexford, Pa., native has to be ready at a moment's notice for a potentially big moment. Dinkins had just 3 catches through Penn State's first nine games this season, but the first two resulted in touchdowns. He's also had his hand in some other scores, too, in the "T" package. While he had played comparatively few snaps, he felt he had taken full advantage of his opportunities. "I think just going out there and executing the play, and just being able to catch the ball in a big-time moment is a key factor for me to just keep playing and be- ing on the field," Dinkins said. "I can easily read that call, and I know if I'm about to get the ball or not. It's good to know that Drew [Allar] can trust me to catch the ball when he's making that throw." Dinkins has not had as quick of a path to the field as some of his fellow 2021 signees. He redshirted during his first year on campus. In Year 2, he played of- fense and special teams, finishing with 4 receptions for 53 yards and a touch- down. At the time, he was the team's fourth tight end behind Brenton Strange and current juniors Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren. Dinkins has learned plenty from all three. When Strange left early for the NFL after last season, everyone moved up the depth chart. "Tyler and Theo have been great mentors all throughout my sophomore year," Dinkins said. "Especially Theo, he's always been taking me under his wing and coaching me up. "Brenton did the same thing, and Tyler is the same way. Even though I don't get that much playing time, it's nice to see them play, and when big-time mo- ments come, they're going to make that play." Dinkins has made his plays, too, even if his opportunities have been fewer and further between. Tight ends coach Ty Howle has enjoyed seeing his progress. "He's been really fun to watch, from the time he was a freshman to now," Howle said. "He's grown from a physical standpoint. He's athletic and can do some really good things. I've been happy that, when his number is called, he's stepped up and made some really big plays. He's grown from freshman year to now and from spring to now." A big reason for his success so far this fall is the work he put in during the off- season. It prepared him for the moments when he's on the field and has helped him thrive so far. "I think Khalil has done a tremendous job with strength and conditioning and nutrition," Howle said. "He's added weight, and he's grown from a football IQ standpoint. He's very talented and has a lot of gifts. "A big thing I saw this summer [was him] spending a lot of time with Theo and Tyler and picking their brains and going through his process. Those were the big things you saw in spring and summer. He continues to grow." — Greg Pickel Backup Khalil Dinkins Making The Most Of His Opportunities Dinkins caught 2 passes through Penn State's first eight games this season, both for touchdowns. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL