Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1514597
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 2 9 Schlaffer still needs time to add weight but could find a role next fall. The same goes for Cross. Reynolds, then, is the wild card of the bunch. On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power has long admired his fluid route running and has called Reyn- olds "the type of tight end the modern NFL gravitates to." Don't be surprised if first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki finds a way to get Reynolds involved if the freshman can hold up against Big Ten defenders from a block- ing perspective. Reynolds is rated the nation's No. 49 overall player and No. 3 tight end in the On3 Industry Ranking for the class of 2024. "We've done a really good job of re- cruiting and developing the tight ends room," Lions coach James Franklin said. "Tyler really helps us. There are some guys behind him who we think are really talented, but it sure is nice to have a vet- eran back while those guys are gaining some experience. It's a real positive for us in the [Peach Bowl] and a real positive for us moving into the [2024] season." Building A Résumé The move is a real positive for Warren, too, of course. He does not yet have the NFL Draft profile Johnson does, but he has the talent to reach that level or even exceed it by this time next year. "Obviously, he and Theo both had some decisions to make," Franklin said. "Theo made his decision, and we're very, very supportive of that. And, Ty- ler made his, and obviously we're sup- portive and excited about that. Now, we have a responsibility for all these guys, just like we did with Olu [Fashanu], to make sure that we do everything in our power, that it was the right decision. And again, healthy discussions with both Tyler, Tyler's mom and dad, Coach [Ty] Howle, myself, [strength coach] Chuck Losey of what that would look like. "And we've been fortunate, [general manager of personnel and recruitment] Andy Frank does a really good job, him and Chuck Losey, working with all the NFL scouts and GMs and getting really good feedback about where guys are at. But the other thing is, it's not about where you're being anticipated or predicted to be drafted, but what are your strengths? And then what are your weaknesses? And if a guy decides to come back, how do we at- tack those weaknesses over the next seven months so that they're in a much better position next year, and so are we as an organization?" Warren spring-boarded into the 2024 season with a massive Peach Bowl performance. He led the Lions with 5 catches for 127 yards and finished the year with 34 receptions for 422 yards and the 7 scores. It was the latest sign that he is ready to lead the Penn State tight ends room in 2024 and take his career, and NFL Draft profile, to new heights. "Obviously, we're excited to have him back, not just because of his talent and all those things, but from a leadership standpoint, a guy that's played a lot of football for us," Lions tight ends coach Ty Howle said. "As far as going through the process, [it was a matter of] just try- ing to help guide him and help him make the best decision for himself because, at the end of the day, it's his decision. "You want him to be happy whichever way it went. So, that was the big key for me in helping him. 'Look, man, here's the pros, here's the cons, all the differ- ent scenarios.' I'm super happy that he's back, not just from a football stand- point, but from getting to be around him for another year and coach him. He's a pleasure to coach and a great kid, and he works his tail off." ■ "Tyler really helps us. There are some guys behind him who we think are really talented, but it sure is nice to have a veteran back while those guys are gaining some experience." J A M E S F R A N K L I N 2024 LOOK AHEAD Warren was Penn State's second-leading pass catcher in 2023, finishing with 34 receptions for 422 yards. His 7 touchdown catches were tied for the team lead. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL