Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516624
M A R C H 2 0 2 4 51 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / P L A Y E R B I O S / / / / / / / P hiladelphia cornerback Kenny Woseley Jr. couldn't have scripted a better conclusion to his senior season at Imhotep Charter. After three straight runner-up finishes in the PIAA state championships, two of which he started, Woseley and the Panthers were able to finally get that elusive crown, defeat- ing Peters Township in the Class 5A title game. "We've been there the last three years, so to finally get it done, especially in my senior year, it just felt amazing," Woseley said. "It's something we've worked for since February with the team, but really my entire life. Everyone knew the goal. It feels great that we accomplished it." Woseley was one of the first players to commit to the Nittany Lions in the 2024 class, announcing his decision in March 2023. He earned a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions well before that, with cornerbacks coach Terry Smith offering him in June 2021 following an impressive performance at Penn State's annual Lion Strong seven-on-seven tournament. Woseley went on to take four more vis- its to campus prior to his junior season, making it clear the Nittany Lions were the team to beat. Cincinnati, Maryland, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse and West Virginia also earned visits during that stretch. Offers from Georgia and Michigan in the spring of 2022 piqued his interest, but the relationship he had formed with Smith was too strong for any school to overcome. By the end of his junior year, it was just a matter of time before Woseley ended his recruitment. That announce- ment came on March 3. After revealing his choice, the young cornerback made sure to highlight just how significant a role Smith had played. "He cares about his players, on and off the field," Woseley said. "I can say that about the whole coaching staff, to be fair. They're always making sure you're good. But with Coach Terry, he was real consistent with me. He offered me before most schools. Coach came to both of our state championship games. He came to the school numerous times to see me. He just showed how much he cares." Woseley had his best season in 2023, totaling 6 interceptions, including a game-winner in the end zone against Maryland powerhouse Archbishop Spalding in September. He said there were "numerous areas" in which he had improved since his junior year. "You always have to keep improving on your technique, and then definitely in that leadership role, too, with me now being a senior," he said. "Last year was my first time in a leadership role during my junior year. So [it was a matter of] just sharpening up on that. "I also worked hard at getting stronger and faster to get ready for the next level. I took that seriously my whole high school career, but I really tried to improve on that even more, knowing that I'm play- ing in the Big Ten next year." — Ryan Snyder CB | 5-10 | 165 Imhotep Charter Philadelphia Rankings Stars Nat. Pos. State On3 Industry ★★★ 624 63 15 On3 ★★★ — 84 23 ESPN ★★★ — 53 17 Rivals ★★★★ — — 10 247Sports ★★★ — 53 15 Statistics • Totaled 29 tackles and 6 interceptions as a senior • Had 20 tackles and 10 pass breakups as a junior • Led Imhotep to a 36-5 record in his three sea- sons at the school Notable • Led Imhotep to a PIAA Class 5A state cham- pionship in 2023 • Two-year team captain • Three-year starter Recruitment • Committed to Penn State on March 3, 2023 • Officially visited on June 9, 2023 • Recruited by cornerbacks coach Terry Smith • Picked Penn State over Michigan, Nebraska and Rutgers 2024 Projection Woseley won't be enrolling until the summer and will need time to add weight, so we expect him to redshirt in 2024. However, he's also an ideal nickel back at the college level, which is a position every cornerback can play. If he can adapt quickly, we wouldn't be surprised if he sees action earlier than some may expect. They Said It BWI analyst Thomas Frank Carr: "The player who keeps coming to my mind when watching Woseley is former Penn State cornerback Grant Haley. Haley was a smaller, physical player with good speed and the versatility to play inside or outside. When he got to the NFL, his lack of elite traits made him a journeyman, but he hung around because of his other characteristics like agility and short-area quickness. "Woseley has a similar appearance on tape. The difference is that cornerbacks coach Terry Smith has elevated the entry bar. Recent cor- nerbacks such as Joey Porter Jr., Kalen King and Johnny Dixon all possessed elite traits in some form or fashion. That contrast means Woseley needs to continue to raise his game to meet a higher threshold. If Smith thinks he can do it, it's a good bet that he can." Woseley enjoyed his best season last fall, totaling 6 interceptions to help Imhotep win the PIAA Class 5A state championship. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER KENNY WOSELEY JR. Continuous improvement is Imhotep cornerback's objective T H E W O S E L E Y F I L E