Penn State Sports Magazine
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M A Y 2 0 2 5 2 7 "There were no distractions even though I wasn't playing as much," the Philadelphia native added. "We have a great culture at Penn State. I was like a little brother to [the older guys on the team], so it wasn't really a bad thing not being able to play. It helped me a lot get- ting ready for next fall." Seeking Consistency Denmark shouted out everyone from recent first-round NFL Draft pick Tyler Warren to a number of older receivers, and even defensive players such as safe- ties Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley for helping him with his process last year. While he may not have taken as many snaps on the field as some thought he might, he made big gains by learning from a group of older players who propelled the team to a College Football Playoff semifi- nal appearance. Some of those players are back this year, but only one — redshirt senior Liam Clif- ford — plays the same position as Den- mark. Although spring practice has drawn to a close, the competition continues at wide receiver. Denmark is one of many players hoping to carve out a role for him- self in the offense this fall, and he knows what he needs to do to become a bigger contributor. "It's been great so far," Denmark said. "Taking what I learned last year watching the guys in front of me compete and get- ting after it every game, that translated a lot to my game, securing catches, always making the QB right, and playing with speed. "With my game, I just go out there and play with pure dominance with the extra reps I'm getting, competing as hard as possible, and making sure we com- pete at a high level." What does "pure dominance" look like? "For me, it's just making sure I take care of my body, mak- ing sure I'm always ready to play, know- ing the offense in and out," he said. "It's [a matter of] going out there and playing with no fear, to my ca- pabilities, and with confidence and play- ing fast." Denmark put in a lot of work at the slot position this spring while also see- ing action as a punt returner. There are certain skills that are necessary for both jobs, notably an ability to make would-be tacklers miss. The 5-foot-10, 182-pound Denmark said that's an area in which he excels. However, he also notes that he needs to be more consistent if he's going to achieve the goals that he's working to- ward at Penn State. "I can't make one play and then have a bad habit or mental error," Denmark said. "I have to go out there and be more con- sistent with every play and everything I do so that the team feels like they can put trust and confidence in me and there's no doubt. I have to put more effort into what I'm doing without the ball than when I just get the ball." New Faces Building consistency will be key to Denmark's performance in the years ahead, and it's an imperative that every- one in position coach Marques Hagans' room is keeping in mind. The Nittany Lions' wide receiver corps is almost en- tirely new. Yes, Clifford is back, and so is redshirt junior Kaden Saunders. But Clif- ford caught only 18 passes for 286 yards last year, while Saunders was slowed by an injury and didn't have any receptions. Meanwhile, seven receivers possess freshman eligibility, and three others are transfers, with Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC) arriving in the win- ter, and Trebor Pena (Syracuse) signing in April. Even though the wideout corps is full of new and new-to-PSU players, senior quarterback Drew Allar said the group impressed during spring practice. With offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki preparing for his second season in State College, there's a comfort level that has translated into solid performances all over the field. "The receivers have done a really good job throughout the spring," Allar said. "Kyron and Devonte have been really good additions as players and people. That receivers room has really taken a step forward. "I give a lot of credit to Coach K, Coach Hagans and Coach [James] Franklin. They're providing that room with a lot of opportunity and giving them chances to improve themselves and prove them- selves. They've taken a huge step for- ward. I'm really excited about where that room is at right now and where they're going." Which members of this new-look po- sition group will seize the opportunity that's been presented to them and run with it? Perhaps it will be Denmark or one of his younger classmates; the Li- ons have already welcomed a trio of true freshmen in Koby Howard, Matt Outten and Lyrick Samuel, and those players will soon be joined by Jeff Exinor Jr. Maybe Clifford and/or the veteran transfers will be the ones who shine. In a perfect world, it would be a mix of the two groups com- ing together to find the "right guys," as Hagans put it this spring. But after several years of persistent struggles at this position group — a trend that reached its nadir in the Orange Bowl in January when Penn State's receivers didn't have a catch until the final mo- ments — fans will surely be in a wait-and- see mood over the next few months. Being good in the spring is a step in the right direction, but the progress that was made during the past month will need to carry over into the fall. ■ "A saying I have is, 'I can always get greater later.' The man above knows what's best for you. You can't rush your time. And I had guys in front of me who helped me with my process." D E N M A R K W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M