Put the stats aside: Penn State’s tight ends have historically been a program stability

Penn State’s offense is multi-dimensional — the running back tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen paired with wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and co. and two physical tight ends provides quarterback Drew Allar with a multitude of weapons at his disposal.

Questions have loomed as to how Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren will be incorporated into the blue and white’s offensive scheme, and in the first three games, there has been no definite answer.

Penn State’s tight end model, according to head coach James Franklin, is one that “can’t put them in the categories,” because of the position’s ability to be used dynamically with both the pass and running game.

In total, the tight ends have combined for 127 of the 1402 total yards and just two of the 17 touchdowns. From a statistical perspective, those numbers might underestimate how much of an impact Johnson and Warren have made for the Nittany Lions, but Franklin is more concerned with how his team is finding ways to win.

“There’s going to be some weeks where they have 20 catches and some weeks where the running backs have 30 carries,” Franklin said. “It really just depends on the week and how the game plays out.”

For Johnson, it’s about trusting the process and believing that the receptions and stats will continue to come. In practice, there’s a focus on establishing trust not only with Allar but with the coaching staff so those explosive tight end plays get called come game time.

“Explosive plays are a huge part of not only this offense but success and winning football games,” Johnson said. “That’s something we go over every week — it’s a big part of our philosophy.”

Even without the high marks on the stat sheet, the Nittany Lion tight end blueprint has proven successful. The position has always been a strong focus when recruiting because there is a certain look and standard the blue and white look to maintain in its newcomers.

“I can see similarities in my personality as well as in my game in a lot of those younger guys, and I think that’s just a testament to how we’ve recruited the tight end position here,” Johnson said.

Additionally, that model has been an asset to Penn Staters in the draft. Mike Gesicki, Pat Friermouth and Brenton Strange were all selected in the second round of their respective drafts.

In 2022, the blue and white utilized three tight ends (Strange, Johnson and Warren), who collectively ranked second in the Big Ten in receiving yards and tied for fifth in targets.

However, this year, the tight end impact looks different because of the depth offensively, specifically at the wide receiver position.

“I think they’re doing a great job of being team players right now just because there’s only one ball to go around at the end of the day,” Allar said. “It’s hard to spread it around all the time.”

Franklin has been adamant that his offense won’t be forcing the ball to increase a specific stat. The focus is on delivering the ball down-field safely to whatever option presents itself.

Penn State’s tight ends have brought stability to an offense that has the ability to roar in several different ways that don’t necessarily appear on a stat sheet.

“I’m a big believer in the tight end position having a chance to be a differentiator for you in college football,” Franklin said. “With team success comes individual recognition.”

Amanda Vogt is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amandaevogt@gmail.com