While Jake was recruited as a cornerback, he made the switch to free safety before the season began, and remained there throughout the season while taking a redshirt.  He will enter spring practice in that spot.  Going strictly off of last year’s depth chart, Kiley will likely be 3rd string, behind rising senior Malcolm Willis, and run-on junior-to-be Ryan Keiser.  Barring an injury to Willis, he will certainly be the starter, but back-up reps are going to be up for grabs.

The previous staff left the secondary cupboard bare, and Bill O’Brien and the current staff have made secondary recruiting a priority, with 4 of PSU’s 17 commitments playing in the defensive backfield.  It’s probably too early to guess where Neiko Robinson, Kasey Gaines, Anthony Smith, and Jordan Smith ultimately end up, it seems likely that given the overall depth concerns, at least one could end up at free safety as well.  In short, competition is only going to increase, and everyone will need to pick their game up to get on the field.  Kiley’s familiarity with the defense, and working closely with new defensive coordinator John Butler last season should give him a leg up, especially on Gaines and Robinson, who will not enroll until this summer (Both Smiths are on campus now as early enrollees).

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State

Sometimes you have to forget what’s gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to what’s coming next #WeAre

— Garry Gilliam™ (@GarryGilliam89) July 24, 2012

TE Garry Gilliam has been adamant since Sunday that he remains a Nittany Lion. This is his latest reassurance.

Good thing I didn’t come to Penn State for bowl games…I came for the prestigious degree and the best fans in the country #notgoinganywhere

— Matt Zanellato (@mzanellato) July 24, 2012

Redshirt freshman WR Matt Zanallato

I’m staying, there’s way too much going for this university for me to leave over the loss of bowl games.

— Anthony Stanko(@5tank0) July 24, 2012

Incoming freshman OG Anthony Stanko

 

O’Brien has my back I have his #PennState2013

— Brendan Mahon (@BigBabyMahon) July 23, 2012

2013 committed OL Brendan Mahon

 

Still #PennStateProud WE will get through this together as a family because #WeAre !!!

— Jake Kiley (@PSU_PT_Kiley2) July 23, 2012

Jake Kiley, incoming freshman CB, has been one of the most vocal leaders since Sunday.

 

Penn state forever…I’m not going anywhere

— Eric Shrive(@75shrive) July 24, 2012

OG Eric Shrive, who recently raised over $30,000 for Lift For Life.

 

On Sept.1 Allen Robinson and I will be playing in Blue & White vs Ohio U.

— Bill Belton (@WB_5) July 24, 2012

RB Bill Belton making the announcement for himself and his non-tweeting teammate, WR Allen Robinson.

 

Stop asking if im transferring im staying at PSU no matter what I love my school #WeAre

— Donovan Smith (@PSU_Smith_76) July 22, 2012

Starting LT, redshirt freshman Donovan Smith.

No matter what happens tomorrow #PennState will remain my home for the next four years.

— Evan Schwan (@evan_schwan) July 23, 2012

Incoming freshman DE Evan Schwan on Sunday night.
There are some that I can’t locate right now and various others who have made statements to media or through parents that are staying. They include: Michael Mauti, Angelo Mangiro, Mike Zordich, Gerald Hodges, Matt McGloin and Matt Stankiewitch.

It’s foolish to think that there won’t be defectors, and I don’t fault them for that in this tough time. However, the majority of the players seem to rallying around each other and coach O’Brien.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Bill O’Brien has said that any freshman who come in and show that they’re good enough will earn playing time.