Penn State Football: Prized 2021 recruit Kalen King eyeing key role in 2022

With roster and staff turnover, Penn State Football will look to 2021 recruits to fill key roles. Impressive cornerback Kalen King will be one of the recruits that will be leaned on. 

Penn State Football’s 2021 recruiting class at the time of signing was a disappointment.

Despite that, cornerback Kalen King has exceeded expectations and will be instrumental in 2022. With all of the turnover on the defensive side of the ball, The Nittany Lions will lean on young players to stabilize an elite defensive unit. Kalen King will be one of those young players.

Penn State Football loves to use the redshirt on players their freshman year. It takes a tremendous talent for James Franklin and staff to decide to burn that redshirt. This season only two players burned their redshirt, one of those being Kalen King.

"“Kalen King is probably the most advanced freshman that we have had since we’ve been here in terms of his ability to practice and compete, both physically and mentally. He’s really doing well. You’d come to practice and you wouldn’t think that [he is a freshman].”-James Franklin in April after spring practices"

King played in all 13 games and became more involved as the season progressed.

The freshman cornerback finished the year with 23 tackles, five pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Towards the end of the season, King found his role as the spell corner for Joey Porter Jr. and Tariq Castro-Fields. In the Outback Bowl, King saw his most playing time and recorded four tackles, and was in position for many more.

Tariq Castro-Fields used his extra year of eligibility in 2021. Castro-Fields graduating should put Kalen King in line to take over that starting cornerback role opposite Joey Porter Jr. The highly-rated defense is losing six starters. The defense will also be under new leadership after long-time defensive coordinator Brent Pry left. New coordinator Manny Diaz features a similar style which should help the transition.

How Kalen King might fit Manny Diaz’ defense at Penn State Football

Diaz is known for having an attacking, aggressive defense. The success of his defenses relies on pressure, which in turn, turns into turnovers. While King didn’t register an interception this season, the five pass breakups show that he is routinely in a good position.

For Penn State Football to be successful in 2022, the defense will have to replicate its success. A major component to that success will be Kalen King. King will be left on an island and expected to make game-changing plays.

King could be the best cornerback Penn State has had since Amani Oruwariye. From what we saw in 2021, he appears to be ready for the challenge.