Penn State Football: The 2023 Safety Room is Loaded with Talent

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 22: Zakee Wheatley #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Jaylen Reed

STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Jaylen Reed #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Beaver Stadium on November 26, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Jaylen Reed has changed his number from #7 to #1 this season, so keep that in mind while we enter the 2023 season for Penn State football.

Reed’s strength is tackling. He is not afraid to come up and make a stop, he really can fill the gap well in run support on defense. What impresses me the most about Reed is his speed to the ball, he can locate the ball carrier very quickly.

In 2022, Reed appeared in all 13 games where he accounted for 31 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 pass breakups. He is still waiting for his first career interception, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that comes this season.

Reed and Wheatley are interchangeable at the safety position. I could see either of them starting back there, Manny Diaz might adjust the starting lineup based on the team Penn State is playing in a given week.

Regardless of who starts, Reed is a key piece to the rotation as we move forward with the 2023 season.

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