Once ranked outside of the top 500 players in the 2020 recruiting class, then having to wait for his opportunity behind Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson, Penn State star tight end Tyler Warren has finally cemented himself in the Penn State history books this season.
He has already broken the single-game receptions record in the program’s history, and will certainly be near the top of the single-season reception leaderboard. Head coach James Franklin believes that Warren will be taking home multiple awards after the season.
Penn State James Franklin: “I don’t see how (Tyler Warren) doesn’t win the Mackey Award (for best tight end) and the Paul Hourning Award (for most versatile player). I don’t see how he doesn’t.”
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) November 10, 2024
Warren should easily take home the Mackey Award, given to the best tight end in college football every year. However, the Paul Hornung Award is a stretch for Warren, as Travis Hunter is having one of the most unprecedented seasons in college football, being an elite receiver and corner in the same year. Hunter won the award last year, and it would be shocking to see him not repeat.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki struggled punching the ball in the end zone on Penn State’s last drive against Ohio State just a week ago, so he attempted a new tactic.
What can Tyler Warren NOT do?! 🤯 #B1GFootball
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 10, 2024
📺 Peacock | @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/4MPd19nOeB
Yeah, why not send Warren on a quarterback dive? The 6-foot-6 250-pound tight end leaped his way into the endzone not just once, but twice.
Warren has been essential in the development of Drew Allar, offering him a receiver who will nearly be open on every play. Warren has earned the trust of his quarterback the past two years, and they have been one of the most effective duos in college football this season.
He truly does it all, as so far this season he has hauled in 59 balls for 681 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns, including one passing, three rushing, and four receiving. Warren and Trey Wallace demoralized the Washington secondary, and they made sure the game was out of reach before fans could return to their seats after waiting in line for a chicken basket.
Penn State will need Warren to keep up this exceptional season. He has been the focal point of the offense all season. The Nittany Lions need to win out to punch their ticket to the fresh 12-team playoff. One loss and it would get murky for their chances, so let’s all hope they end the season on a four-game winning streak and bring a playoff game to Happy Valley.