Penn State’s tight end picture has changed: The 2022 top 3 are now a 2023 big 2

Penn State’s tight ends were in the middle of everything that went right for the Nittany Lions’ offense in 2022.

PSU’s top three at the position possessed the size and skill to be factors as blockers and receivers. The offense averaged 433.6 yards per game and scored just under 36 points per contest.

Now the Lions must replace one of the best tight ends in the Big Ten. But there is help on the way.

Penn State’s 2023 tight ends are up next in PennLive’s early look series.

Top returnees: Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren

Johnson and Warren combined for 30 receptions, 451 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions. Penn State relied on plenty of two- and three-tight end sets to create headaches for opponents. Former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford looked for his tight ends often in the passing game and the wide bodies were effective as blockers in a running game that amassed 2,354 yards and 28 touchdowns in 13 games.

Moving on: Brenton Strange

Strange was the Lions’ most consistent and most complete tight end last season. He led the group in catches (32), yards (362) and touchdowns (five). Strange earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference’s coaches.

Player to watch: Khalil Dinkins

Dinkins appeared in eight games in 2022. The North Allegheny High School graduate caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-4, 238-pounder, in his third year, has the inside track to the No. 3 tight end spot in the fall. Penn State’s coaching staff will also take a long look at second-year Lion Jerry Cross, a four-star signee who redshirted last fall.

2023 signees: Joey Schlaffer, Mathias Barnwell

The true freshmen, both four-star talents, enrolled early to take part in spring practice. The 6-5 Schlaffer, who prepped at Exeter Twp., needs to add weight to his 220-pound frame. Barnwell, listed at 6-6, 250, could be tried at another position if he gets too big.