Unbeaten Penn State’s roster is loaded with star players.
Tyler Warren, Abdul Carter, Drew Allar, Jaylen Reed, Zane Durant, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen make for a long list of standouts that has gotten longer as the season has progressed.
But let’s not forget about the contributions of these five Nittany Lions.
A.J. Harris — The former Georgia corner has upgraded Penn State’s depth at the position significantly, as has UCLA transfer Jalen Kimber.
Harris has impressive size (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) and athleticism.
Harris, rated a five-star prospect by 247Sports coming out of high school, has 19 tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass breakups and an interception.
If not for a block in the back penalty on fellow PSU corner Zion Tracy, Harris would have scored on a 51-yard interception return against Illinois.
Ryan Barker — Penn State was in a need of an upgrade at kicker after Sander Sahaydak made two of his first five field-goal attempts.
Enter Barker, a walk-on from Kennett High School. Barker made both of his kicks in the Lions’ win over UCLA, then went 4 for 4 in a 33-30 overtime win at Southern Cal. Barker’s longest field-goal try is 40 yards. It will be interesting to see how far Barker’s range extends.
Vega Ioane — The Lions’ third-year offensive lineman is the starting left guard, and he also can play center. One of the biggest Lions, the 6-4, 348-pounder plays the game with an attitude.
His physical style shows up when Ioane lines up to the left of the center, or when first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki gets devious and aligns him out wide. Ioane then motions back inside and looks to lay out a defender.
Do not be surprised if Ioane is targeted in the passing game or runs the ball at some point during the second half of the season.
Zakee Wheatley — Penn State’s fourth-year safety has seen his role grow since fellow safety Kevin Winston Jr. suffered an undisclosed injury in the Lions’ second game against Bowling Green. Winston has not returned.
Wheatley is tied for third on the team in tackles with 27. His fourth-quarter interception against Bowling Green was a big play in the Lions’ seven-point win. Wheatley also made a huge play in run support against UCLA. He stoned Bruins running back T.J. Harden for a 1-yard loss on a fourth-down snap from the PSU 23 in the first quarter.
Nick Dawkins — Penn State’s offensive line has been a bright spot despite having to replace three starters from the 2023 team. Dawkins, an older player, replaced Hunter Nourzad at center. He consistently has drawn praise from the coaching staff and his teammates. The Lions’ O-line has also received a lift from new right tackle Anthony Donkoh.
