Latest news with #KhalilDinkins
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins poised for breakout 2025 season
Khalil Dinkins, the most seasoned tight end on Penn State's roster entering 2025, takes on a leadership role that he has earned through years of steady development and unselfish play. Dinkins has the opportunity to move from being a supporting player to the center of the Nittany Lions' emerging offense now that Tyler Warren is in the NFL. 2024 in Review Dinkins participated in 15 games last season, starting six of them. With 14 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns, he frequently helped with red-zone and short-yardage packages. Dinkins' value extended far beyond his stat line; to quarterback Drew Allar, he was a reliable safety valve and a trusted blocker. Biggest question for 2025 Will Dinkins escape the role-player mold and become a featured weapon? Dinkins, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 251 pounds, is physically capable of doing more. Dinkins has a chance to progress in his role as offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki begins his second season and the tight end room gets smaller as a result of transfers and graduation. 2025 will be a success if... In terms of yards and touchdowns, Dinkins moves up to be one of Penn State's top three pass-catchers. He continues to convert challenging third downs and remains a popular red-zone target. He improves his NFL draft stock with consistent, significant play in the closing minutes. 2025 will be a disappointment if... Dinkins fades into the background in a crowded offense with few strategic touches. He misses mismatch opportunities or struggles to escape coverage. Great moments come and go without his number being called. Realistic outlook for 2025 Dinkins is in a strong position to become one of Penn State's most productive and significant offensive players, despite not leading the team in targets. In goal-line sets and third-down scenarios, his size, hands, and experience should be vital. If Dinkins does that, he could end his college career as one of the Big Ten's most reliable tight ends. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State TE Khalil Dinkins ready for breakout 2025 season
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luke Reynolds could be the next big Penn State tight end in the making in 2025
While most of the attention in Penn State's tight end room is focused on Khalil Dinkins this year — and rightfully so — there's one guy that might end up being the secret weapon no one sees coming. His name is Luke Reynolds, and if you're sleeping on him heading into 2025, you might want to wake up fast. At 6'4' and 252 pounds, Reynolds looks like the kind of dude you'd create in a video game. He's got the size to bully defenders in the red zone, the length to high-point any ball, and the raw athleticism to move like a wide receiver. When you put all that together, what you really get is a matchup nightmare — especially when the field shrinks near the goal line. What separates Reynolds is how natural he looks catching the football. He's not just some big body who can block and occasionally get a look in the flat. He can run clean routes, box out linebackers, and create separation with footwork most tight ends his size just don't have. In practice and scrimmages, he's already flashed major red zone ability — now it's about doing it when the lights come on. The chemistry between Reynolds and Drew Allar is another key reason to believe in a breakout. Allar is heading into his senior year, and he's looking for trustworthy targets, especially in clutch spots. With so much attention on the receivers and Dinkins, Reynolds could end up being Allar's go-to guy when it's 3rd and goal from the 6. The timing's been there during spring ball, and the confidence is growing. Don't be surprised if he starts snatching touchdowns like candy on Halloween. The thing is, Reynolds doesn't need to be the top tight end on the stat sheet to make noise. What he brings is situational dominance. Think back to how former Penn State tight ends like Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth were used — Reynolds might not put up 700 yards, but his red zone usage could skyrocket if he keeps proving he's that dude when it counts. And if he has the season I think he could have? Don't be shocked when NFL scouts start buzzing. It only takes a few plays on national TV — a big third-down conversion here, a one-handed touchdown catch there — to get people talking. Reynolds has the physical profile teams crave, and he's got one of the best quarterbacks in the country throwing him the ball. Luke Reynolds might not be a household name yet, but come November, that might change real quick. If Penn State is serious about making a playoff run, he's going to be part of it. Quiet now, loud later — that's the vibe. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Luke Reynolds is about to have a breakout season for Penn State
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Previewing the 2025 season for Penn State TE Khalil Dinkins with his player profile
Previewing the 2025 season for Penn State TE Khalil Dinkins with his player profile Going into the 2025 football season, Nittany Lions Wire will examine each player listed on the Penn State roster. Over the preseason, each profile will cover the player's background, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for James Franklin this season. Splitting time with now-NFL players Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren, the path to playing time has been filled with obstacles for veteran tight end Khalil Dinkins. Entering his fifth season on campus, he's poised to push for a starting role and potentially see career highs in 2025 as the Nittany Lions push for another deep run in the College Football Playoff. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Wexford, Pennsylvania Height: 6-4 Weight: 243 lb Class in 2025: Redshirt senior Recruiting Rankings Class of 2021: 4-star recruit by 247Sports, No. 33 tight end Dinkins was ranked as a 3- or 4-star by different recruiting services, and though he's shown flashes, it's been hard for him to earn consistent playing time in a loaded position room. Career Stats Games Receptions Yards Touchdowns Yards per reception 2022 10 4 53 1 13.3 2023 12 5 57 2 11.4 2024 15 14 122 2 8.7 Depth Chart Overview Dinkins will battle sophomore Luke Reynolds for the starting role this season following Warren's move to the NFL. Reynolds has impressive physical traits and arrived with high expectations as a blue-chip recruit, but Dinkins has been around the block and will push for the TE1 role in 2025, his final college season.
