Penn State Football CB Kalen King Named 'Player to Watch'

Kalen King figures to play a starring role in the Penn State Football secondary in 2023, and is quickly garnering national preseason recognition.

King, 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, will aim to replace 2023 second-round NFL Draft pick Joey Porter Jr. in the Nittany Lions‘ defensive backfield this fall.

Ahead of King‘s sophomore season, 247 Sports listed the Detroit native as one of College Football’s ‘Rising Stars’ for the 2023 season:

The other cornerback opposite Joey Porter in 2022, Kalen King might end up being better than Porter by the time he finishes his Penn State career. In fact, King is already on the short list of the best cornerbacks in college football. A 247Sports True Freshman All-American in 2021, King made a huge jump last season. He picked off three times as many passes (3 INTs) than touchdowns he allowed (1). He also held opposing quarterbacks to a 45.8 completion percentage despite drawing a high volume of targets playing across from Porter.

<< BUY PENN STATE FOOTBALL GEAR >>

Last season, King burst onto the scene with 30 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery to go with his three interceptions.

Viewed as a centerpiece of the defense, those close to the program believe King is a driving force behind some of the high expectations for Manny Diaz’s defense in 2023.

There’s a very real chance that King will finish the upcoming campaign as a first-team All-Conference, even potentially an All-American, if he plays up to his lofty potential.

Especially after Pro Football Focus lists King as the highest-graded cornerback in 2022, with a 93.1 overall mark. If King can replicate that success — or build on it — he’ll be just as difficult to throw on as Porter Jr. was last season. Perhaps even more so.