Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
Penn State Football has had a history of true freshman making an impact.
Last year itk was Max Granville and Luke Reynolds. In years past, it’s been Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons. The Nittany Lions have been able to bring in true freshmen and get early returns on them.
In the class of 2025, Penn State signed 28 high schoolers. That was good for the 13th-best class in the country.
Penn State has gotten some early returns on some class of 2025 players on both sides of the ball. But, the most impactful player has come on the defensive side.
Chaz Coleman Sets Pace for True Freshman
Unsurprisingly, through seven games, Defensive End Chaz Coleman has had the most production. Coleman’s name was buzzing during all of fall camp, and he has had some ups and downs, but has been productive.
Coleman has played in all seven games. The Warren, Ohio native has notched 7 tackles, 3 Tackles For Loss, 1 Sack, and a Forced Fumble.
Most of Coleman‘s production came in the first 3 games for Penn State, but he has still seen action all year. Recently, his snaps have decreased, but interim Head Coach, Terry Smith stated that Coleman has missed time due to an illness. As Coleman continues to recover, his impact should be able to get back to where it was in the non-conference.
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Other Freshman Making a Strong Impression
Chaz Coleman, Daryus Dixson, and Yvan Kemajou have all burned their four game redshirt this season.
Kemajou and Dixson have made substantial impacts in their young careers. The three aforementioned names have really been the only freshmen to play meaningful reps throughout most of the season.
Koby Howard will likely see an uptick in reps as the season goes on. The youngster from Florida caught a pass from Ethan Grunkemeyer in the Iowa game, and Terry Smith seems willing to let him play.
With the way the season has gone for the Nittany Lions, it would make sense to play more freshmen.
Who knows how next year will look, coach and roster-wise, so why not burn some redshirts. There is little reason to hold back now. As Terry Smith said, “empty the clip.”
Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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