All 105 is a Nittany Sorts Now series profiling each Penn State football player. In this edition, we’ll profile true freshman tight end Joey Schlaffer.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 230 pounds
Hometown: Reading, PA
Before Penn State: Schlaffer’s PSU ties run deep. His older brother, Michael Menet, was Penn State’s starting center from 2018-20, twice being named All Big Ten. Menet, like Schlaffer, excelled for Exeter Township. Schlaffer came to Penn State as a three-star recruit, committing in October 2021. Before signing with Penn State, Schlaffer had an excellent senior season, going for 879 yards and nine touchdowns on 38 receptions. He ended his career with the all-time county records for receiving yards (2,493) and touchdowns (28).
Where he stands: Schlaffer doesn’t need to be an impact player in 2023 because Penn State’s tight ends should makeup one of, if not the deepest, position groups on the team. Although Brenton Strange is now a Jaguar, Theo Johnson is back and is the favorite to succeed Strange as the team’s No. 1 tight end. Tyler Warren is projected to be right behind him, and Khalil Dinkins is looking to break out in his third year. Further down the depth chart, Penn State has Jerry Cross, a Class of 2022 four-star who didn’t play last season due to injury. Schlaffer’s classmate, ‘23 four-star Andrew Rappleyea, is another player Penn State and its fans are excited about.
A quote by Schlaffer: (Menet) obviously has nothing but the absolute best to say about Penn State. I’ve been visiting since he was a recruit, so I know how they run things and it’s very admirable and respectable. They have a family, they really do.” — Schlaffer to 247Sports after his commitment
A quote about Schlaffer: “I’m really proud of you. And I just think you have such a bright future. You’ve matured in so many ways, and then to watch you and the type of year you had, not only on the football field but also academically, and now you’re going to be here in a very, very short period of time.” — James Franklin to Schlaffer via Zoom last December on his signing day.
