All 105 is a Nittany Sorts Now series profiling each Penn State football player. In this edition, we’ll profile true freshman DE Jameial Lyons.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 242 pounds
Hometown: Philadelphia
Before Penn State: Lyons comes to Penn State after a standout career at Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic High School. As a senior, Lyons finished with 64 tackles and six sacks, helping his team to a 9-3 record. Lyons also played at Bishop McDevitt High School in PA, helping the squad to a Catholic league championship as a freshman. After his sophomore year, Bishop McDevitt closed. Lyons was a four-star prospect, committing to Penn State in April 2022 over Boston College, Cincinnati, Nebraska and West Virginia, among others.
Where he stands: Barring something unforeseen, Lyons won’t get much playing time as a true freshman, which is typical for first-year players. At defensive end, Penn State returns Adisa Isaac, who is coming into his fifth year, and Chop Robinson, who has a breakout season in 2022. Penn State also has Amin Vanover, who impressed last season, and Dani Dennis-Sutton, a five-star ‘22 signee who is a big breakout candidate. Lyons also has the capability of playing linebacker and defensive tackle, and that versatility could come in handy.
A quote by Lyons: “I’ve been there a good 10, 11 times since my freshman year, and every time it feels like home. With the coaching staff, there haven’t been many changes, and with the linebackers coach, coach (Manny) Diaz, I think that is a great fit. Coach Diaz, (former defensive line coach John) Scott, (new defensive line coach) Deion (Barnes), they are like a big family over there. They are people I can really trust.” — Lyons to 247Sports following his commitment.
A quote about Lyons: “You may not have known about this guy last year, but by the time it’s all said and done, I think he has a chance to be one of the better ones that have played there.” Lyons’ high school coach, Rick Prete, to Nittany Sports Now following Lyons’ commitment.
