A player who could play a key role in the Penn State offense is back at practice.
In the team’s 34-12 win at West Virginia Week 1, TE Khalil Dinkins did not play.
Although we won’t know if he’ll play against Bowling Green until Saturday, the fact that he was practicing Wednesday is a good sign.
Khalil Dinkins (16) back at practice after missing the last few sessions and being inactive against West Virginia pic.twitter.com/LUwELHbLei
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) September 4, 2024
Dinkins was seen at practice during the media’s weekly viewing window. If he’s able to go Saturday, he’ll be the team’s No. 2 TE behind Tyler Warren. In Dinkins’ absence, second-year player Andrew Rappelyea filled that role, playing 24 snaps. Touted True freshman Luke Reynolds played 12 snaps in the win.
As with any player on the offense, a lot of Dinkins’ success will depend on new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Kotelnicki knows how to coach tight ends, as evidence by the fact that he interviews for Penn State’s vacant tight end coaching position before the 2021 season. Even with former OC Mike Yurcich, Penn State was known for using two-tight end sets, and there’s no reason to think that will change. The question is whether Dinkins will be able to fend off second-year tight ends Rappleyea and Schlaffer, as well as former five-star Luke Reynolds, for the second tight end position.
Last season, Dinkins played in 12 of 13 games, ending the season with five catches for 57 yards and two touchdowns.
Penn State’s home opener against Bowling Green is scheduled for Noon on the Big Ten Network. As one could imagine, No. 8 PSU is heavily favored. The last time Penn State opened up with a MAC team at Beaver Stadium, it beat Ohio 46-10. QB Drew Allar threw his first college touchdown pass that day.
