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‘I Feel Like I’m One of The Best Safeties in The Country’: Penn State S Jaylen Reed Feels Some, but Not Enough National Love

Penn State safety Jaylen Reed now has a signature moment
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 26: Penn State safety Jaylen Reed (1) intercepts the ball for a pick six during a college football game between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Penn State University Nittany Lions on October 26, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire)

Penn State safety Jaylen Reed feels he’s starting to get national attention but not as much as he would like.

Reed has been a key contributor to Penn State for the better part of his three and a half seasons in college football.

This year, he’s had to take on a bigger role. Another talented safety, projected 2025 first-round pick Kevin Winston Jr., went down with a long-term injury after Week 1.

This past Saturday at Wisconsin, Reed made the signature play of his Penn State career. It was a pick-6 in the second half which gave Penn State a lead it wouldn’t lose.

Despite Reed’s heroics, when Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back, announced its 15 semi finalists, Reed wasn’t there.

This suggests that Reed isn’t yet getting the national recognition he and many Penn State players, coaches and fans feel he deserves.

‘I’m Gonna Keep Saying That’

Penn State safety Jaylen Reed had his signature moment at Penn State Saturday night

Jaylen Reed looks on as Penn State gets set to take the field for their matchup at Maryland.

When Reed spoke with reporters following Penn State’s practice Wednesday, he said he feels he’s starting to receive more recognition.

But he wants more.

“I’m starting to get (national attention),” Reed said. “I feel like it should be more, though. I feel like I’m one of the best safeties in the country. When you see what I’m putting on tape, what I’m putting on film, I feel like I am, and I’m gonna keep saying that.”

Penn State HC James Franklin and the boys are buzzing at 7-0 and again have a high place in the rankings.

MADISON, WI – OCTOBER 26: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates a touchdown durning a college football game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 26th, 2024 at Barry Alvarez field inside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire)

At the top of his Monday presser for Ohio State week, coach James Franklin shouted out Reed and defensive tackle Zane Durant as players he feels should be getting more love.

“I think they deserve to be a part of conversations nationally. Jaylen Reed and Zane Durant,” Franklin said. “I think they’re playing really, really good right now in a lot of different ways, a lot of different reasons. Proud of those guys.”

“Their development within our program, both on and off the field, has been impressive. To see how they are, in a lot of ways, leading our defense right now, verbally as well as through their play. Really proud of those guys. They’re having a very, very productive season.

Reed leads the team in tackles with 44, has a forced fumble and two interceptions.

No. 3 Penn State is scheduled to take on No. 4 Ohio State at noon on Fox Saturday. 

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