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.
.@JaylenReed03 boosted @PennStateFball
to the 28-13 win over Wisconsin as he recorded an interception and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter! His efforts in the victory earned him the Winning Moment of the Week! 👏#WeArePennState | Sponsored by @PALottery pic.twitter.com/TyLouPIygQ— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) October 30, 2024
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.
Penn State didn’t have any players on the preseason watch list for the Thorpe Award (nation’s top DB) & no Nittany Lions are among the 15 semifinalists for it. Jaylen Reed probably deserves to be in the conversation. https://t.co/zJLqaiFflb
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) October 29, 2024
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’
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.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.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.”
“I feel like I’m one of the best safeties in the country… and I’m going to keep saying it.”
I asked Penn State safety Jaylen Reed if he feels he’s getting enough national recognition for his play.
He says he thinks he’s getting more, but not enough yet. pic.twitter.com/B7XdkiJgsv
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) October 31, 2024
WHAT JAMES FRANKLIN SAID
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.
