Penn State has developed a reputation for quality tight end play over the past decade, and that’s a big reason why Joey Schlaffer hasn’t yet broken through in two seasons.
The Reading product is entering his third season now.
In Year 1, he was playing behind Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins.
Last season, Johnson was in the NFL, but Warren turned in the best season by a tight end in Penn State history en route to winning the John Mackey Award. Now, Warren is an Indianapolis Colt but Penn State has a guy who could be just as good in Luke Reynolds.
Additionally, Dinkins is still in the fold, Andrew Rappleyea is back from injury and blue-chipper Andrew Olesh is making his college debut.
So where does Schlaffer stand?
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 252 pounds
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.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).
2023: Like most freshman, Schlaffer redshirted his first season.
Last Year: Schlaffer played in four games.
Where he stands: As mentioned above, Penn State has a lot of talent in the tight end room, so it’s no guarantee that Schlaffer will get a lot of playing time. With that said, he’s been learning from NFL talent, plus position coach Ty Howle over the past two seasons. That knowledge could help lead to a breakout in Year 3.
A quote by Schlaffer: “I was aware that high school and college football at a place like this are two completely different things. My brother (former Penn State center and three-year starter Michal Menet) is a perfect example. He got redshirted and then didn’t play much his second year either. “He told me before I got here that it’s very rare to come in and start or get really good minutes as a true freshman. It’s a grind. People work a long time to get a starting spot at a place like this.” — Schlaffer at this year’s second-year player media availability in February 2024 via Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle.
A quote about Schlaffer: “He’s doing good. He’s having a really good spring. He’s continued to put weight on, which was a big piece. Like most tight ends when they come in, a lot of our guys are big receivers or quarterbacks. The biggest aspect is putting the weight on and becoming strong enough. Because we’re gonna be physical at the point of attack. He’s done a nice job this spring, like, ‘Hey, that’s my big focus. That’s my big focus.’ So I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from him.” — Penn State TE coach Ty Howle on Schlaffer this spring via Lions247.
