How do you go about replacing someone like Tyler Warren? The All-American, who will hear his name called early in the first round of the [NFL Draft](https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft), lined up all over the field in 2024, setting program, conference and national records for productivity. It won’t be easy to replace the guy who had the best single-season for a tight end in Penn State history, but it sure helps to have Luke Reynolds waiting in the wings.
Reynolds didn’t exactly wait during his true freshman year, proving too good to stay off the field in 2024. It shouldn’t have been much of a surprise to see him on the field considering his pedigree. Reynolds came to Penn State as the top tight end in his class, and 29th overall best player. Thanks to the presence of Warren and Khalil Dinkins, who is set to return for his senior year, Reynolds wasn’t forced to be a focal point too early. Rather, he was able to gain experience playing in all 16 games, while he gradually saw more meaningful snaps and targets as the season progressed.
Reynolds totals as a true freshman were promising — nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, as well as a 32-yard run that was one of the most memorable plays of a wildly eventful 2024 season.
After a failed third down attempt, Penn State was nearly forced to punt from deep inside their own territory, clinging to a one-point lead against a tenaciouss Minnesota squad that was determined to ruin Penn State’s playoff chances on their Senior Day. Instead, Reynolds took the snap as an upback and exploded up the sideline for a 32-yard gain, giving the Nittany Lions a much-needed fresh set of downs. Penn State would go on to run out the clock, clinching a hard-fought 26-25 victory.
The biggest endoresemt of Reynolds potential for me came from the outstanding Cover 3 podcast ahead of hi freshman season. While evaluating the elite prospect camps, Reynolds name was given as the guy who outworked and outperformed everyone there. They noted that he was the guy who stood out for always hustling in drills, then going out and making plays against the most highly-touted defensive players in the class. That sure sounds like someone who is poised to be a difference-maker over the next two or three years in Happy Valley.
Reynolds will no doubt play a major role in the offense this season, and will become an extremely valuable target for Drew Allar, especially with more questions than answers for the wide receivers room yet again.
Reynolds will have the opportunity, and could very well prove himself to be the Big Ten’s best tight end during his sophomore year.