Penn State cornerback room remains focal point as former players take on Pro Day

Daequan Hardy, Kalen King and Johnny Dixon all roamed around on the turf in Holuba Hall Friday morning, donning Penn State gear as NFL coaches and front office personnel looked on.

Those three corners were a major part of the Nittany Lions’ defensive success in 2023 and they’re also why there are questions about the team’s defense in 2024. All three will be difficult to replace at a tough position to play, creating questions about the corners this coming season.

But according to Dixon, who didn’t participate in the Pro Day due to an injury, there isn’t much cause for concern.

“It’s a room full of dogs,” Dixon said. “They all want it. You can tell in their play style that they’re just gritty guys. They’re all tough. They all play with an edge. I love it. I was at practice yesterday and they had me turnt. I’m excited to watch them. ... I’m really intrigued by the whole room.”

The team will have plenty of competition for the spots with Elliot Washington II, Zion Tracy and Cam Miller all returning with their eyes set on starting, while incoming transfers Jalen Kimber and A.J. Harris bring even more talent to the group.

Regardless of who takes that step, King is confident that the corners are in good hands with cornerbacks coach Terry Smith.

“Coach T is one of the most genuine guys I’ve met,” King said. “Ever since my recruitment, he’s kept it real with me. The way he runs his room, it’s always competitive. There’s never a time to chill because spots are never certain. Every day you’ve got to earn your spot.”

Keaton Ellis takes the next step

Friday’s attention was, for the most part, on the likes of Olu Fashanu and Adisa Isaac and the other Nittany Lions who are projected to go relatively early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the day may have been even more important for the other players participating.

Players like Keaton Ellis, who was not invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, making this his best opportunity to impress those around the NFL. He was able to capitalize by running a 4.43 40-yard dash and handling himself well in positional drills.

The moment was about more than the drills for Ellis, though, who took part in the workout in his hometown as a State College native, in front of his high school coach, Matt Lintal.

“It’s awesome to have him be able to be here,” Ellis said. “I worked so hard and there’s so many people that helped me out along the way. ... It had to start somewhere and he was the coach that really pushed me and made me realize how high my ceiling was. I’m just thankful to be able to do it in State College and perform the way I performed.”

Lintal told the Centre Daily Times that Ellis invited him to the Pro Day a few days prior, and the school district allowed him to attend.

The invitation brought back memories for Lintal about his former player, but most of all it made him proud.

“It’s really special,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him and who he is as a person. Obviously he’s had a ton of success on the field and a ton of success preparing for a day like today. But it’s more than that with him. He’s just such a great young man and we’re proud to have him represent our program here at Penn State and hopefully beyond. He’s way more than just a great football player. He’s a tremendous young man.”

Theo Johnson and the next great tight end

Few Nittany Lions have helped themselves more heading into the draft than tight end Theo Johnson. Johnson impressed athletically at the combine and saw his stock rise based on that and his performance at the Senior Bowl. He took part in positional drills Friday, once again excelling and likely pushing his stock higher.

Despite that, Johnson may have been even more excited about the Penn State tight end that could be participating at next year’s Pro Day.

“A lot of people have asked me about (Penn State tight end) Tyler (Warren),” Johnson said. “I’ve told everybody he’s gonna be the first tight end off the board next year. I think he’s got a chance to be an All-American, Mackey Award winner. He’s a very special player. Since he’s been here he hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves. ... I’m a firm believer in Tyler Warren. I think he’s a great teammate and a great player.”

Warren was a major factor in the offense alongside Johnson in 2023 and should see that grow exponentially with his former teammate departing for the NFL.

But Johnson said his growth isn’t only about opportunity, it’s about what he did to reach this point.

“He embodies all that you want as a tight end,” Johnson said. “(He’s) gritty, hard working, great mindset when it comes to blocking, can wiggle himself open in the pass game. I think he’s got everything that you want in a tight end and I think that’s why he’s gonna really shoot for the stars this year.”