Zakee Wheatley
Measurables: 6’2″ / 190 lbs.
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Expected Role: Backup Safety
It’s interesting projecting [autotag]Zakee Wheatley[/autotag] to be in a backup role this season. He showed flashes of production last year, recording 27 tackles, picking off two passes and forcing a fumble. However, his 64.8 overall PFF grade left something to be desired.
Wheatley struggled in pass coverage despite his two interceptions. Despite his slight frame, he graded out well in run defense which is a good sign. It’s expected that Wheatley and Winston will battle for the starting safety role throughout the offseason. Even if he doesn’t win that battle, he will certainly be on the field as part of the platoon this year.
Jaylen Reed
Measurables: 6’0″ / 208 lbs.
Year: Junior
Expected Role: Backup Safety
[autotag]Jaylen Reed[/autotag] actually had more snaps than starting safety Ellis last season. He’s projected in the backup role because his upside is limited compared to the others at the position. Reed was most effective in run defense last season. He recorded 31 total tackles and two of them were for loss.
Where he struggles is in pass defense. His PFF coverage grade of 56.6 ranked 637th out of 770 safeties. There is certainly a role for Ellis on this team. He’s a run-stopping safety and will play a huge part in stifling the run for Penn State. The hope is other safeties on the roster can shoulder the coverage load so Ellis can focus on his strength of run defense.