James Franklin: Penn State football DB Jaylen Reed was moving at a ‘different speed’

Originally posted on Basic Blues Nation
By Morgan Chapman | Last updated Sep 1, 2024 2:41 PM ET

The Nittany Lion defense for Penn State football 2024 has a different look. Manny Diaz is now at Duke which has brought Tom Allen to the sidelines, but while the defense may look different the results are the same. Penn State only allowed 12 points with the lone touchdown being very controversial. However, a player who couldn’t be missed on defense against West Virginia was Jaylen Reed. Someone who James Franklin was impressed by.

Jaylen Reed is a senior safety for the Penn State football team. On Saturday against West Virginia, he was impossible to miss. It felt like every play he was to the ball the quickest. Reed made West Virginia’s passing game very challenging and he caught the eye of James Franklin after the game.

In a video captured by Joe Smeltzer of Nittany Sports Now, Franklin went out of his way after the game to share his thoughts on Jaylen Reed directly with him.

“You were flashing all over the field early in that game,” Franklin said. “It was impressive to watch. I mean you looked like you were running at a different speed than everybody else.”

Cool moment here.

During Penn State S Jaylen Reed’s post game interview, James Franklin went out of his way to compliment him on his performance in PSU’s win.

“It looked like you were running at a different speed than everybody else at the beginning. It was impressive.” pic.twitter.com/uSTGrpj2rS

— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) August 31, 2024

Reed had a strong first game

According to ESPN Jaylen Reed finished the game against West Virginia with 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. We saw our first look at Tom Allen maximizing the three talented safeties that Penn State has. Reed lined up in the ‘Lion” position which gives him versatility in coverage and the box.

His teammate KJ Winston was The only Nittany Lion with more tackles than Reed. He finished the game with 12 total tackles. A strong performance by the secondary who will return home for their next game against Bowling Green on Saturday at noon ET on BTN

This article first appeared on Basic Blues Nation and was syndicated with permission.

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