Penn State tight ends draw excitement from coaching staff this season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 3:46 AM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Football

Summary

Penn State football coaches express enthusiasm about the team's tight end depth as they begin the season. New offensive line coach Ryan Clanton highlighted the use of a formation featuring four tight ends, which has been emphasized in practice. The group includes transfers Ben Brahmer, Gabe Burkle, and Cooper Alexander, along with returning players Andrew Rappleyea and Finn Furmanek. Coaches are pleased with their skills and cohesion, noting the potential for varied offensive setups. The tight ends’ performance in early practices has been promising as they work towards the upcoming schedule.

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Status Watch

•Andrew Rappleyea decided to stay at Penn State after the season.
•Coaches express excitement over the tight end group's performance in practices.
•Brahmer, Burkle, and Alexander joined the roster as transfers this season.
•Coaches expect to utilize multiple tight end sets frequently during games.
•Burkle aims to return to full participation after recovering from a knee injury.

Latest Updates

3:46 AMYahoo Sports — Penn State football: Tight ends’ talent, depth have coaches “super excited”

What they're saying

"
When Andrew Rappleyea was deciding whether to stay at Penn State or transfer after last season, he received a message from new Nittany Lions offensive line coach Ryan Clanton. “Coach Clanton sent me a picture of one of our formations,” Rappleyea recalled. “It was 14 personnel (one running back and four tight ends). He said, ‘We need you here.’ It was pretty funny. They use tight ends a lot. ...
— Yahoo Sports

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