Exeter grad Joey Schlaffer impresses during Penn State spring practice

STATE COLLEGE – Joey Schlaffer knew his best opportunity to show what he can do had arrived.

With fellow tight ends Luke Reynolds and Andrew Rappleyea missing Penn State spring practice with injuries, Schlaffer took advantage of his increased repetitions and made an impression.

“I saw a lot of improvement in Joey,” quarterback Drew Allar said after Saturday’s Blue-White Game. “It’s really starting to click with him mentally. Everybody has different journeys. He’s shown flashes throughout his first two years here, but I think he’s really taken the next step.”

Now bulkier at nearly 250 pounds, Schlaffer played the first half for the White team and then moved to the Blue team and the first-team offense in the second half. He had a 15-yard catch for the White and another one for a short gain for the Blue.

Afterwards, Schlaffer sounded optimistic about his spring progress.

“I just kept my head down,” he said. “I haven’t been seeking praise or anything like that. I didn’t really hear that much, but I just know I got momentum going early in the spring. It’s been building, practice after practice, stacking days.

“I think it’s been noticed. I feel like it’s been recognized.”

The 6-5 Schlaffer was a high school star at Exeter, where he was a four-year starter and a three-time all-state selection. He set Berks County career records for receiving yards (2,493) and receiving touchdowns (28).

But when he enrolled at Penn State in January 2023, he weighed just 215 pounds and well short of what’s needed to play tight end for the Nittany Lions. He struggled to gain weight during his first year on campus.

Now, though, he’s finally reached a more optimal weight to play the position.

“It was a challenge,” Schlaffer said. “It was a struggle for a long time. I think part of it is just coming with age. The metabolism is starting to slow down a little bit. It’s just being consistent and having the right habits on and off the field. That’s been helpful.”

He also had to improve his blocking skills and to become more physical, according to tight ends coach Ty Howle.

“Coming into college, I think everybody was aware that I wasn’t in that mold yet,” Schlaffer said. “That was always the goal. We take a lot of pride in having complete tight ends who are polished products.

“I like blocking. It’s all part of being a tight end. The best guys can do it all.”

When he arrived at Penn State, Theo Johnson, Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins were ahead of him on the depth chart. Johnson was drafted in the fourth round last year by the New York Giants, and Warren was taken in the first round Thursday by the Indianapolis Colts after his record-setting 2024 season.

Schlaffer also has had to compete with Reynolds, Rappleyea and Jerry Cross, who has since transferred from Penn State.

“We really put a premium on everyone having their own journey in college football,” he said, “and not comparing your journey to the kids in your recruiting class and the kids in your position room. I’m just pleased with my development right now. I look forward to chasing my goals.”

Schlaffer believes that he improved with the increased workload he had during spring practice.

“There’s only so much you can learn from sitting in a meeting room and watching film,” he said. “It’s another thing when you’re out on the field and the bullets are flying. Having more reps was very good for me. I’m thankful for that experience.”

Schlaffer understands, though, he’s nearing a crossroads in his career in his third year in the program. Penn State brought in two tight ends, Andrew Olesh and Brian Kortovich, in its 2025 recruiting class, adding to the stiff competition in the room.

“I think it’s time for kids in my class,” he said. “The rubber’s going to start to hit the road at some point. There’s a timeline for everybody. I do feel like, yeah, we really gotta kick it in gear here.”