Penn State Freshmen Intros -- Defensive Tackle Tyriq Blanding
Few members of Penn State's 2023 recruiting class was more overlooked and less talked about than defensive tackle Tyriq Blanding. Blanding was the lone defensive tackled signed by the Nittany Lions last cycle.
Blanding comes to Penn State from Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, New York. Penn State's prime competition for Blanding was Michigan,with the Nittany Lions beating out the Wolverines following Blanding's official visit to Penn State last June.
Where does Blanding fit on the roster?
Blanding is a player who should be a lock to redshirt this fall. Blanding has good size to work with at 6'2", 280 pounds. However, he will need time in the strength and conditioning program to add the strength and mass he needs to compete in the Big Ten.
Additionally, Blanding did not play much defensive line in high school. Due to this, he has a lot to learn about the fundamentals, techniques, and basics of playing defensive line.
Penn State's defensive tackle room is also a deep one. All of this will likely lead to Blanding being a few years away from significant, important game reps with the Nittany Lions.
Blanding is a very raw player. Due to this, he is likely 3 years away from being in position to crack Penn State's defensive tackle rotation. Hopefully Blanding can follow in the footsteps of fellow New York defensive tackle Kaleb Artis by making quick gains while on campus and proving to be ahead of schedule in a lot of ways.
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