Penn State also adding preferred walk-on Tight End (updated)

Bryce Wilson
(Photo: BeRecruited.com)

Turns out I spoke too soon about Penn State's preferred walk-on situation for 2011. But then again, had I not posted it this morning, I wouldn't have heard from East Pennsboro tight end Bryce Wilson this afternoon. Wilson told me that yesterday he spoke with Bill Kenney, who invited him to be a preferred walk-on this season.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Wilson said he will be invited as a tight end, but also played defensive end for the Panthers.

"When I talked to Coach he was real impressed with my size and strength already... He also said it's definitely difficult to find a tight end who is both equal in blocking and receiving the way I am."

Wilson mentioned that Kenney told him there was a good opportunity for him at Penn State, as there are only two* tight ends returning on the spring roster, plus incoming freshman Kyle Carter.

Last season at tight end, Wilson had 14 catches for 211 yards and seven touchdowns--yes, that's a touchdown every other catch--adding 24 total tackles and five sacks on defense. He is currently making a playoff run with East Pennsboro's basketball team. Wilson was also recruited by Virginia Tech to play baseball.

*Okay, I know you're all freaking out about this. Does it mean Andrew Szczerba isn't returning? We know Mark Wedderburn moved on, but that still would have left Garry Gilliam, Kevin Haplea and Szczerba. I'm working on figuring this one out, so stay tuned for more info when it comes out. For now, chill.

Update: Jeff Nelson said that Andrew Szczerba has not indicated at all that he won't be returning this season. I heard today that the "two tight ends returning" thing could be due to Garry Gilliam's ACL rehab. He was hurt against Iowa, and may not yet be ready to return by the fall. That actually makes a ton of sense. I'm sure this is something someone will have to ask--among the other injury/depth questions--when Joe is available to the press in a few weeks.

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