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By Neil Rudel
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
ATLANTA -- While most of the news surrounding college football rosters in December centers around players leaving, Penn State is buoyed by tight end Tyler Warren's decision to return for 2024.
Warren caught 29 passes for 295 yards this season, including seven touchdowns, which led the team.
"I think really it does come down to what makes me happy in the moment and what was best for me," Warren said. "So that was kind of the thought process. I'm focused on the Peach Bowl, and there's a lot to accomplish with this team."
Warren, a Virginia product, has 11 career touchdowns and 44 catches through three seasons.
He's six scores away from becoming Penn State's all-time leader in touchdowns by a tight end, a record held by Pat Freiermuth.
"I think I definitely improved over the offseason and into this season, and there's still things I can get better at as a tight end," Warren said. "I thought I was the best teammate that could be on the field, and that's something I focus on a lot. So I was proud of that. But I think there's still stuff I could improve on."
Warren came to the decision after consultation with his parents, coaching staff and Penn State's personnel department that gathers NFL input.
"I think Tyler really helps us because there's some guys behind him we think are really talented, but it sure is nice to have a veteran back while those guys are gaining some experience," James Franklin said.
Wallace return?
Wide receiver Trey Wallace, who missed the last four games with a shoulder injury, has been practicing and may return vs. Mississippi.
Wallace caught 15 passes this season and was especially effective as an underneath target for Drew Allar.
"Having Tre back is something that the offense needs," Allar said. "I think he brings a lot of positivity to that room. He's a very consistent receiver. As we all know, he's a very explosive receiver vertically."
Mixed signals
In an effort to modernize sideline operations, and in reaction to the much-publicized Michigan sign-stealing scandal, the NCAA agreed to allow coach-to-player helmet communications as a bowl season experiment.
Fourteen of the 44 bowl games will include it, Yahoo Sports reported.
Penn State vs. Mississippi, however, won't be one of them.
Both schools had to agree to the arrangement. Penn State was willing, but Ole Miss balked.
"We decided on our side not to," Rebels coach Lane Kiffin said. "We're used to a system in college football how it's been, and I don't necessarily think with the (up-tempo) style that we play that it would be as beneficial to us as maybe it would be to some other people."