Penn State corners find strength, talent in competitive spring

By the time Penn State corners coach Terry Smith was asked about Johnny Dixon on Wednesday night, he had to issue a disclaimer.

Meeting with the media at the final spring practice availability ahead of Saturday’s Blue-White Game, Smith had already spoken glowingly of corners Joey Porter Jr., Kalen King, and Marquis Wilson. And, nickel specialist Daequan Hardy would get praise soon after. 

Describing Penn State’s corners room as “pretty deep” as it emerges from spring practices, with another set of highly regarded prospects enrolling in May and June, Smith has a happy problem on his hands.

“My room is really, really talented. And, for those guys to embrace it is hat’s off to them,” Smith said. “We’ll figure out a way how to play them all because they’re deserving.”

Penn State’s approach to finding cornerbacks

For Penn State to do so would be something of a departure from the 2021 campaign, though.

With established starters at both corner positions in Tariq Castro Fields and Porter Jr., Penn State had two of its top seven defensive rep-getters on the edges. Adding Hardy to the mix, who was Penn State’s full-time nickel, the equation expanded to three of the top 14.

In reflecting on his eight seasons with the Nittany Lions, however, Smith noted that his intention to spread playing time among his talented collection of corners is well-founded. 

“Last year was a little bit different for us. But, if you look over the past eight years, we’ve typically played four corners,” Smith said. “On a given year, you’re gonna play who you think is capable of playing. So, if the fifth guy is capable, we’ll figure out how to get him in. Obviously, (Hardy) plays at the nickel.”

As presently constructed, the room offers just such a scenario for Penn State this spring.

At the top, Porter Jr. is expected to “anchor” the room, Smith said. Coming off a spring in which he’d done exactly that, the standards for the fourth-year junior are both glowing and lofty.

“Hopefully, Joey can take that side of the field away,” Smith said. “He’s had a great spring. I mean, when he’s on the field, everybody on the offense knows it. His presence is felt. It’s tough to get off of releases. The guy is physical. He had a big hit on Monday at practice. He’s imposing. He’s just got to continue to build on that and build his confidence, fine-tune him, get him healthy all the way, and get him stronger. He’s a big guy, so we’re expecting a lot from him.”

‘Iron sharpens iron’

Similarly, Smith praised the development of Penn State sophomore Kalen King, who he said has “lined up with the ones” frequently this spring. Following flashy true freshman season, a “more mature” approach has created excitement for his potential within the room. Dixon, meanwhile, is said to have embraced the competition this spring and is playing “really, really well.”

Add in Wilson to the mix, who returned to the position full-time at the end of the 2021 season and has remained there this spring, and Penn State has an environment Smith and the rest of the coaching staff are constantly seeking.

“We got a pretty deep corner room. When you talk about Kalen and Joey Porter and Johnny Dixon and Marquis and Daequan Hardy, and then we got a couple of freshmen coming in that we’re excited about, it’s really competitive. And so those guys can’t afford days off because we have the luxury of being able to replace them. So I love where the room is.”

Suggesting that Penn State’s new defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz, has taken a creative approach to maximize the talent within the unit, Smith floated dime packages with six defensive backs and four corners as a possibility this season. 

Hoping to continue to build on a foundation both broad and strong at the position, it’s an opportunity Smith is admittedly thrilled to see for Penn State this spring.

“We just want those guys to keep challenging each other,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron and they’re all getting better behind the competition.”