Penn State receiver Tyseer Denmark pushing to show 'pure dominance' in 2025 as spring practice continues

Tyseer Denmark arrived at Penn State last summer with hopes of cracking the Lions’ rotation at receiver. He ultimately preserved his redshirt in 2024. The Philadelphia native saw time in just three games. In total, he finished with 43 snaps on offense, per PFF. He turned those into two receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown. To some, it was a disappointment. To the now redshirt freshman, though, it was all a learning experience that set him up to take a big leap this spring and summer.

“What really helped me last year was staying patient,” Denmark said Tuesday. “A saying I have is I can always get greater later. The man above has what’s best for you. You can’t rush your time. And I had guys in front of me who helped me with my process. They helped me stay motivated, locked into the playbook, and stay in love with the game.

“There were no distractions even though I wasn’t playing as much. We have a great culture at Penn State. I was like a little brother to [the older guys on the team]. So it wasn’t really a bad thing not being able to play. It helped me a lot getting ready for next fall.”

Denmark learned plenty from his first season at Penn State

Denmark shouted out everyone from future top 15 NFL Draft pick Tyler Warren to a number of older receivers and even defenders like Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley for helping him with his process as a true freshman. While he may not have taken as many snaps on the field as some thought he might, he made massive gains learning from a group of older players that propelled the team to a College Football Playoff semifinal experience.

Some of them are back this year, of course. But, only one, Liam Clifford, plays the same position as Denmark. As Penn State prepares to take the field for its 10th spring practice Tuesday night, the competition continues at receiver. Denmark is one of many players hoping to carve out a role for himself in the offense this fall. And he knows what he needs to do to create it.

“It’s been great so far,” Denmar said. “Taking what I learned last year watching the guys in front of me compete and getting after it every game, that translated a lot to my game, securing catches, always making the QB right, and playing with speed.

“With my game, I just go out there and play with pure dominance with the extra reps I’m getting, competing as hard as possible, and making sure we compete at a high level.”

What does pure dominance look like?

“I say for me, just making sure I take care of my body, make sure I’m always ready to play, knowing the offense in and out; it’s going out there and playing with no fear, to my capabilities, and with confidence and playing fast.”

Read more updates from Tuesday’s Nittany Lion play calls here inside The Lions Den forum

Denmark is working a lot on the slot this spring. He’s also getting plenty of work at punt returner. The two share plenty of familiar things that are needed to be successful at the position. One is making tacklers miss, which is an area the Penn State Class of 2024 signee feels he excels in. As for an area for improvement, he pointed to needing to be more consistent. If he can do that, there’s no reason to think he can’t play with the ‘pure dominance’ he speaks of this fall.

“I feel as though I got to become more consistent out there on the football field,” Denmark said. “I can’t make one play and then have a bad habit or mental error. I have to go out there and be more consistent with every play and everything I do so the team feels like they can put trust and confidence in me and there is no doubt. I have to put more effort into what I’m doing without the ball than when I just get the ball.