Penn State Football: Three impactful newcomers in 2023

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Sep 4, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes wide receiver Dante Cephas (14) receives the pass from Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Dustin Crum (not shown) during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dante Cephas, Wide Receiver:

Penn State football came into this off-season, ensuring new starting quarterback Drew Allar would have as many experienced weapons as possible.

Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley are gone, and Penn State football went to the transfer portal. Kent State wide receiver is one of the better pass catchers in the doorway, and the Nittany Lions got him.

Cephas finished second on the team in receptions and yards in 2022. The senior redshirt had his breakout season in 2021 when he had 82 receptions, 1240 yards, and nine touchdown catches for the Golden Flashes. With last season’s leading receivers gone, Cephas can step in as a plug-and-play starter.

Cephas is an explosive receiver who can play flanker, split, or in the slot. Penn State will need Keandre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace to step up, but they should see single coverage with Cephas drawing attention.

Penn State needed a proven pass catcher who can take the top off a defense, and Cephas fits the bill. He will allow Allar to show off that elite arm strength down the field. Expect Cephas to be an instant difference-maker in Happy Valley.

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