Kyle Vasey was engulfed by teammates following a conditioning session Tuesday when James Franklin announced he had earned a scholarship.

The senior long snapper from Lackawaxen, PA, started all 13 games at the position last season after taking over for Ty Yazujian. Vasey’s younger brother, Dan, joined the team as a walk-on last September.

Franklin has made a habit of awarding scholarships to players who have gone above and beyond to help the team in whatever role necessary when numbers allow it. Guys like Von Walker, Billy Fessler, and Brandon Smith come to mind.

Vasey will play a key role for the Nittany Lions this season as they break in a new kicker, whether that’s incoming freshman Jake Pinegar or punter Blake Gillikin.

Vasey and Gillikin formed an immediate chemistry in 2017, helping Penn State to flip the field on its opponents more often than not. Special teams will again be a strength for the Nittany Lions this fall after several seasons of lackluster play in that phase of the game.

Vasey, who attended Wallenpaupack High School, is working toward a degree in rehabilitation and human services.