With tight end Khalil Dinkins missing Penn State football’s season-opening victory over West Virginia last weekend, redshirt freshman Andrew Rappleyea moved up a spot on the depth chart.

While starter Tyler Warren saw all of the pass-catching action at tight end, hauling in three targets for 30 yards and a touchdown, Rappleyea made an impact off the stat sheet.

The 6’4″, 250-pound Rappleyea only appeared in three games last year, but he was confident in his ability to perform this season if called upon.

“I felt totally normal,” Rappleyea said. “It was long anticipated, exciting, and there were a lot of mixed emotions, but I thought it was just another day at the office.”

The confidence Rappleyea has in himself extends throughout the coaching staff, too. Franklin spent time during the offseason praising Rappleyea and other younger players in the room like Luke Reynolds and Joey Schlaffer, and was happy with the depth the Nittany Lions had at the position.

That depth, though, was tested early when Dinkins was absent from the game on Saturday. According to Franklin, Rappleyea filled in nicely.

“[Rappleyea] played really well, and we’ve had a ton of confidence in him for a while,” Franklin said. “Football is very important to him. He works at it, he’s committed, he’s athletic, and he’s a great route runner.”

While Rappleyea and the rest of the room proved they could handle the position, Dinkins was back on the practice field in pads during the media practice viewing session on Wednesday.

Franklin said he’s optimistic that the veteran will play during the home opener against Bowling Green on Saturday, but also noted that there’s more to returning to gameplay than just being able to practice.

“He’s missed a ton of time, both mentally and physically, so we have to knock the rust off and see if he’s ready,” Franklin said. “He can be a weapon for us, but if we feel he’s not physically or mentally ready, we have some guys like Luke, Joey, and some others that can fill that role.”

The younger players waiting in the wings have spent preseason camp watching and learning from the top tight end in Warren, who had 422 yards and seven touchdowns alongside fellow starter Theo Johnson last season.

This year, Warren has been a vocal leader for the room, demonstrating the dedication and grit needed to succeed at the position.

“He’s never got anything bad to say,” Rappleyea said. “Being able to play under him and play with him while learning from him in every aspect has been absolutely great.”

Because of the leadership on and off the field, Warren has garnered attention from Franklin and the rest of the coaching staff. In a long list of elite Penn State tight ends, Franklin believes Warren can be another.

Behind him, though, are even more players Franklin is excited to develop.

“I keep saying Tyler Warren is the most complete tight end in the country, and I think [Rappleyea] has a chance to be one of those guys as well,” Franklin said. “I think Warren is leaving a legacy of how to practice and how to work. It’s a really good group.”