Tyriq Blanding aims to rejuvenate Penn State defense
NEW YORK (BVM) — The statement one always seems to hear in football is, “Defense wins championships.” That statement could ring true for Penn State in the future with the addition of a defensive talent like Tyriq Blanding.
As a junior, Blanding played in all nine games for Christ the King and registered 49 total tackles (47 solo, two assists). Blanding also recorded four sacks and recorded one fumble, according to MaxPreps. Unfortunately, the Royals finished the season with an overall record of 1-8.
However, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman will aim to finish his prep career on a higher note. Alongside his preparation for this season and the future, Blanding was fielding interest from numerous programs like Miami, Michigan, Penn State, Oregon and other DI programs.
Blanding ultimately decided to commit to Penn State.
110% committed #weare #PSU pic.twitter.com/Q18DRQvZNk
— Tyriq Blanding (@Tyriq58) June 18, 2022
With Blanding’s commitment, Penn State’s connection to New York remains strong.
“Penn State realizes how much New York matters to football and how important it is to give us a chance,” A.J. Locke, a preferred walk-on QB from New York, said to Penn State Comm Radio. “There are ballers from New York, but we just don’t get the opportunities that kids from other states get, but Penn State takes its time and makes sure every kid gets evaluated equally.”
There’s no doubt it’s an exciting time for Blanding and those around him. One can tell that he’s focused on his final high school season. However, there’s no doubt Blanding is the top player from the Empire State. When it’s all said and done, Blanding is more than capable of showing the nation that New York can become a hotbed for recruits like him.
