1 week Ago By Adam Gretz, Yardbarker
The 2024 Heisman Trophy race seems to be down to Colorado's two-way star Travis Hunter and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. They are both deserving and worthy candidates, and one of them seems certain to win. But there is another player who should very much be in that discussion and at least get an invitation to New York for the ceremony next month: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
Not only is Warren a key player on one of the best teams in the country, but he is also proving to be one of the most versatile offensive players in college football. He continued to show that on Saturday against Purdue. First, he took a direct snap when lining up at quarterback and was part of a double-pass play that resulted in a 38-yard play.
The best tight end in college football. #TylerWarren pic.twitter.
com/sgD18TDhHi Later in the game, he again lined up at quarterback and took a direct snap, and instead of a trick passing play, he simply ran 48 yards through the Purdue defense for a touchdown. Here comes #TylerWarren ..
. There goes #TylerWarren pic.twitter.
com/3cD9dSaXdS Every week Penn State seems to have a new wrinkle in its offense for him. Earlier this season, he scored a touchdown on a play where he lined up at center and snapped the football. Aside from the gadgets and wrinkles, he is also just incredibly productive and a constant force on the field.
He entered play on Saturday with 59 catches for 681 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 94 yards on 13 carries and three more touchdowns on the ground. On Saturday, he had eight catches and 127 yards receiving through the third quarter, and 63 rushing yards on three attempts. Realistically speaking, Warren is not going to win the award.
Not only because Hunter and Jeanty are the clear favorites, but also because the tight end position is one that is historically ignored by voters. Only two players at the position have ever won the award, and those happened in 1936 (Yale's Larry Kelley) and 1949 (Notre Dame's Leon Hart). It was a very, very different game in that era.
But whether or not he wins, he as clearly established himself as one of the best football players in the country. A trip to New York and getting honored as at least a finalist would be some worthwhile recognition. If nothing else, he should be getting more attention in the discussion.
He has the numbers that make him worthy. He makes the impact that also makes him worthy..
