Reporters haven’t gotten an opportunity to hear from Penn State defensive end Chaz Coleman due to a team policy that prevents freshmen from talking to the media, but his play — along with his coaches and teammates — is speaking volumes.
It’s unlikely he would say much anyway, though, as linebacker Dom DeLuca described him as “not a big talker.”
“Dude’s just a workhorse … He’s just about his craft and trying to get better every day,” DeLuca said. “I mean, he’s still learning. Just to see the extra stuff he does and just being able to take his game to the next level is huge.”
The buzz began this offseason when head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles both brought him up in the same week, praising both his on-field progress and off-field character. That hype grew as the season neared, and with Zuriah Fisher’s injury, there was speculation Coleman could even start in Week 1.
While redshirt freshman Jaylen Harvey ultimately earned the nod, Coleman saw the field for plenty of snaps. His performance wasn’t exactly special, as he didn’t record any stats across 22 plays.
On Saturday against FIU, the nerves were gone, and what replaced them was a different version of Chaz Coleman that those inside the program were more accustomed to.
“You guys are starting to see what we saw in camp,” Franklin said after the game. “He wasn’t even here for spring ball, so I think you’re going to just see him continue to take significant strides. But he is quick, he’s twitchy, he’s athletic.”
Against the Panthers, Coleman came into the game on just the second defensive series in relief of Fisher, who got the start. The freshman recorded four solo tackles, highlighted by a strip sack and fumble recovery, which he returned for 39 yards.
“You know, I’ve seen it with my eyes from Game 1 to Game 2, he just looks more comfortable,” linebacker Tony Rojas said. “And I think that’s just the biggest thing as a freshman, someone coming in with that hype, he’s not really listening to the outside.”
It may be the first time fans have seen Coleman flash, but his teammates and coaches aren’t surprised. DeLuca said he knew Coleman, listed at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, was a “great athlete” from his first days of practice when he showed off his twitch against a talented Penn State offensive line.
“He’s just an athletic freak and always trying to get better,” DeLuca said. “He’s asking a lot of questions. He’s trying to perfect his craft. Great job, just to be able to let him play free and play fast. I mean, it’s huge for him, because he’s got that quick speed, and he’s able to come down and make some hits.”
Linebacker Tony Rojas said Coleman’s spin move is one of the craziest things he’s seen in practice. That was one of many moves he broke out against FIU, to great effect. He also showcased a strong swim move and bull rush — which led to the fumble.
“I’ve got kind of pretty used to it now,” defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. said. “I’ve seen it all camp. “
Penn State came into the season needing new names to step up opposite star defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton. And through two games, Coleman is starting to look like the next breakout edge rusher in Happy Valley.
