Penn State football’s future got a little bit brighter on Thursday night when former Western Kentucky wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley announced he’s transferring to James Franklin’s program.
Tinsley will arrive in Happy Valley with one year of eligibility remaining. He played for two years with the Hilltoppers after spending some time at Hutchinson Community College.
On paper, Tinsley impresses across the board. In 2021, he dramatically ramped up his production and compiled 87 catches for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged a whopping 16.1 yards per catch while working with quarterback Bailey Zappe, who just set a new FBS record with 62 passing touchdowns this season.
Tinsley wound up catching Zappe’s record-breaking touchdown during Western Kentucky’s 59-38 win over Appalachian State in the Boca Raton Bowl last weekend. He finished the game with seven catches for 103 yards and two scores.
Tinsley figures to contribute immediately for Penn State once he integrates into the offense. Wideout Jahan Dotson is widely expected to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, leaving room for Tinsley to haul in some passes alongside Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, among others.
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