Two of Penn State’s true freshmen, cornerbacks Keaton Ellis and Marquis Wilson, have already earned key roles on this defense — and the coaching staff remains excited about both athletes’ futures.
Wilson, a prospect from Connecticut, has especially come on strong late and even out-snapped Ellis in the last game. He played in critical situations against Michigan.
Color fifth-year corner John Reid impressed. Wilson is more of a late bloomer. Although the staff said it never doubted his potential, Wilson did not play in the first three games of the season — and he saw his most snaps (18) against Michigan. But both head coach James Franklin and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith said earlier this week Wilson will play moving forward. He’s earned it.
“He may be the most confident DB we have,” Franklin said after practice Wednesday night. “He may be the guy that is the most comfortable with the ball in the air; he’s a guy I think could play wide receiver for us.”
Wilson was a multi-sport athlete — one that could dunk — and an all-state receiver in high school. Ellis was no different. The State High product excelled at basketball and started both ways in football, earning all-state honors at CB and all-conference honors at WR. He caught 15 touchdown passes as a senior.
Added Franklin, about Wilson: “He’s done a nice job the last couple weeks. We put him in some critical situations, and he’s handled that really well. So we’re going to use him the rest of the season, on special teams and on defense.”