Penn State TE willing to do the dirty work for the offense

The Nittany Lions tight end position may be the most vital in the offense under Matt Campbell and Taylor Mouser, according to a recent article. Tight ends in the Campbell/Mouser system are expected to excel in both the passing game and the run game, as they are responsible for creating running lanes for the team's multiple running backs.

Among the tight ends in Happy Valley, one individual stands out for his unassuming yet crucial role: Gabe Burkle. Burkle may not be the most eye-catching player, as he has only accumulated 65 yards on six catches this season. However, his presence on the field is instrumental in the offense's success. Standing at 6-6 and 247 pounds, Burkle is one of the most physically dominant tight ends in the entire Penn State roster.

Unlike other tight ends, such as Benjamin Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea, who are primary targets in the offense, Burkle operates within heavy packages that the offensive coordinator occasionally deploys. His imposing size allows him to fix the offensive line's protection, and if he is overlooked, he can break off a significant gain in short-yardage situations.

While Burkle's contribution may not appear significant in a specific game, his role in maintaining the team's strong running game is invaluable.