Perhaps Jim Knowles was saving one of Penn State’s best for late August.

Knowles, the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator, has dished out Defender of the Day honors on social media to a number of intriguing players in the preseason.

His latest choice was one of PSU’s best players during the Lions’ three-game playoff run to conclude the 2024 season.

Fifth-year senior safety Zakee Wheatley.

PreSeason 15

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” @zakeewheatley #BackseatBoyz #StrengthAndHonor pic.twitter.com/qVCBALnThO — Jim Knowles (@CoachJimKnowles) August 20, 2025

The 6-2, 207-pound Wheatley, expected to be the leader of this year’s safety room, finished third on last season’s team in tackles with 96.

Soon after arriving at Penn State, Wheatley

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