UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The roster building continues, even late into January. Penn State added two very different pieces to the puzzle this week.
1. Elijah Reeder (DE) - The Future “5-Technique”
On Jan 21, Elijah Reeder officially flipped his commitment from Iowa State to Penn State.
- The Player: A 6’4”, 235-lb edge defender from New Jersey.
- Depth Chart Fit: Reeder is not an immediate impact player like Abdul Carter. He is a “project.” In D’Anton Lynn’s scheme, he fits the 5-Technique (Defensive End) role—a spot that requires gaining 30-40 lbs of muscle to set the edge against tackles.
- Projection: Redshirt in 2026. Rotational piece by 2027.
2. Connor Barry (QB) - The Essential “Arm”
Transfer Connor Barry arrives from Christopher Newport (D3).
- The Player: A graduate transfer with 28 games of experience.
- Depth Chart Fit: Why add a D3 quarterback? Practice mechanics.
- With Drew Allar gone and other QBs transferring out, the QB room was dangerously thin on arms to run scout team reps.
- Barry won’t compete for the starting job against Rocco Becht or Alex Manske, but his presence allows the offense to run two concurrent 7-on-7 drills during practice without wearing out the arms of the scholarship QBs.
Summary
These moves aren’t flashy, but they are the necessary “glue” moves that fill out a 105-man roster. Reeder ensures the defensive line pipeline remains stocked, while Barry ensures spring practice acts efficiently.