The Skinny
A four-star recruit from Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland, Zakee Wheatley appeared in 58 games for Penn State across five years, racking up 223 tackles, five tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and six interceptions in 28 starts. He was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the coaches and media.
Wheatley appeared in just four games as a true freshman, then flashed playmaking ability in his second season with 27 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions across 12 games.
During his breakout redshirt junior season, he started all 16 games at safety, racking up 96 total tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. He played a crucial role in Penn State’s College Football Playoff run, recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass against Boise State to earn Fiesta Bowl Defensive Player of the Game honors. In the semifinal against Notre Dame, he collected a career-high 16 tackles, along with a sack and an interception.
After earning the starting job in 2024, Wheatley returned for a fifth season in 2025 and posted another productive campaign with 74 tackles and an interception, earning the highest PFF grade among Nittany Lion defenders. Wheatley was dubbed the “Takeaway King” for his ball-magnet ability in the secondary, and his versatility —playing corner and safety with occasional looks at linebacker in certain packages, intrigued NFL teams.
What You’re Getting
Wheatley earned the “Takeaway King” moniker for a reason. In 11 forced turnovers across his Penn State career, he showed elite ball-seeking instincts. His 2024 breakthrough season demonstrated what happens when he gets meaningful snaps. His natural knack for making plays on the ball is his defining trait.
Having played corner, safety, and linebacker in some packages, he has the ability to line up in multiple spots along the secondary and adjust to whatever coverage shell the team is running. He’s equally at home in traditional two-high looks, box safety roles, nickel packages, or even mixed linebacker responsibilities.
At 6’3″, 203 pounds with a 76-inch wingspan, he has the physical frame NFL secondaries covet. Fluid movements and intelligent positioning compensate for his 4.62 40-yard dash. His lacrosse background shows in his ability to move laterally and create space to make tackles.
Wheatley has also shown he can step up when needed. After KJ Winston got hurt and started early in 2024 Wheatley welcomed the increased role the defense inherited without Winston. He played a crucial role in Penn State’s College Football Playoff run, recording 16 tackles against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl (tied for third-most in PSU bowl history) and earning Fiesta Bowl Defensive Player of the Game honors.
All in all, Wheatley is a versatile, chess-piece defender who has proven he can make plays on the ball and handle meaningful volume. The upside is a consistent, productive starter; the floor is a reliable depth/special teams contributor.
