Zakee Wheatley’s journey through the 2025 Penn State season was a standout story in a year filled with defensive ups and downs. As a redshirt senior, Wheatley was a constant on the field, racking up 74 tackles and proving to be a reliable force for the Nittany Lions.
"He's special," praised Terry Smith, Penn State's cornerbacks coach who stepped in as interim head coach. Smith highlighted Wheatley’s keen understanding of the game and his exceptional tackling skills. Wheatley’s ability to grab the ball from anywhere on the field was a testament to his impressive ball skills.
Wheatley’s path to safety began after arriving at Penn State as a four-star recruit from Archbishop Spalding High School. Initially starting as a cornerback, he transitioned to safety, a move that felt natural to him.
"Being in that room helped give me confidence in covering man-to-man," Wheatley shared. "Switching to safety was pretty easy for me."
His final college season saw further evolution. Under his fourth defensive coordinator, Wheatley logged over 250 snaps in the box, doubling his junior year’s usage there. This versatility showcased his ability to adapt to various roles on the field.
"It shows I'm a versatile player," Wheatley noted. "Starting at corner, playing post safety, and then this last year going in the box, blitzing and playing the run."
As he navigates the pre-draft process, Wheatley emphasizes his versatility, which he believes is a key asset for NFL teams. With 28 consecutive starts at safety, he sees himself as more than just a safety, capable of playing multiple positions across the field.
Wheatley’s tenure at Penn State was marked by his knack for creating turnovers, earning him the title of "Takeaway King." In game action, he was involved in 11 takeaways, including six interceptions.
"I tend to end up in the right spot at the right time," Wheatley explained, a trait that has caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Having communicated with all 32 NFL teams, Wheatley has lined up visits with several, including the Patriots and Saints. His focus is on presenting himself as both a skilled player and a good person.
Standing nearly 6-foot-3 and weighing 202 pounds, Wheatley showcased his athleticism at Pro Day with notable performances in various drills. His agility and length, including 31-inch arms, are standout features.
"It's a different process," he said of the pre-draft workouts. "But it's a chance to show your athleticism, which translates to the football field."
Wheatley is satisfied with his performance, having put in extensive training for this moment. He’s ready for the next phase, watching the draft with family and preparing for whichever team calls his name.
"Wherever I go is gonna be a blessing," he reflected, looking forward to the next chapter in his football journey.