Early in his time at Penn State, Zakee Wheatley took a student’s approach, learning by watching others. Originally a cornerback in 2021, he shifted to safety in 2022 and had the advantage of studying under standout players like Jaquan Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown. He later continued his growth alongside veterans Keaton Ellis and Jaylen Reed, and benefited from the guidance of position coach Anthony Poindexter, a former All-American safety at Virginia.
At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, Wheatley had shown flashes before 2024, but he truly elevated his play after starting safety Kevin Winston went down with a knee injury early in the season. Given more playing time, Wheatley’s impact grew.
He ended the season third on the team in tackles with 96, along with three interceptions, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. In Penn State’s playoff run against SMU, Boise State, and Notre Dame, he delivered 26 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and a pass breakup. His standout moment came with a jaw-dropping 16 tackles against Notre Dame.
