He’s been a member of three prominent college programs in five years, and Jalen Kimber is determined to avoid a sixth year.
With the Nittany Lions’ top three 2023 corners set to become NFL players, James Franklin and position coach Terry Smith opted to add two veterans to PSU’s promising young mix of cover guys.
Cam Miller (third year), Zion Tracy (second) and Elliot Washington (two) are still developing and PSU added transfers A.J. Harris (Georgia) and Kimber (Florida) to the corner room.
Harris, a second-year player, drew praise from Franklin earlier this week and Kimber made 11 starts for the Gators last season.
“I wanted to go to a winning environment, a winning culture, (and) they already had a culture established here, so I just felt like Penn State was the best fit for me,” said Kimber, who added he knew Smith from the recruiting trail a few years back.
Kimber believes his transition to the Lions’ program has been relatively smooth thus far, in large part because of his experiences at Georgia (2020-21) and Florida (2022-23).
“I wouldn’t say it’s hard because like I say, this is like my fourth playbook that I’ve been a part of,” said the 6-0, 185-pound Kimber, who was briefly committed to Louisville before landing with PSU for 2024.
“So it’s really just learning the different lingo and how people say things; a lot of it is kind of the same.”
Franklin on Tuesday referred to Kimber “a veteran that’s played a ton of football in a really good conference. And you feel that. Just very poised, very mature.”
“I think he’s a guy that I’m really excited about to see this summer because he’s got a lot on his plate right now,” Franklin continued.
“I’ve been impressed with him.”
How would Kimber describe Penn State spring practice sessions?
“Competitive, tough, hard-working,” he said.
“We’re going to compete here, we’re going to play tough and we’re going to work hard.”
Locking down a top-four spot in the Lions’ corner rotation in the fall would likely finalize Kimber’s plans for 2025.
“Do what I have to do, so that I can leave,” Kimber said.
“I don’t think too many people want to stay six years (in college). Honestly, I don’t think I do.”
