CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL: OLE MISS VS PENN STATE

December 26, 2023

Tyler Warren

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Penn State Nittany Lions

Press Conference

Q. What went in your decision to come back for another year? What were some of the key factors when you really drilled down to it that went into that decision?

TYLER WARREN: I think there's a lot of different things. Obviously I'm very excited about it and excited to get back, but I still think right now I'm focused on the Peach Bowl and there's a lot to accomplish with this team. Right now that's where my main focus is, but I'm definitely excited about it. There's a lot of things that went into it.

Q. What was your reasoning for putting it out when you did? Obviously you're down here and you're at practice and everything else, but was there any specific meaning to you as to when you put this statement out as you guys were getting ready for this game?

TYLER WARREN: No, I don't think there was any deeper meaning behind. It was just kind of when I had the decision made and got it all communicated and stuff. So there was really nothing special with that.

Q. We always hear about the Ole Miss offense, but what kind of sticks out to you on film about Ole Miss' defense?

TYLER WARREN: I think something they have is just talent in all different places. There's not really one spot that really stands out. There's a lot of good players on that side of the ball that are talented and also play with great effort.

I think, when you put those two things together, it's a tough matchup. We're excited about it, and it should be a good matchup.

Q. This is another top ten team for Penn State. You've been a part of a couple here. To be playing in the Peach Bowl, prestigious bowl game, New Year's Six, how much does this prepare you guys year in and year out for the competition you're going to face in the Big Ten? Also, if this is next year, 12-team playoff, this is right where you want to be in that conversation. How much pride do you take in playing at this level and continuing that year in and year out?

TYLER WARREN: I think we take a lot of pride in it as a program being able to play in games like this that are very prestigious and have a lot of meaning to them. We don't take it lightly. It can be a good preparation tool for some younger guys who maybe didn't play as much during the season and get to play in a game like this, and for everyone to get another set of reps under their belt in a crowd like this and in a stadium like this will be really important for the upcoming years.

Q. Going back to the announcement, when you did make the announcement, you said that you were looking forward to competing in the Peach Bowl with the team that you love and respect. What is it about this team that makes you say that?

TYLER WARREN: I think it's just really -- obviously it starts with the guys and just what we do every day, every day in and out. I work with them. I work hard with them. I sweat with them. Ups and downs, hardships and the good things. So being able to play in one more game with this team and spend time with them is really special to me, and it's important that I got down here.

Q. Tyler, how much have you gotten to know Andy Kotelnicki so far? And what could you tell us about him personality-wise?

TYLER WARREN: Obviously it's just, like you said, getting to know him. It's not really football stuff yet. I think he's fit well with the guys. We're starting to get to know him more and more because it's probably his third week he's been around.

Really to talk to him from a non-football standpoint, just to get that comfortability and get to more familiar with him, so when it is time to do football stuff, we'll be working well together. So it's been good.

Q. I wanted to ask you, obviously you've had quite a bit on your plate the last couple days with making your decision and this Peach Bowl. But what did you say to yourself in the quiet moments when you've had a chance to reflect on everything that's happened?

TYLER WARREN: I think really it does come down to what I want to do and what makes me happy in the moment and what was best for me. So that was kind of the thought process. Then just trying to stay focused on the Peach Bowl and knowing we had a big game to play. So it went well, and I think it all worked out.

Q. I noticed on your Instagram post when you announced that Pat Freiermuth said something about the touchdown record for tight ends. I think you're six away from reaching the mark. What's your relationship like with the other tight ends who have kind of come through? What would it mean to potentially break that record next season?

TYLER WARREN: I think my relationship with them, obviously Pat when I first got here, that was kind of like the big brother relationship with him. He checks in on me every now and then. It's been good.

Like Brenton was kind of more like I spend more time with him so it's a little bit different. That's my guy. They both check in. They do a good job of checking in on us and making sure we're doing good and helping us with everything we ever need.

The record is not really something I'm focused on. If that comes, it comes. I'm just going to be, like I always do, try to be the best tight end I can be and make sure the offense is working as well as it can.