Penn State freshman cornerbacks Lamont Wade and Tariq Castro-Fields had each other in 2017. The two highly touted prospects studied plays, broke down film and experienced both hardship and success together.
But all the while, the pair knew they had older sets of shoulders to lean on.
Wade and Castro-Fields roomed with seniors Grant Haley and Christian Campbell, respectively, throughout the season for road games, a concerted effort by the coaching staff to speed up the youngsters’ development.
All parties involved believe it paid dividends this year — and should lead to a greater impact felt down the road.