| Tyler Ahrenhold |
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Developing depth in the secondary will be an important objective for the Nittany Lions as the 2008 campaign unfolds. With at least three, and possibly all four, secondary starters in their final season, Tyler Ahrenhold is looking forward to challenging for time in the rotation during his first season on the field. Ahrenhold, who also has seen practice time at wide receiver, likely will battle classmate Chaz Powell for the top reserve spot at free safety to All-Big Ten standout Anthony Scirrotto. A three-sport athlete at Chestnut Hill Academy, the talented and instinctive Ahrenhold is among the numerous Nittany Lions with family ties to the football program. His father played defensive tackle for the Nittany Lions, lettering in 1969-71. His mother and sister also are Penn State graduates.
2007 Freshman Season
Redshirt season. Ahrenhold was a wide receiver on the foreign team.
High School
Ahrenhold was a four-year starter for Coach Richard Knox at Chestnut Hill Academy. Playing running back and defensive back, he was a first-team all-league selection on defense three consecutive years. The team MVP his senior season, he was ranked the No. 4 defensive back in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was instrumental in helping Chestnut Hill capture three Independence League championships. A team captain, he played in the 33rd Annual Philadelphia All-Star game. Ahrenhold rushed for 1,637 yards and 21 touchdowns during his career, with 585 yards on 41 carries (14.2) and four touchdowns as a senior. He missed three games in his senior campaign with an ankle injury. He recorded 59 tackles and six sacks in 2006, accumulating 11 sacks and six interceptions during his career. He was a two-time recipient of the "Fathers Club" award for representing Chestnut Hill with honor and sportsmanship. An all-around athlete, Ahrenhold also earned three letters on the track and field team and two on the basketball team.
Personal
Full name is Tyler Philip Ahrenhold. He is the son of Frank and Susan Ahrenhold and has an older sister, Rachel. His parents and sister are Penn State graduates. His father played defensive tackle for the Nittany Lions, lettering in 1969-71, and helping those teams to a cumulative 29-4 record. His father played with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973 and '74 and earned a master's degree from Penn State. Rachel was a member of the Penn State swimming and diving team from 2003-07. An uncle, James Bannardo, also attended Penn State. Tyler enjoys spending time with his friends and playing golf. He is a member of Penn State Uplifting Athletes Lift for Life Committee. He is interested in a career in investment banking. Born March 2, 1988 in Abington, Pa.
