Jake Waters: From Fan to Coach at Penn State

Jake Waters, who once visited Penn State as a recruit, has now returned to the university as the quarterbacks coach. His connection to the program dates back to a recruiting trip in 2012, a visit that left a lasting impression on him.

Waters joins Penn State after five seasons at Iowa State, where he served as quarterbacks coach for the past two years. He will now work with a new group of quarterbacks, including Iowa State transfer Rocco Becht, who is recovering from shoulder surgery but is ahead of schedule. The spring drills will offer valuable experience to other quarterbacks as Becht rehabilitates.

Other quarterbacks in the room include Alex Manske, a redshirt freshman with running ability, and incoming freshmen Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans. Connor Barry, a Division III standout, also brings college experience to the young group, having set passing records at Christopher Newport University.

Waters credits Coach Matt Campbell for his coaching career, having started as a graduate assistant under him. He shares Campbell's philosophy of viewing college football as a transformational journey, focusing on building strong relationships and player development.