When Caleb Brewer enrolled at Penn State last year, he knew he would have major adjustments to make.
He understood there would be new blocking techniques, stiff competition from new teammates and academic responsibilities.
Brewer also knew he had to add weight to his 6-4 frame to be an offensive lineman in the Big Ten, but he didn’t know exactly how much.
Since his May arrival in Happy Valley, he estimates he’s put on 60 to 65 pounds and is now 310.
“I drank a lot of chocolate milk and ate a lot of eggs and meat,” Brewer said earlier this week. “I feel a little slower, but I didn’t gain a lot of fat. I feel good. I still have to be heavier. I’m on the gainer list.”
A former Wyomissing standout and a three-star prospect, Brewer didn’t see game action during the 2024 season but he did gain valuable experience and repetitions when Penn State reached the Big Ten championship game and the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Nittany Lions played 16 games and practiced until their 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.
Wyomissing’s Caleb Brewer (44) throws a block against Lampeter-Strasburg during his high school playing days. Brewer is now a freshman at Penn State. (Bill Unrich/Reading Eagle)
“It gave me a lot more work because we practiced an extra four weeks or something like that,” he said. “That’s way more than a lot of other teams. We had a lot more time to develop and more practice experience, so that was great.”
Brewer has received advice from fellow Wyomissing grad and offensive lineman J’ven Williams, who played in every game this past season, mostly on special teams.
“It was definitely helpful to have J’ven here, especially when I was coming in,” Brewer said. “He told me everything I needed to know before I got here. It was nice having someone I knew on the team.”
Penn State is expected to return 10 of its top 11 offensive linemen, losing only right guard Sal Wormley.
“There’s so much to learn from them,” Brewer said. “They know the playbook like it’s the back of their hands. That’s how I want to be. Their pass sets are perfect. I’ve been working really hard to get that down.”
In high school, Brewer helped lead Wyomissing to a 40-4 record, three District 3 Class 3A titles, three PIAA semifinal appearances and a state runner-up finish in his three seasons. He was the All-Berks Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023 and a Class 3A all-state selection as a defensive lineman.
In wrestling last year, he posted a 40-8 record, including 33 pins, and finished third in the District 3 2A tournament and third at regionals to qualify for states. He also competed in the shot put in track.
Penn State has begun its offseason weightlifting, which Brewer said he “loves.” His first spring practice begins March 25.
“I want to master my pass set,” he said. “I want to do everything perfectly. I just want to be great. I want to get so much better.”
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said in late December that Brewer is “doing everything we ask him to do.”
“He’s just a kid who was a little bit behind with his technique and fundamentals,” Trautwein said. “He’s working hard every day. He’s gaining weight. He’s getting bigger and stronger in the weight room.”
