On the defensive side of the ball for Penn State the 2014
season was a different story. The unit ranked second in the country in total
defense, not a surprise for a Penn State defense. They will have to replace
some production however; the loss of linebacker Mike Hull who led the team in
tackles and was the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year in the Big Ten is
off to the NFL. Defensive ends Deion Barnes and C.J. Olaniyan are also gone so
the defense will have to replace those names, but never count out a Penn State
defense.
Defensive Line: There
are two names you know and two names you don’t. Anthony Zettel and Austin
Johnson are the names you know. The duo combined for 23 tackles for loss and 9
sacks last season with most of that coming from Zettel who was named First Team
All-Big Ten. Johnson looks to have a breakout season and rank among the best in
the conference. On the outside are the two names you might not know, Carl
Nassib and Garrett Sickels. Both have received praise throughout training camp
and both look to make an immediate impact in their first year as starters.
Linebackers: The
previously mentioned Mike Hull is gone and the new man in the middle is Nyeem
Wartman-White. Wartman-White looks to take over as the voice of the defense and
carry on the legacy of ‘Linebacker-U’. Along side of him will be junior Brandon
Bell and sophomore Jason Cabinda. The Nittany Lions are thin at the position so
it will be interesting to see if the starters can stay on the field and keep
providing that stability the defense needs.
Secondary: This
might be the most athletic secondary Penn State has ever had. The most
noticeable position going into the season is safety; Jordan Lucas moved from
corner during the off-season which is a move head coach James Franklin says
will be better for Lucas in the long run. Next to Lucas is sophomore Marcus
Allen who came on very strong at the end of the last season and has been
getting plenty of praise for his size and strength as a sophomore. At the
corners are Trevor Williams and Grant Haley. Williams has the experience of the
two but Haley was yet another Nittany Lion who came on strong at the end of the
season. Also keep an eye on true freshman John Reid who came in as one of the
top rated corners in the country.
Special Teams: The
special teams for Penn State has been a story for quite some time and it’s not
for the better. This year could mark the turnaround, the return spots are
filled with speed; Mark Allen and DeAndre Thompkins will handle punts and the
kick returns will be Koa Farmer and Saquon Barkley. The last time the Nittany
Lions had a punt return for a touchdown was 2008 when Derrick Williams was
still making magic. The kicking this year will be done by Joey “Big Toe” Julius
(he’s listed at 259 pounds), the reports are that he can make it from anywhere
but his accuracy is inconsistent. Special teams are always an interesting topic
for Penn State and this year will be no different.
Outlook: Penn
State has an easy schedule to start and should
be 6-0 going into their primetime match-up with Ohio State. If the
offensive line can give Christian Hackenberg time and keep him clean, this
offense can put up points. With that said, the Lions will likely drop a game
they shouldn’t, even with that loss, James Fraklin leads his squad to a bowl
game once again with a 9-3 record.
Follow on Twitter, @stephen_springs
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