Penn State Defensive Breakdown

PENN STATE POSITION BREAKDOWN: DEFENSE

When you think of Penn State football you typically think of defense. That’s because the Nittany Lion defense is usually at the top of the lists for total defense, last year was no exception; the unit was 14^th in total defense and also finished third in the country in sacks with 46, defensive end Carl Nassib had 15.5 of those sacks. Former defensive coordinator Bob Shoop is off to Tennessee and linebackers coach Brent Pry taking over the role, the defense will look the same but will have to replace some big time players.

There are some big holes to fill with the departure of four potential NFL draftees in the aforementioned Nassib, Austin Johnson, Anthony Zettel, and Jordan Lucas. Here’s a breakdown of those empty positions and who could step in and fill the gaps.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

The defensive line is normally the position where Penn State doesn’t need any help but this season might be a little different. Fans could tell you who the starting front four will be but heading into the spring that’s up in the air. Having to replace those names above is not going to be easy but the “next man up” mentality could be a season-long storyline. On the outside is are ‘veterans’ Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickels who have been behind guys like Carl Nassib and Deion Barnes in recent years so this is their unit now and their time to shine. In the middle, which fans will also tell you might be the strongest position over the last 10 seasons, will have new names for Penn Staters to grow accustom to. Antoine White and Curtis Conthran (who moved inside due to lack of depth) are the likely anchors for the front four with Parker Conthren looking to be key contributor.  Sickels and Schwan will be called upon to be leaders of the defense as seniors so hopefully that leadership can rub on.

• Evan Schwan: 6’6”, 252
• Garrett Sickels: 6’4”, 251
• Parker Conthren: 6’4”, 302
• Curtis Conthran: 6’5”, 262
• Antoine White: 6’2”, 283
• Torrance Brown: 6’3”, 257

LINEBACKERS:

This might be one of the more athletic group of linebackers that Penn State has had in a while. Headlined by Brandon Bell and Jason Cabinda who came on strong after the loss of Nyeem Wartman-White (who should be ready by week one), the linebackers are going to be a valuable part of this defense. With the uncertainty of how the defensive line will play, the linebackers will have to play a step up to take pressure off both the line and secondary. The loss of Troy Reeder to a transfer hurts the depth of the position so names like Manny Bowen, Jake Cooper, and Von Walker are going to have to play a key role in 2016. Brandon Bell was the emotional leader for this defense last season and he’ll have to be that leader again once the Nittany Lions take the field September 3^rd against Kent State.

• Brandon Bell: 6’1”, 231
• Nyeem Wartman-White: 6’1”, 252
• Jason Cabinda: 6’1” 237
• Jake Cooper: 6’1”, 224
• Von Walker: 5’11”, 214
• Manny Bowan: 6’1”, 214

SECONDARY:

It’s been a while since Penn State has had this much talent in the secondary. You might be able to go as far as to say that the second string, whoever that might be, could be as good as the starters. It’s still a relatively young group but it’s a group that has plenty of talent and showed some flashes of that talent last season. It all begins with another guy who has become an emotional leader for the Nittany Lions, Marcus Allen. Allen is a big kid at 6’2”, 208 pounds who sets the tone. He’ll need to stay under control but if he can harness that energy you could be looking at an All-American type of safety. The loss of both Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams is tough but they’re not losses Penn State can’t replace. Sophomore John Reid showed why he is going to be a starter and a really good one last year as a true freshman with 3 passes broken up and 2 interceptions. On the other side was Grant Haley who was another kid who showed flashes of greatness with 7 passes broken up and 2 interceptions. I mentioned that this might be the most talented secondary that Penn State has had in a while and they’ll need to provide a spark for this defense. One name to keep an eye on as the season rolls around is Nick Scott who made the switch from running back to cornerback.

• Marcus Allen: 6’2”, 208
• Troy Apke: 6’1”, 205
• Malik Golden: 6’0”, 205
• Koa Farmer: 6’1”, 223
• Nick Scott: 5’11”, 195
• Christian Campbell: 6’1”, 191
• Grant Haley: 5’9”, 184
• John Reid: 5’10”, 188