For all of the changes that have happened to Penn State over the years, one thing that has stayed constant is the ability for the program to continue to field quality defensive units. That has been true at every level over the years, be it the secondary, linebackers or up front in the trenches. Today we’ll take a look at the big boys up front, a group defensive line coach John Scott Jr. has molded into the backbone of the Nittany Lions’ defensive success.
Last Year: Penn State led the nation in rushing defense last season, a stat that very much was a result of quality play at all three levels but certainly starts up front with a stout and consistent defensive line. Defensive end Chop Robinson didn’t put up overly impressive numbers but still found himself touted as one of the better end prospects in the draft. The interior wasn’t far behind, and as a result not only did the Nittany Lions lead the way in rushing defense but also led the nation with 49 sacks at a 3.77 per game clip. That marked the sixth time in the last nine years that Penn State finished top 10 in total sacks. Not too shabby.
New Faces, Returners, Losses: It’s hard to call him a new face, but Abdul Carter moving from linebacker to defensive end is unquestionably the addition to this group that will raise the most eyebrows. It’s a testament to both Penn State’s linebacker room that Carter can be moved up front and Carter’s skills in the first place that he can go from being an All-American caliber linebacker to potentially the same level at a different position. Dani Dennis-Sutton is the other probable starter at defensive end, but Amin Vanover and Jameial Lyons both stand to make an impact, especially with Zuriah Fisher likely missing some time with a reported injury. Longtime tackles like Dvon Ellies, Zane Durant and Hakeem Beamon are longtime staples on the interior as well. This group has some new faces, and will lament the loss of Robinson and fellow end Adisa Isaac to the NFL the most among other departures, but the addition of Carter is a bigger story than all.
The Storyline: Until Penn State has a bad defensive frontm you should assume that it will have a good one. That being said, there’s no questioning that how the Nittany Lions are able to leverage Carters’ athleticism and raw talent is one of the biggest defensive stories in the nation, let alone at Penn State. Elsewhere, you have smaller amounts of intrigue for the nitty-gritty details but the interest all lies with Carter. Nothing welcomes new defensive coordinator Tom Allen into his new role quite like immediately being able to work with one of the best defensive football players in college football.
Overall: It’s hard to argue that losing talent like Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac will somehow be a good thing for Penn State’s overall quality on the defensive front, but the Nittany Lions have managed to cultivate so much talent in the trenches over the years that it’s very easy to see it happening again. Carter and Dennis-Sutton should carry the day on the outside with plenty of supporting options on the interior.
