Penn State DC Manny Diaz assesses the state of his defense, how he'll fill massive holes

The Penn State defense is going to have a new look this year with the departures of Ji’Ayir “Tig” Brown and PJ Mustipher. That means others will have to step up, and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said that will take some time to see who’ll fill those leadership voids.

Diaz spoke with Big Ten Network’s Matt McGloin about the state of his defense and acknowledged the task at hand in replacing Brown and Mustipher. They were the two leaders of that unit a year ago, and the door is open for others to fill those shoes. Through spring practice, Diaz wasn’t ready to say if anyone was ready to do that.

That’s a conversation that will take place after summer and fall workouts.

“That’s a big ask,” Diaz said. “And that’s not something that in these 15 days of spring is going to happen. In the summer workouts … in the weight room, I think that’s where you’re going to see that leadership really settle in and emerge and be ready for training camp.”

Now in his second year as defensive coordinator, Diaz spoke highly of the mentality of the defense this spring. He pointed to a few things they do well off the field, but he also saw some impressive traits on the field he likes, as well.

Diaz also pointed to the need to make sure the unit is build for sustainability and avoid being a one-hit wonder.

“The way they work, bring it every day,” Diaz said of what he likes out of the defense. “Trying to get the basics right. Tackling, leverage, doing a good job of that today. Keeping the ball in front of them, no big plays allowed. You’ve got to rebuild it every year. You never assume anything.”

As with anything, Diaz said it’s not all perfect for his unit. With more players set to enroll in time for summer workouts — let’s not forget the transfer portal opening back up Saturday — there will still be some newcomers arriving in Happy Valley.

Still, leadership is a need as Penn State gets ready for its Sept. 2 season opener against West Virginia.

“Well, obviously, you’re always looking for more depth,” Diaz said. “We’ll have some new players coming in in the summertime. Looking forward to getting those guys in the mix. And then, leadership. We lost some great leaders off of last year’s team. We need some guys to step up.”