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Key Penn State defensive players in developmental period: BWI Daily

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•12/09/21•

ThomasFrankCarr

DEFENSIVE DEPTH THUMB
Penn State's freshman tackle Jordan van den Berg after a tackle against Maryland (Steve Manuel BWI)

Penn State football takes on Arkansas on January 1st in the Outback Bowl. When the bowl game was announced, Penn State head coach James Franklin said the team is spending a reasonable amount of time before the bowl game working on developing underclassmen to prepare them for the 2022 season.

With that in mind, senior editor Nate Bauer put together a list of the most important defensive players that need to take a step forward for Penn State this offseason. He shares that list, along with what he thinks of those players on the BWI Daily Edition. Host Thomas Frank Carr also chimes in with other players he thinks will factor into the discussion next season.

Penn State Defensive Developmental Players

The first player they discuss is linebacker Tyler Elsdon. The redshirt freshman was one of the few reserve players to see action in 2021. How did he do? T-Frank gives his thoughts while Nate fills you in on the timeline of Elsdon’s emergence as a leading candidate to replace senior linebacker Ellis Brooks potentially.

T-Frank and Nate then discuss the linebacker position and how the pieces fit together next season. There are some issues with personnel and playing style that may cause some shuffling at the position according to T-Frank.

Penn State’s late add in 2021

The next player they discuss is freshman Jordan van den Berg. Van den Berg was a late add in the Class of 2021 but has quickly impressed the Penn State coaching and strength staff. Bauer shares what he learned about the community college transfer, and T-Frank explains why he’s as high on him as the staff.

After that, they discuss the defensive tackle position as a whole and what the picture looks like for Penn State heading into the offseason. Will PJ Mustipher be back next season? If he’s not, will there be anyone to replace his role in the defense? T-Frank and Bauer discuss.

Jaylen Reed, next great safety?

The final player on Bauer’s list is freshman Jaylen Reed. Reed seemingly leapfrogged several older players on the depth chart this season and saw a healthy amount of playing time by the end of the season. So how does the safety position work out next season? And does Penn State have enough bodies without dipping into the transfer portal?

Finally, T-Frank brings up the defensive end position. While none of the players on Bauer’s list play on the edge, T-Frank sees it as an area of importance for a young player to step up and deliver on their potential. Bauer and T-Frank toss several names back and forth about the position and discuss the team’s lack of one key element among them.

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