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Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen discusses depth, talent and sub-packages

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•03/27/24•

ThomasFrankCarr

Tom Allen Penn State Football On3
Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen discussed his desire to get multiple players involved in the defense to create depth and flexibility for his defense. (Photo: Thomas Frank Carr/BWI)

Tom Allen, Penn State’s new defensive coordinator, met with the media on Tuesday to discuss his progress in integrating back into the role of coordinator. He also discussed his scheme, the talent difference at Penn State, and more. 

Hear what he has to say about safety Jaylen Reed and the Lion position, Abdul Carter’s versatility, and the Penn State defensive tackle room. Check out his full comments embedded in this article or on the Blue-White Illustrated YouTube Channel.

Penn State’s defense under Manny Diaz played a versatile group of players that rushed, dropped and blitzed from unexpected positions. Allen did similar things at Indiana, which is partially why he’s at Penn State. Yesterday, Allen emphasized versatility in key players. 

“I mean, you’re trying to maximize your roster, you’re trying to do a great job of matching personnel, and just doing a great job of being the most disruptive you possibly can. And I think also, it’s trying to involve as many players as you can, you know, you get different unique roles for guys, and it helps create the buy-in,” Allen said. 

Penn State to major in sub packages?

That idea led to a conversation about sub-packages from the Lion position to slot corner and more. But one of the biggest differences for Allen is the talent up front, especially on the defensive line. It opens up a different world of possibilities. 

“Well, I think there’s no question that upfront is a glaring difference, Allen said. “The depth of those guys, and the amount of guys that have lengthened can run, and I think there’s no question, it allows you to probably do some more things.” 

Differences in talent could lead to different play-calling tendencies

What are those possibilities? He says he can be less aggressive. That gives him the opportunity to do more things from a coverage perspective because he doesn’t have to force the issue as a play-caller to get to the quarterback. 

” I would say about just taking chances per se. You had to do a lot of things just to create the pressure, and you had to do a lot of things to be able to take some Gamble’s to be able to get where I feel like you can be able to be, you know, less than that regard, which is obviously a bigger picture advantage for you.”

Allen also discussed the linebacker room and what he expects from that group this spring and beyond.  

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