Penn State football: Manny Diaz updates battle for starting job at middle linebacker
New Penn State Nittany Lions football defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said he’s “encouraged” by what he’s seen at middle linebacker through seven spring practices.
James Franklin indicated at the start of spring ball that third-year LB Tyler Elsdon and second-year backer Kobe King would battle for the starting job at that MIKE position.
“One, it’s competition, which I think is what spring’s all about,” Diaz said Wednesday. “And you have guys that are capable. I’ve been pleased to watch Tyler Elsdon continue to grow, feel more comfortable just playing defense.”
Elsdon has been on campus for a year longer than King. But when it comes to in-game snaps, their experience levels are similar.
Elsdon played 74 snaps on defense last season, bringing his career total to 79. King saw 39 snaps during his true freshman season, stopping short of playing in Penn State’s bowl game in order to preserve his redshirt.
“Those are two guys that, they’re eager to learn the defense,” veteran defender Jonathan Sutherland said last week. “They’re asking questions constantly, making sure they know their assignment, and they truly care about this program, defense and their roles on this team. I would say those are two guys that are really hungry to get better and help this team.”
Penn State’s lone returning starter at linebacker last season, Curtis Jacobs, said he’s seen “great things” from both Elsdon and King. It’s clear to Jacobs, too, that both players are driven this spring.
“I’m trying to be a resource for both of them because at the end of the day we’re going to need both of those guys,” Jacobs said. “It’s great seeing those guys develop and grow.”
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What Penn State needs from its MLB
As Diaz pointed out, whoever emerges as the pick at middle linebacker will need to know more than just his individual assignment.
Penn State has been able to turn to veteran MIKE Ellis Brooks over the last two seasons. With him out of the fold, a new organizer will need to step forward.
“Middle linebacker’s a little bit different because you’re the guy that’s gotta make all the calls,” Diaz said. “I mean, everybody’s gotta turn to you. You gotta get everybody lined up. It’s not just what happens after the snap, it’s before the snap.
“I like the way Tyler’s been doing it. I think Kobe King’s been getting better every day.”
Diaz said Wednesday that he anticipates that this will be a contest that will go well into training camp in the summer before a decision is made.
His hope is that both players leverage the competition to improve in the early summer, when the Penn State coaching staff can’t be around players.
Speaking to BWI during Penn State’s Pro Day event, Brooks offered praise for both players.
“They’re two competitors,” he said. “Both of them love football. They both want to be the guy. And they’re gonna push each other every single day to get better. I feel like Tyler’s doing a good job of commanding the defense, at least from what I see right now. But, Kobe’s learning how to do that. He’s getting that aspect.”
