Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs came back for greatness

ThomasFrankCarr

Curtis Jacobs Penn State Football On3 — STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 10: Curtis Jacobs #23 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts before a play against the Ohio Bobcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 10, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs had a decision to make this offseason. The 6-1 linebacker has clear NFL potential, especially in today’s modern passing game. But did he want to forgo his fourth season in Happy Valley (with junior eligibility thanks to COVID) for the NFL as a potential mid-round draft pick? Jacobs finished last season with 52 total tackles, which was good for third on the team. Those are good numbers, but his four sacks, one interception, and two pass breakups might not have been the disruptive presence he was thinking of to start the year. In first-year defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s aggressive defense, Jacobs finished with 7.5 tackles for loss, which was fourth on the team. Was that enough to impress the NFL? Jacobs, an unusually introspective player, took the advice and voiced his thoughts with plenty of sources to find out. Jacobs explained his decision with reporters at the 20th annual Lift For Life charity event.