Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs is ready to hit quarterbacks

Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs joins Thomas Frank Carr to discuss training camp, his teammate’s progression this offseason, and preview the game against West Virginia on Sept. 2. They discuss Kobe King’s advances as a linebacker, and Jacobs gives his thoughts on the offense and how the young quarterbacks have progressed. He also shares how Manny Diaz coaches his players to understand things from an emotional and tactical level.

Check out the video here or on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel. Get ready for game day by subscribing to BWI. We’ll be hosting a live 90-minute tailgate show with former Penn State defensive tackle Aeneas Hawkins three hours before each home game. 

Jacobs is eager to show what Penn State defense can do

There’s no doubt that Penn State’s defense has gotten praise this offseason from local and national media. It’s a talented group of players, and Jacobs says that while he’s pleased with how training camp went, now is when the real fun starts. 

“I’m feeling great. This is my favorite part; being able to get out there and compete good-on-good. 

Now it’s even better. We get to actually hit quarterbacks, get on the field, and really be violent. I’m excited to show off what this defense can do.”

He also gave a scouting report on the Mountaineers offense and what he’s seen from the groups he focuses on. 

“I think they have a really good offense; Very athletic and a great quarterback. He’s good at seeing things, and he likes to take off. He’s really good with his feet. Also, I always take a deep dive into running backs and tight ends; those two groups look really good,” Jacobs said. 

Can Penn State’s speed counter West Virginia’s scheme?

Jacobs says that the Penn State defensive tackles, the group under the hottest spotlight this offseason, are playing with a chip on their shoulder. After a month of internal competition, the defense is ready to go up against a strong running game from West Virginia. 

“I have tremendous faith in my D-line and linebackers and our front seven. We’ve been attacking one of the best lines in the country ourselves here at Penn State. I feel like we’re ready for a challenge and to attack on Saturday.”

The main way they’ll counter teams this year? Whether it’s run or pass, Penn State’s elite team speed will lead the way. 

“O-linemen are mainly powerful in their box, in their framework. When you have fast guys, [they] can get on those edges and it makes it hard for those guys [linemen] to come out and get you in the space that there is on the football field. I feel like speed is tremendously important, and it can be disruptive in the run and pass game.”

 Breaking down zone rushing

For Jacobs, defense comes down to simplifying what he sees and blocking out the noise. Whether it’s read options, RPO schemes, or zone running concepts, he’s watching his film and then relying on the defense rules to help him play fast. However, he explained what the West Virginia offense tries to do when they play inside and outside zone concepts. 

“They want to get you out of our gap. A lot of times, that stuff is masked up by shifts and motions and all that stuff. But really, they want you to not focus on what you’re seeing and get distracted by other things. 

Finally, Jacobs talked about how the defense has progressed this season. He shared a quote from defensive coordinator Manny Diaz who explained how the team should play as a unit instead of trying to make plays individually.

“We’ve only gotten better because we play for one another. We make sure that we have each other’s back. Coach Manny always says you can’t take money out of your teammate’s pocket. You’ve got to know your assignment and execute your assignment so that you can make a play, but sometimes so your teammate can make a play,” Jacobs said. 

Listen to the full interview for all of Jacobs’ comments.