For Penn State linebackers, spring represents season of change

Nearly everything has changed at linebacker for Penn State this spring, top to bottom.

Manny Diaz has replaced Brent Pry as the position coach after eight seasons of filling the role. And, the players he’s charged with molding represent a whirlwind of movement as well. 

Central to Penn State’s defensive nerve center the past two seasons, Ellis Brooks is off to the NFL. In his stead, a spring battle to man the Mike has been left to redshirt sophomore Tyler Elsdon and redshirt freshman Kobe King. 

So, from the jump, it received top billing from head coach James Franklin among the position battles to watch this spring.

“I think that’s… one of the big question marks in spring ball,” Franklin said at his opening press conference. “I think the battle between Elsdon and Kobe King at that position. It’ll be interesting to see what they both are able to do.

“They’ll get a ton of reps. There will be a tremendous opportunity for them to be evaluated.”

Sizing up the Mike LB competition

Through the first half of the spring practice session, those reps have taken place. And, according to Diaz at the most recent media availability, he was pleased with the nature of the competition. 

“It’s competition, which I think is what spring is all about. And, you have guys that are capable,” Diaz said. “Middle linebacker is different because you’re the guy that’s got to make all the calls. Everyone’s got to turn to you. You got to get everybody lined up. So it’s not actually what happens after the snap, it’s before the snap.”

The assessment aligns with the one Brooks made, having held the responsibility for each of the past two seasons. 

“Mike linebacker, you got to be the best communicator on the field. Get everybody lined up. Make sure we’re all a unit, working all on the same page. That’s probably the biggest thing I’d say, is communicating,” Brooks said. “And, honestly, tenacity.”

Continuing, Diaz said he’s been pleased with Elsdon’s growth at the position, getting more comfortable playing defense and leading others. And King, while younger and less experienced, has been “getting better every day.”

So, happy to frame the competition as one in which the players’ development has taken precedence over crowning a winner, Diaz anticipates it running well into the summer and preseason camp. Said Diaz, “I have been encouraged from what I’ve seen since we started spring practice.”

Other Penn State linebacker changes

Curtis Jacobs, the most experienced returning player in Penn State’s linebacker position group, isn’t immune to the changes, either. He, like the others, has also undertaken a big evolution this offseason. 

Shying away from getting too detailed about his move from Sam to Will this offseason, Jacobs’ reticence wasn’t matched by Diaz or Franklin. Instead, the two coaches enthusiastically endorsed the move and Jacobs’ acclimation to the role.

“I think he’s at home at Will. I think he’s made for the spot, I think it fits his athleticism,” Diaz said. “He’s an intelligent guy, understands what’s going on, can cover, can rush, and can run. So to me, when you’re looking for what you want a Will linebacker to be, he kind of ticks all those boxes.”

And, in his absence, safety Jon Sutherland has made the full-time move to Penn State’s Sam linebacker role. Bringing energy and a hybrid skill set that is equally comfortable against the run as in pass coverage, Sutherland has spent the spring settling into the role. 

But, in a position demanding reliability and leadership, even in the change, Sutherland has brought that as well.  

“Jonathan Sutherland has been fantastic, not just transitioning to Sam linebacker, but just again, the way that he leads, the way that he works,” Diaz said. 

Diaz embracing new role

Embracing the opportunity to return to coaching on the granular level, Diaz’s change at Penn State has also been warmly received this spring.

So, when asked about his transition away from head coaching responsibilities, the former Miami head coach said he’s appreciated the opportunity to take a hands-on approach with the linebackers at Penn State.

“Just being a linebacker coach and getting to have a room again. Getting to have guys that you get to pour into every day and teach,” he said. “Ultimately, as a coach, that’s what you are, you’re a teacher. So I’m blessed with the guys that I have. I’ve got great guys in the linebacker room. I’m fortunate for the defensive personnel in general, not just of their talent, but just who they are.

“So, you get back in the room and you get back to that relationship of being a teacher. And, you try to do that as a head coach and there’s just a barrier. So, it’s just not the same. So, that part has been nice for me.”