Penn State spring questions for coaches: What will Manny Diaz bring to the Nittany Lions?
Penn State will start spring practice in 10 days.
The Nittany Lions enter James Franklin’s ninth season in State College with a mostly in-tact on-field coaching staff. However, once the drills are underway, two of the team’s three coordinators will be going through spring ball in blue and white for the first time.
As the countdown continues, we focus on one of them today. What is the biggest question currently facing Manny Diaz?
The Diaz file
Penn State surprised plenty of people when it landed a former head coach to be its new defensive coordinator.
Franklin was patient in his pursuit of Diaz, and it ended up paying off. The Miami, Fla., native agreed to take Brent Pry’s old role back in December and was able to accompany the team to the Outback Bowl, even though he didn’t coach in the game.
Diaz has full control of things now. He’ll be installing his defense during his first spring practice at Penn State. It’s vitally important that the last three months have allowed the coaches under him to master the system because they’ll only have 15 opportunities to teach it until fall camp.
Before Miami, Diaz also spent time at Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech, Texas, Middle Tennessee State, and North Carolina State. His coaching career started as a graduate assistant at Florida State in 1998.
What is the biggest question facing Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz this spring?
It’s a short one that will have a huge impact on how the 2022 Penn State season plays out: Who is taking over for all the lost starters?
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Diaz inherits plenty of talent. But, he still needs two new defensive end starters, a first-team defensive tackle, two starting linebackers, a starting corner, and a first-team safety.
Some of the answers are more obvious than others. End Adisa Issac looked good at the Penn State max out lifting event that was open to reporters earlier this month. He should slot into one end spot, while Nick Tarburton could start at the other. D’Von Ellies and Coziah Izzard will be first-up at defensive tackle with Hakeem Beamon and others in the mix, as well.
At linebacker, Charlie Katshir, Tyler Elsdon, Kobe King, and Jamari Buddin are all going to have to be ready to possibly play the biggest roles of their careers. Outside of Curtis Jacobs, the returning production at this spot is minimal. Jonathan Sutherland will bump up to that line of the defense, but one of those four listed above will need to take on a bigger role unless a portal option is found.
In the secondary, it wouldn’t surprise us to see Kalen King and Daequan Hardy both play starter reps at corner. At safety, a good battle is on deck between Keaton Ellis and Jaylen Reed to start opposite Ji’Ayir Brown.
All told, the Lions have lots of options. But, Diaz and the other coaches on defense must make the most of their evaluation opportunities. Also, a addition or two via the transfer portal might shake things up entering the fall. Thus, Penn State must be able to accomplish enough during March and April to feel good about where things stand under Diaz before the summer.
