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Report: Penn State set to host top transfer portal linebacker

nate-mug-10.12.14by:Nate Bauer•about 12 hours•

NateBauerBWI

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Penn State will welcome North Carolina's Amare Campbell for a visit next weekend. (Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Penn State football head coach James Franklin issued a blunt call for transfer portal help at linebcker on Saturday afternoon. Meeting with reporters following the Blue-White Game, acknowledging the Nittany Lions’ issues with depth and security in the position group given the unexpected departure of Ta’Mere Robinson this spring, Franklin left no room for misinterpretation.

“We aren’t a big portal team, but we’re going to address some issues,” said Franklin. “If there is a linebacker out there that wants to be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity to join the room. 

“I think we have enough in the room, but getting through a season with potential injuries could be challenging. We’re going to look in the portal soon and see if we can find a solution.”

Sunday, On3’s Pete Nakos reported the Nittany Lions’ path toward a resolution. According to a source, the Penn State football program will host North Carolina’s Amare Campbell next weekend for a visit. Campbell is considered the No. 2 linebacker in the transfer portal spring cycle and the No. 58-ranked prospect nationally to go into the portal.

Campbell tallied 76 tackles last season, including 6.5 sacks, for the Tar Heels. He also forced a fumble and defended two passes.

Penn State faces linebacker uncertainty

If Penn State needed eight, the situation would clearly be more fraught, particularly after the departure of Robinson. Going three wide, plus three capable and confident rotation guys, and one or two plus-side young guys in the group would be a bridge too far for the room’s current makeup.

But, Penn State doesn’t need eight. Penn State needs five, minimum. Six would be better. Two high-level starters, two capable and confident rotation guys, and one or two plus-side young guys would be the ideal. 

Right now, that’s represented as Dom DeLuca, who has carried the torch for the group this spring with Tony Rojas out, plus Rojas and Keon Wylie as a top three, and redshirt freshman Anthony Speca not far behind as he continues to develop. Should that group stay healthy this season and play well, with DaKaari Nelson returning from injury, a flashing early enrollee in Alex Tatsch, and the potential of redshirt freshman Kari Jackson, who played well on Saturday, it’s not a panic situation coming out of the spring at the position. 

But, it’s also not one without uncertainty that Penn State is now seeking to address as it pursues an experienced addition through the portal.

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