What will be different about the Penn State defense in 2022 with Manny Diaz in charge?
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State coach James Franklin opened his team media day news conference at Beaver Stadium by noting that the Nittany Lions defense has been active in the turnover department during the first week of preseason camp.
If you’re looking for one way that unit will be different in 2022 with new coordinator Manny Diaz in charge, that’s a good place to start.
Formerly Miami’s head coach, Diaz was hired by Penn State in December once Brent Pry left to become the head coach at Virginia Tech. He brings an aggressive approach to the Nittany Lions, and that is coming through during the start of practice.
“I think we’re in a good place,” Franklin said. “I’ve been pleased with how we play defensively. I love what Manny is doing in terms of what I just talked about, in terms of how he’s emphasizing getting your hands on [footballs] in terms of causing fumbles, interceptions, true interception, picked balls and turnovers.
“I’ve been very pleased. There are some subtle changes.”
Franklin did not go into what those subtle changes are less than a month before the team meets Purdue, of course. But, fans can expect to see something similar to what Pry ran with Diaz’s spin on it. And, by and large, there will be chances taken in the name of big plays and game-changing turnovers.
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“At the end of the day, you also hired Manny for a reason,” Franklin said. “And you want him to be comfortable in what he’s doing and what he’s calling and how he operates.”
More Penn State media day updates
Here is what James Franklin had to say on the incoming transfers at Penn State:
“[Receiver] Mitchell Tinsley has already had so much production in college. He’s super mature and understands some things other guys don’t understand. He’s dependable, has really good ball skills, toughness and maturity. So he’s one of those guys you know what you’re getting week in and week out from him.
“[Offensive lineman] Hunter Nourzad, the closer you get to the ball, the transfer situation, it’s a big difference. Blocking PJ Mustipher and Hakeem Beamon is very different from what he’s had to block in the Ivy League. That transition has gone well. But his testing numbers, he’s done very well. Fast, explosive, strong, and intelligent. So have better depth up front than they’ve had last few years. So whether it’s game one or game four, he’ll have a significant role but it’s too early to say now how it will play out.
LIVE UPDATES: James Franklin, coordinators speak at Penn State football media day
“Chop Robinson at DE was important with the guys they lost. Losing AK and Jesse last year, needed to make sure they could bring someone in to take the next step. Having Adisa [Issac] back helps too. But have been pleased with him. The way they practice, the type of physicality they have at practice every day, there are similarities with how he was used as a 3-4 OLB. But it is a little bit different for him having hand in the ground every day. But he is quick, explosive, fast. Defensive coaches are talking about him, but so are offensive coaches. Will see how significant role is for him as season progresses.”
