Penn State’s 10 most important players on defense in Matt Campbell’s first season
The clock keeps ticking closer to Penn State’s season opener against Marshall on Sept. 5 in Beaver Stadium — and the beginning of the Matt Campbell era. We’re breaking down the program’s key players and games in Campbell’s first year at the helm, after first taking a look at the offense.
Next up, the 10 most important defensive players for Penn State.
1. Defensive back Zion Tracy
There are plenty of options to be at the top of this list, but Tracy gets the nod because of his versatility and what it could portend for the unit as a whole. He’s a nickel corner who can play safety or move to outside corner, allowing defensive coordinator to utilize him in several different ways. He’s a high-end player who can do so much that he’ll help unlock what others can do, too.
2. Defensive end Yvan Kemajou
Kemajou did not get quite the attention that former teammate Chaz Coleman did, but he was the better player at defensive end. He’s an all-around player who can help against the run and the pass, but the upside is high enough as a pass rusher to dream on just how good he can be. This year will be an important one for him, as the team looks to replace plenty of sack production on the outside.
3. Defensive end Alexander McPherson
If Kemajou isn’t the team’s best pass rusher, it might be McPherson. The defensive end transferred in from Colorado where he played in 10 games for the Buffaloes and recorded half a sack as a true freshman. His physical development this offseason will be important, but people within the program thought he was an underrated portal addition when they got him. If he can take a step forward, it would alleviate a lot of the pressure on the rest of the defensive ends.
4. Cornerback Daryus Dixson
Dixson’s spot on this list is in part because of his enormous upside. He showed the ability to be a No. 1 corner last year and has continued improving this offseason. He’s only entering his second year of college but there’s a legitimate chance he’s an all-conference level player this season. And if that happens, it will give Penn State even more optionality with its coverages because it will have a top corner it can trust against the best.
5. Cornerback Audavion Collins
Collins has been a quality starter at corner but this year he’ll have a chance to step up and be one of the better defenders on the roster. And if Dixson takes another step, that will likely push teams to target Collins and the other defensive backs — both giving him more opportunities to make plays on the ball and to get beat. He should be up to the task this year and can help Lynn have one of the best defenses in the Big Ten.
6. Safety Marcus Neal Jr.
Neal was the biggest defensive get from last year’s Iowa State team and should be the leader of the defense this season. He’s good against the run, and is at his best when he’s playing downhill — and he’s a tone setter who could help dictate the mentality of the defense as a whole. This is also a position that doesn’t have a ton of depth, which is going to make keeping him on the field of the utmost importance this season.
7. Safety Jamison Patton
With that lack of depth at safety, it’s no surprise that Patton also makes this list. He was a part-time starter at Iowa State but should be a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions as he continues to improve heading into his final year of eligibility. Patton has good size at 6-foot-2 and should be able to make an impact this season.
8. Linebacker Tony Rojas
Rojas being this low on the list is more about the position he plays and Penn State’s depth than anything else. He’s an excellent player who may be the best defender the Nittany Lions have this year, but it’s harder for a linebacker to make the same impact as a pass rusher or a corner. He’s very good in pass coverage, which helps his value a lot, and everyone saw how much of a downturn the defense took when he missed time last year. Improved depth will make that less of an issue, but there’s no denying how good Rojas is.
9. Linebacker Caleb Bacon
Bacon falls into the same category as Rojas as a good player with depth behind him. He’s worked his way up from being a walk-on to a team captain at Iowa State and could be a chess piece for Lynn. He’s a good run defender but could provide even more value if the defensive coordinator uses him off the edge more this season. If he can prove he’s a good pass rusher from out there, his importance will only increase.
10. Defensive end Max Granville
Granville is coming back from an injury after showing flashes as a true freshman that he could be an impact player as a pass rusher. He’s going to have to show he has regained full strength in his return, but assuming he does that, he can be a real difference maker against some of the best teams Penn State plays. It’s worth noting, that one of the reasons no defensive tackles made this list because of the depth the Nittany Lions have on the interior. And those are players who will help free up Granville and the rest of the defensive ends this season.
