Penn State Football Early Position Preview 2017: Defensive Line
Penn State needs to replace two starters on the defensive line in 2017.
Losing two starting defensive ends could present a tough situation heading into a new season, but luckily for Penn State, there are some talented and experienced guys ready to step up. Garrett Sickels and Even Schwan are both gone, but defensive line coach Sean Spencer has some other “Wild Dogs” to put into the mix.
Both Schwan and Sickles started 12 games last season, so there will be a big hole at defensive end. Fortunately, Torrence Brown, Ryan Buchholz, and Shareef Miller are all experienced. Of that group, Brown led last year with 33 total tackles. Miller recorded 22 tackles, while Buchholz made 16 tackles with three sacks.
As far as the starting positions, Brown should have a definite lock on one of them. Miller could enter the offseason as a starter on the other end, but redshirt freshman Shane Simmons will certainly make his own case to start. Simmons was one of the top defensive linemen available in the 2016 recruiting class.
Buchholz, Shaka Toney, Daniel Joseph, and Colin Castagna should all be in the rotation.
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At defensive tackle, the Nittany Lions have the luxury of retuning the starters from last season. Parker Cothren started 13 games a year ago and is all but locked into being a starter again this season.
The second defensive tackle spot presents a very intriguing position battle. Kevin Givens started six games last year, while Curtis Cothran started eight. Based on pure talent and potential, Givens could be the one to win out.
Regardless, both players will see ample time.
Also in the rotation at defensive tackle will be Robert Windsor, who made 23 total tackles last year. Joining the defensive tackle rotation will be Ryan Monk and redshirt freshmen Ellison Jordan and Antonio Shelton.
Jordan was a four-star recruit in 2016 and ranked as one of the top defensive tackles available.
Defensive tackle Fred Hansard was a four-star recruit in the 2017 class and could very well see the field during the season.
The Nittany Lions will have some decisions to make on the defensive line, but fortunately, there are plenty of guys that will be ready to step in and make an impact during the 2017 season. Sean Spencer has proven to be a top assistant coach and is once again primed for a big year with his “Wild Dogs.”
2017 Early Position Previews