Penn State Spring Storyline: Who Will Step Up at Defensive End?
Who will step up and claim one of the starting defensive end spots at Penn State?
Spring practice is a time for the coaching staff to see who could be available to step up and fill in holes left by players no longer around. Penn State has kicked off its spring practice session and is fortunate enough to return several starters at key positions. However, there are a few position battles that will be worth keeping an eye on as practice goes on.
One of the biggest question marks facing Penn State this season is at the defensive end position. Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickels both started 12 games last season but unfortunately, both players have moved on to pursue NFL careers.
Defensive line coach Sean Spencer has a few options to fill the starting spots this season. It will be a position battle that likely won’t be 100 percent clear until closer to the start of the regular season.
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The spring roster has seven players listed at defensive end. Of those seven, four players — Torrence Brown, Shareef Miller, Ryan Buchholz, and Colin Castagna– saw action on the field last season.
Brown and Miller should be considered the favorites to be penciled in as the starters during spring practice. Both saw significant playing time last year put up some good numbers. Brown made 33 total tackles, while Miller recorded 22, including two sacks.
Behind the two likely starters there will be some great competition. Shane Simmons, a top recruit in 2016, will look to make an instant impact. Simmons, if not named a starter before the season starts, could find himself in that role in the near future.
Shaka Toney and Daniel Joseph are both redshirt freshmen who will find a chance to compete for playing time this season.
Buchholz and Castagna both played last year and will once again be in the rotation.
There’s still a long while before the actual season starts, but spring is when roster decisions begin to be made.
Next: Penn State Football Spring Storyline: How Big Will Miles Sanders’ Role Be?
It will be interesting to see who slots in as the starters at defensive end when the team takes the field for the Blue-White game at the end of spring practice.