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Penn State Football: Don’t sleep on the defensive line in 2017

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley (15) and defensive end Torrence Brown (19) pressure Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (1) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley (15) and defensive end Torrence Brown (19) pressure Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (1) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite needing to replace two starters, the Penn State defensive line has plenty of talent to be very solid again this season. 

Replacing two starters on the defensive line is a tough situation to be in, and that’s exactly what Penn State faces in 2017. Defensive line coach Sean Spencer enters the new season needing to replace both starting defensive ends from a  year ago. Fortunately, there are some talented players ready to step up and make an impact.

The line may get a bit overlooked entering 2017, but Spencer has already proven that he’s able to find suitable replacements to fill big holes.

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Last season, the Nittany Lions faced a similar situation on defense. Three of the four starters in 2015 entered the NFL, including sack leader Carl Nassib. However, the unit didn’t really miss a beat in 2016. Spencer was able to go to the reserves and find guys who were able to make an impact.

Guys like Evan Schwan, Garrett Sickels, Torrence Brown, Kevin Givens, Shareef Miller, and Parker Cothren all went on to have solid seasons.

Schwan and Sickels are no longer around, but that shouldn’t present a huge problem for the Nittany Lions. As seen from the list above, there is still plenty of experience returning on the defensive line.

Robert Windsor and Curtis Cothran both also played last year and will once again be around.

Along with the guys from last year poised for big seasons, newcomer Shane Simmons, who redshirted last year, could be a real impact player this year. Simmons was a top defensive tackle recruit and is a player to watch in 2017.

Other newcomers who will be around this year are redshirt freshman Ellison Jordan and true freshman Fred Hansard.

Next: Penn State Football Recruiting Roundup: May 26, 2017

When looking at the Penn State defense for the upcoming season, it could be easy to overlook the guys up front. However, Coach Spencer has always seems to have guys ready to go. Don’t sleep on the production that will be provided by the “Wild Dogs” in 2017.

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