Penn State Football: 2017 Fiesta Bowl Position Grades
Linebackers
When the front seven plays as well as it did Saturday, Penn State football has a chance at competing for national championships. Manny Bowen’s removal received a lot of attention, but lost in all the hoopla was Brandon Smith. The senior walk-on that put his team first in everything he did got the ending he deserved, starting his final game.
Smith sealed the game with the fumble recovery on UW’s hook and lateral, but he made plays every down that no one can discount. In fact, he tied for the team-lead in tackles with seven giving him 62 on the year. Smith deserves loads much more credit. He basically started and delivered anytime the team needed him, but he also became a true every down starter.
Jason Cabinda and Koa Farmer finished with six combined tackles, aiding a run defense that allowed just 104 yards on 26 carries. Cabinda finished his senior year with a team-leading 90 tackles and became a true professional for the Nittany Lions. The linebacker depth chart shifted a lot during the last few years, but Cabinda remained a constant.