Penn State Football Early Position Preview: Secondary

Penn State lost all four starters from last seasons secondary, but don’t hit the panic button.

Hey national media, I have a joke for you. What does Penn State and every other collegiate football program have in common? I’ll save you the google search and just give you the answer. They’ve all lost players!

Isn’t that insane? According to you, one would think the only team that lost anyone was Penn State.

It was difficult enough hearing the blather about how Penn State is doomed without Saquon Barkley. Now, the narrative has switched to the defense and what Penn State will do with the loss of Jason Cabinda at middle linebacker, and the losses off Marcus Allen, Christian Campbell, Grant Haley and Troy Apke, aka the entire starting secondary.

Well, I’ll tell you what they’ll do. They will be a damn good unit in 2018.

Let’s examine.

More from Victory Bell Rings

John Reid would’ve been a starter at cornerback last season had he not lost his season to a torn ACL. He will be ready to go this season I assure you.

While Reid has one corner spot locked down, the team’s leader in interceptions last season, Amani Oruwariye will cover the other side of the gridiron. Oruwariye is a name you heard tongue-twist commentators all season long because he is a playmaker. He was named Second-Team All Big Ten last year and will be a stud at cornerback this season.

Tariq Castro-Fields did a great job in his playing time as a true freshman last season, and will be called upon to take a big step forward this season. Zech McPhearson is another player who can make an impact in the secondary.

While State is losing two strong players in Grant Haley and Christian Campbell at cornerback, Reid and Oruwariye shouldn’t miss a beat, and may even been an improvement as the season wears on.

Marcus Allen is the key secondary player Penn State loses. He was everything a Nittany Lion fan could want in a free safety. Allen’s massive cleats will need to be filled by Nick Scott.

The junior has been a key special teams contributor and is a freakish athlete. He scored highest on Penn State’s T score — which is a combo of squat, bench, power clean, vertical, 40 time, and body weight, so yeah, freakish athlete.

Strong safety is a big ‘ol question mark, but it’s also the position Penn State fans should be most excited about this spring.

Ayron Monroe is probably your starter with Scott at least for the beginning of the season. He has the tools to make him a standout, but he will have some fellas nipping at his heels.

Lamont Wade has been moved to safety from corner back for two reasons. One, Penn State lacks safety depth, and two he is a flat-out football player and can be moved around and still be effective.

Wade doesn’t have the length Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry want at safety, but he is going to lay people out. Even if he doesn’t start, Wade will see the field plenty.

Jonathan Sutherland is a player to watch in the spring. He is realistically Monroe’s biggest competition for the starting job opposite Scott.

Nothing is set in stone yet, and the competition in spring should bring out the best of each player in the secondary.

Penn State has lost key players. It’s only natural for fans to worry, but that worrying would be misplaced if it’s about the secondary. Time will tell how productive this group can be, but don’t expect much of a drop-off from last season.

Home/Penn State Nittany Lions