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Penn State Football: Week 4 Studs and Duds against Illinois

By Corey Hunter

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bennett Williams #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reaches for the tackle during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bennett Williams #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reaches for the tackle during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 07: Jan Johnson #36 of the Penn State Nittany Lions dives after Matt Alviti #7 of the Northwestern Wildcatss at Ryan Field on October 7, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 07: Jan Johnson #36 of the Penn State Nittany Lions dives after Matt Alviti #7 of the Northwestern Wildcatss at Ryan Field on October 7, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Linebacker – Jan Johnson

Penn State linebacker Jan Johnson is the epitome of being a team player.  After making the Nittany Lions as a walk-on, he patiently waited for his chance to play.  It finally came in September of 2016.  Injuries at the linebacker position that season had been so severe that Johnson was called upon to fill in.  He was able to make two tackles before injuring his knee, which caused him to miss the rest of the 2016 season.

The 2017 season saw Johnson make his return to the field against Akron where he recorded two tackles.  The remainder of the year saw Johnson getting game reps as part of the kickoff team and occasionally on defense.  He finished the season with 12 total tackles and one tackle-for-loss.

The arrival of heralded recruits like Ellis Brooks, Jesse Luketa, and Micah Parsons seemed to once again cast doubt on whether Johnson would log significant minutes in 2018.  Still, he showed resolve and a determination to show head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry what he could do if given the chance.

Johnson was rewarded with the opportunity to start at middle linebacker for the Nittany Lions as they opened the 2018 season against Appalachian State.  Johnson did not disappoint, leading the Nittany Lions with 11 total tackles.  He followed that up with a five tackle, 1/2 sack performance at Pittsburgh.

Last Friday at Illinois, Johnson recorded his first career interception, and it was certainly a game-changer.  After Penn State had just taken a 35-24 lead, Johnson made a circus-catch to give the ball back to the Lions.  One play later, Penn State was able to score and the rout was on from there.  Johnson went on to finish the game with six tackles and one interception.

On the season, Johnson leads the Nittany Lions with 24 total tackles.  All of his will and fight will be needed this Saturday when he goes up against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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