Penn State Football Spring Storyline: Defensive line battle
Penn State football has some questions on the defensive line
Spring practice is always a time for coaches to begin to get a sense of what they will have in the upcoming season. Penn State football returns a stacked depth chart on the defensive side of the ball, with the exception of the defensive line. Spring practice should start to clear up the picture for defensive line coach Sean Spencer’s “Wild Dogs.”
Penn State has had the luxury of a set depth chart on the defensive line the past few seasons, but that’s not the case in 2019. The minute that defensive end Shareef Miller and defensive tackle Kevin Givens each declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, Penn State’s defensive line was hit with two major holes to fill.
Fortunately, Franklin and his staff have done a great job of recruiting and have several guys waiting in the wings ready to step up. It’s just a matter of picking the right pieces for the fight fit. Spring will be the first chance for the coaches to do that.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos enjoyed a breakout season last year, and he’s a popular pick to have a big year in 2019. He’s a lock to hold down one of the defensive end spots, and has a chance to be one of the best defensive linemen in the Big Ten.
Shaka Toney, Daniel Joseph, and Jayson Oweh will also be in the mix at defensive tackle.
Joining Gross-Matos at defensive end will be Shane Simmons — a former five-star recruit who has yet to have his full chance to shine. If Simmons does indeed intend on nabbing a starting spot, he’ll have to start making an impression this spring.
Defensive tackle is a bit more up in the air, as the departure of Givens came as a surprise.
Robert Windsor had several strong games last season and enters 2019 with a clear path to a starting job. No matter what happens this spring, look for Windsor to line up as a starter in 2019.
Fred Hansard Ellison Jordan, Antonio Shelton, Damion Barber, and P.J. Mustipher will all have an opportunity to impress the coaching staff this spring.
Next. Penn State Spring Player to Watch: WR Justin Shorter. dark
Figuring out who will be the other starter at defensive tackle will certainly be a storyline to watch this spring. While a starter probably won’t be named, there’s certainly an opportunity for someone to step up and stand out in the competition.