Penn State football: Cornerback group solid for 2019
Penn State football’s D-line kept opposing QBs on their toes, but the secondary, especially the cornerbacks, did a nice job of limiting passing attacks.
Hidden behind Penn State football’s fantastic front seven is a budding, young secondary that proved it belonged near the top of Big Ten last season. Even with the loss of three starters from 2017’s unit, Penn State held teams to 181.5 yards and 14 touchdowns, while forcing 14 interceptions on a 53.6 completion percentage. Not all the credit can go directly to the secondary, but the pass defense wouldn’t be at that level without solid play in the back-end.
Just like last year’s unit staying strong amidst a lot of departures, this year’s group is no different. First, there’s plenty of experience, even with two starters gone. In total, two starts and four contributors return with 153 combined games under their collective belt.
Starting with fifth-year senior cornerback John Reid, he spearheads the unit. Reid didn’t take long to make an impact for the Nittany Lions. He appeared in every game he’s been available, and despite missing all the of the 2017 season due to injury, he shook off the rust and put up a quality 2018. Reid returns as the most veteran player in this unit and a ton of production. He’s got 88 career tackles, seven tackles for loss, five interceptions, 18 passes defended and a forced fumble.
While Reid locks down one side, sophomore Donovan Johnson or junior Tariq Castro-Fields will lock down the other. Either one would be in their first as a starter, but they bring in 37 combined games of work, 54 tackles, 13 passes defended and seven tackles for loss. Whoever doesn’t get the job will see plenty of snaps as the third corner, giving this team quality depth.
At safety, things aren’t much different. Fifth-year senior year senior Garrett Taylor leads the unit. He started 12 of 13 games last year and finished third on the team in tackles at strong safety with 71 stops. Taylor made plays everywhere, tying for the team-lead with three interceptions, and recording a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Taylor can bring along whoever slides in at free safety. Penn State has its pick with junior Lamont Wade and sophomore Jonathan Sutherland. They bring in 87 tackles, four tackles for loss and four passes defended. The two have appeared in every game since they’ve arrive and campus and should provide a solid starter and third safety to whoever the job goes to.
Next. Pat Freiermuth the next great Penn State tight end. dark
The bottom line is, there’s plenty of in-game experience, production and playmaking ability to keep this defensive secondary near the top of the Big Ten. Similar to Penn State football’s defensive line rotational strategy that’s produced strong starters year-in and year-out, the secondary should be in for another elite season.