Penn State Football: Sophomore linebacker group one of the best

Penn State football’s sophomore linebacker group composed of Micah Parsons, Ellis Brooks and Jesse Luketa could go down as one of the Nittany Lions best.

A trio of young superstar Penn State football linebackers move into 2019 set up to leave one of, if not the best legacies at “Linebacker U” of all time. The much-hyped Micah Parsons more than lived up to his name in year one, but he was just one of the three freshmen backers that flashed exciting potential.

Ellis Brooks slid into the linebacker rotation after redshirting his first year on campus, and true freshman Jesse Luketa saw the field some on defense and on special team in year one. This group of upcoming sophomores enters its second years on the field with out-of-this-world production and experience.

They’ve combined for 117 total tackles (to be fair 82 of which came from Parsons) six tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception while appearing in all but one game across the season (Luketa played 12 games). It’s impressive that these guys have at least two years left in Happy Valley.

Amongst all the great individual linebackers and position group-wise, few have a higher ceiling than theirs. They’re all top-ranked linebackers that immediately saw playing time despite having multiple lettermen back in 2018.

First off, Parsons will start at linebacker this season and leads the bunch as the former five-star prospect. There’s no reason to think he won’t be the first Penn State football linebacker to record triple-digit tackles since 2014.

He’s got all the skills of the perfectly built linebacker. He can cover the run sideline-to-sideline, fly into the backfield for tackles for loss and rush the passer with freakish athleticism at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds. He’s already built for the NFL game and it’s only his second year on campus. He looks to lead the team in tackles once again after recording 82 while coming off the bench. Imagine what he can do as a full-time starter.

Although Brooks is not in the same recruiting class as the other two, he’s still got the same amount of eligibility and will likely start with the other two. He’s similar in a lot of ways just like Parsons. Fast, physical (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) and a quick-adapted player to the college game. He recorded 30 tackles and an interception in his first year.

He’s not going to start this year, sitting behind Jan Johnson. However with the graduation of some depth and one starter Koa Farmer means he’ll see more time. He solidifies the top four backers, and he’s set for another quality year of significant snaps.

Luketa rounds out this NFL-skilled LB group. Another 6-foot-3, 241-pound, punisher adds more depth at linebacker. He played in 12 games last year and recorded seven tackles, some on special teams.

I know this LB corp has seen some all-time great players and units, hence the name. I’m not disrespecting any of those players. I just think this group has the potential to be special this year and in the year to come.