Penn State Football: Can Brandon Smith follow up Parsons 2018?

Micah Parsons led Penn State football in his first year in Happy Valley. Can incoming five-star linebacker Brandon Smith provide similar snaps in year one?

Last year Penn State football witnessed what a talented true freshman linebacker is capable of in Micah Parsons. He led the team in tackles and forced his way into the linebacker rotation with can’t-miss playmaking ability. Parsons made his presence known as an early enrollee in 2018’s spring game, tying for the game-high in tackles with eight. The Nittany Lions may have another freshman LB that could do the same this year with Brandon Smith.

Smith followed Parsons’ blueprint as an early enrollee in this year’s Blue-White Spring Game. He tied for the game-lead in tackles with six. Smith is yet another ultra-athletic, physical specimen (6-foot-3, 231 pounds) at linebacker. He finished his high school career with monstrous numbers.

Smith recorded 375 tackles, 62 tackles for loss, 27 sacks and 14 forced fumbles across those three seasons, including 300 tackles across his final two years. His high school career was so brilliant that 247Sports named him the third-best recruit of James Franklin’s tenure with Parsons ranked No. 1.

He’s got mammoth expectations on him, but if his highlight film is any indication of what he can do, he’s going to be an impact player of Parsons’ caliber immediately. Smith flashed some of that in the spring game and will no doubt get snaps. His speed, strength and force when he gets to the ball is rare. On the ground and through the air, he tracked down the ball. Smith blasts ballcarriers and jars the ball loose, noted by his 14 forced fumbles (Video Courtesy of MaxPreps).

Now, it could be difficult for him to see the same amount of time that Parsons with such an experienced LB corp, specifically with a sophomore LB class that carries three highly recruited, well-equipped players. But just like any team, the creme rises to the top. Parsons rose to the top, and there’s little reason to think Smith won’t do the same.

It’s a little different this time around. Jan Johnson, Cameron Brown and Parsons are three proven starters with two solid reserves back as well. Regardless, Smith is too good to keep off the field, expect another true freshman backer on the field once again in 2019.