Penn State football: 9 most important players to making CFP

Dec 28, 2019; Arlington, Texas, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) and quarterback Sean Clifford (14) after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Memphis Tigers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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LB Brandon Smith

It might take a village to replace All-American linebacker Micah Parsons — who opted out this season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, but don’t forget that Brandon Smith was also a five-star recruit and showed flashes as a freshman.

An inside linebacker who hits like a boxcar, with outstanding instincts, Smith finished with 13 total tackles in six games as a freshman, but will likely be called upon to start at inside linebacker and call the Nittany Lions’ defense.

"“There’s not a lot of guys walking around at 6-4, 245, 250 and (can) run like he does,” Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry said of Smith, via PennLive. “He’s got tremendous length, he’s very physical. They’re going to have to worry about No. 12 (Smith’s number), I believe.”"

Smith might not yet be a household name in college football, but if Penn State is going to compete for a berth in the College Football Playoff, and a Big Ten championship, it will likely be on the back of the defense, and Smith will play a vital role.

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