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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CB Tariq Castro-Fields

One of the nation’s premier cornerbacks, Castro-Fields’ return fuels much of the optimism surrounding Penn State’s defense entering this season.

Castro-Fields 6-foot and 194 pounds has NFL-caliber size and finished last season with 52 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two interceptions and has a chance to be even more productive as a senior.

Beyond his production on the field, Franklin is leaning on Castro-Fields to be a leader of the secondary and the defense — both groups that might be the Nittany Lions’ strengths in 2020.

"“We feel really good about that group, and Tariq leads the group,” Franklin said during a recent appearance on the Penn State Coaches Show, via Rivals. “He’s been a tremendous player, and he’s also been a tremendous leader. He’s a culture-driver in our program. I think Tariq is going to have a huge year.”"

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