Penn State Football: Position grades at midseason
Linebackers
Grade: B-
There is no doubt the linebackers room has missed Micah Parsons this season after he opted out due to Covid-19 concerns in August.
Redshirt junior Ellis Brooks leads the team in tackles with 31 and recorded his first sack of the season this weekend against Nebraska. Brooks has been consistent along with fellow junior Jesse Luketa, however they have lacked in making those game changing plays.
Sophomore Brandon Smith has the most upside of the group, showing flashes of why he was a 5-star recruit. Smith made a huge play late in Saturday’s game, intercepting Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey to set up the Nittany Lions at midfield. The progression of Smith and the younger backers like Lance Dixon and Curtis Jacobs could prove valuable in 2021.