Penn State Football: Position grades at midseason

Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Will Levis (7) warms up during a time-out Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Will Levis (7) warms up during a time-out Maryland Terrapins during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2020; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Master Teague III (33) runs the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Ellis Brooks (13) attempts to tackle during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 31, 2020; University Park, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Master Teague III (33) runs the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Ellis Brooks (13) attempts to tackle during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK /

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.