Penn State Football: 5 Players that must break out in 2021

Brandon Smith

Smith differs from the first two on the list in that he has already broken out to be a full time starter, and difference maker on the defense, however Penn State Football needs him to take that Micah Parsons type leap.

Parsons is a generational talent, and it is a high bar to set for the sophomore linebacker, however Smith is a former five-star recruit and undoubtedly has the athleticism and explosiveness to be the heir apparent to Parsons.

Speculation suggests Smith will move into the middle next year, making him an every-down player.

Last season, Smith would flash with moments of elite playmaking abilities. It seemed he was thinking to much early on in the season, but once he started to trust his eyes he was flying around the field late in the season.

Smith must take the step next fall from flashes and moments to every game, every down. The Nittany Lions missed Parsons’ game changing plays last season, and need someone to fill that void to creating negative plays, forcing turnovers and wrecking game plans.

The former five-star has that type of potential and can be the next great linebacker in Penn State Football’s ‘Linebacker U.’