Penn State Football names captains ahead of season opener

Some of Penn State Football’s most important players, and biggest leaders were among the six players named team captains ahead of the season opener

Penn State Football announced their six captains today and some familiar names should resonate with the Nittany Lions base.

Sean Clifford, starting QB was an obvious choice and was named one of the six captains.  An up and down COVID shortened year mired in turnovers, Clifford will look to replicate his 2019 performance where he threw for 2,654 yards and 23 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions.

Jaquan Brisker, who decided to come back to Penn State Football and forgo the NFL draft, was also named captain.  He finished with 57 tackles and an interception last year where he really shined in the defensive backfield.

The third captain is PJ Mustipher, who finiwhsed with 35 tackles last year (including 13 solo tackles).  He hopes to anchor what could be a strong defensive line for the Nittany Lions this fall.

The fourth captain is from the special teams, everyone’s favorite long-kicker Jordan Stout.  No one may kick the ball off through the end zone more than Stout, but he did struggle last year kicking field goals, finishing 2-5 (40%).  All attempts were over 40 yards including his longest make last year at 50 yards.

Jonathan Sunderland was named the fifth captain and has been well known throughout his time in Happy Valley as a locker room leader.  His skills go well beoyond the 13 tackles and .5 sacks from a year ago.

The final captain named was junior offensive lineman Rasheed Walker.  Covering the quarterbacks blind side, many thought he would declare for the draft last year and should highlight what could be a strong unit for the Nittany Lions.