Penn State Football 2021: Keys to success on defense

Penn State Football Key Player – Ellis Brooks (middle linebacker)

Ellis Brooks has played a lot of football for this Penn State Football team, and that needs to show up on the field this season. We all know that Brandon Smith is elite and can cover a lot of ground at linebacker. However, Ellis Brooks will need to step up in run support for these Nittany Lions alongside of Smith.

If Brooks can step up to help stop the run, both up the middle and off the edge, it will really help this defense that struggled against the run at times last year.

Additionally, Penn State’s secondary should go a good job in pass coverage downfield and along the sidelines. If Brooks can do a good job locking down the short and middle parts of the field in zone coverage, and lock down tight ends and running backs in man coverage, this defense will be very difficult to throw the ball against.

The middle linebacker is often times referred to as the quarterback of the defense, they are right in the center of the action and do a little bit of everything. If Ellis Brooks can have a great season, it could take this defense to the next level.