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Penn State Football: Creating the Best Starting Linebacker Unit

By Alec Whitaker

Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Oct 13, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Former Penn State Nittany Lions players Franco Harris (left) and Jack Ham (right) greet fans prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Former Penn State Nittany Lions players Franco Harris (left) and Jack Ham (right) greet fans prior to the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker

Jack Ham

Admittedly, there was a lot of thought about doubling down on linebackers who could get after the quarterback and putting Micah Parsons here but were placing Jack Ham at the Sam position.

Considering the Sam linebacker has responsibilities in coverage, Ham seems like the perfect fit. During his senior season, Ham intercepted four passes, and this was in 1970 when passing wasn’t as prevalent as it is today.

Ham was a consensus All-American in 1970 and was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He finished his Penn State Football career with 251 tackles.

Ham got better every year he played football, working his way to Canton as a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Ham just had a knack for the football, he racked up tackles, picked off passes and blocked punts.

The hall of famer is perfect for the Sam position, as he barely beats out Shane Conlan here.

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