Penn State Football: projecting the depth chart for the defense in 2022

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 04: PJ Mustipher #97 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts to a defensive stop during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football defensive line

Both defensive end and defensive tackle are jam-packed positions for the Nittany Lions, making predicting the season-opening depth chart seemingly impossible.

Nick Tarburton is a returning starter at end, so anticipate him to once again be a starter as the season kicks off. Adisa Isaac is the next most experienced defensive end on the roster, and if he can stay healthy, could have a big year.

Expect there to be a lot of pressure on both of them to perform though, as young talent in the form of Dameioun Robinson and Dani Dennis-Sutton will be hot on their heels.

Finally, don’t overlook Smith Vilbert either, as his Outback Bowl performance could be a sign of a breakout season as an excellent pass rusher for the redshirt junior.

At defensive tackle, it’s no surprise that PJ Mustipher will be the anchor, but who starts alongside him? At the moment, all signs point to Coziah Izzard: he started alongside Derrick Tangelo last season when Mustipher was injured.

True freshman Zane Durant had a tremendous winter/spring as an early enrollee, and likely earned himself some early playing time as a backup.

Dvon Ellies is another interior defensive lineman that has been around for a few years, and could factor in as a rotational piece, as well as Hakeem Beamon in his return to the field this season.

Projected Depth Chart

Defensive End

1. Nick Tarburton

2. Dameioun Robinson

3. Smith Vilbert

Defensive Tackle

1. Coziah Izzard

2. Zane Durant

3. Hakeem Beamon

Defensive Tackle

1. PJ Mustipher

2. Dvon Ellies

3. Jordan van den Berg

Defensive End

1. Adisa Isaac

2. Dani Dennis-Sutton

3. Amin Vanover

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