Penn State Football: creating an All-James Franklin era defense

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 25: Mike Hull #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the game on October 25, 2014 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

First Team Linebackers

Micah Parsons (outside linebacker, 2018-2019)

Undoubtedly, Micah Parsons is the best defensive player of the James Franklin era, and a case could be made for him to be the best overall player to have played for Franklin, as it is truly a toss-up between him and Saquon Barkley. In just two seasons with the Nittany Lions, Parsons tallied 191 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

In 2019, he was a first team All-Big Ten selection, the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, and a first team All-American. In the final game of his Penn State Football career, Micah Parsons tallied seven tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in a win over Memphis in the Cotton Bowl where he was named the game’s defensive MVP. His brilliant two-year career allowed him to become a first round NFL Draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys.

Mike Hull (outside linebacker, 2010-2014)

He played just one season under James Franklin, but Mike Hull was nothing short of excellent in his redshirt senior campaign in 2014. That season, he racked up 138 total tackles, which is tied with Sean Lee for third-most in a single season in Penn State Football history. He also had 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble in that season in which he would become a first team all-conference selection and voted Big Ten Linebacker of the Year.

Hull had 294 total tackles throughout his career, putting him seventh all-time in program history, and although he went undrafted, his 2014 season was wildly impressive, and he is more than deserving of a first team All-James Franklin era selection.

Jason Cabinda (middle linebacker, 2014-2017)

Though he has since converted to fullback with the Detroit Lions, Jason Cabinda is undoubtedly one of the best linebackers of the James Franklin era. During his career, he tallied 285 total tackles, which is eighth all time in program history. He also had 17.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles in his career.

Cabinda was a third team All-Big Ten selection in 2016, as well as second team in 2017, but unfortunately went undrafted. Regardless, he was extremely productive during his time at Penn State and was a key part of the 2016 Big Ten Championship defense.

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