Penn State Football: five players that need to exceed expectations in 2022

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 23: Caedan Wallace #79 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against Isaiah Gay #92 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 02: Jack Tuttle #14 of the Indiana Hoosiers attempts a pass against Nick Tarburton #46 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 2, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football defensive end – Nick Tarburton

I’ve written numerous times throughout the offseason about Nick Tarburton and how he is going to be a key variable for this defense, as well as how he needs to take a step forward, particularly as a pass rusher.

However, it would be foolish of me to not mention the injuries he’s battled throughout his Penn State Football career; so despite the fact that he’s entering his redshirt senior season, last year was his first full season.

With those injuries likely slowing his development, as well as cutting into some would-be experience, it’s understandable as to why Tarburton may have left a little something to be desired last season.

However, now that he does have that full season of starting experience under his belt, he needs to be able to surpass expectations and help lead this uber-important defensive end unit, as the Nittany Lions need to find a way to improve their pass rush.

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